The Lexus LM isn’t your typical MPV. It’s not for school runs or airport rentals. Instead, this luxury mover — or ‘Limousine Minivan’ — is designed to chauffeur VIPs, celebrities, and business magnates in absolute comfort. Lexus has taken the concept of an executive van and cranked it up to private jet levels.
At first glance, the Lexus LM’s design is… polarising. With its imposing ‘spindle’ grille, tall stance, and van-like proportions, it’s not conventionally beautiful but undeniably striking. At over five metres long and two metres tall, it dwarfs traditional luxury cars like the BMW 7 Series or Genesis G80. But the LM isn’t about pandering to the masses and having kerb appeal; it’s about creating a cocoon of comfort.
Built on Toyota’s GA-K chassis (which it shares with the RX SUV), the LM boasts structural rigidity, advanced noise insulation, and clever engineering to keep vibrations at bay. The sliding rear doors are motorised, the body panels are precision-engineered to reduce wind noise, and acoustic glass surrounds the cabin. This is not just a luxury van; it’s a fortress of tranquillity.
First-Class Cabin
The LM’s raison d’être lies in its interior, particularly in the rear. Two layouts are available: a seven-seater for larger groups or a four-seater Takumi variant that transforms the LM into a first-class lounge on wheels.
The four-seater Takumi is the showstopper, and it’s the one I’ve got the keys to. Lounge-style reclining seats — heated, ventilated, and equipped with massage functions, of course — can almost fully recline, perfect for power naps or watching movies on the massive 48-inch widescreen display.
Each seat has its own removable smartphone-like touchscreen tablet for controlling climate and lighting, as well as the 23-speaker Mark Levinson sound system. There’s even a fridge for your champagne and an electrochromatic partition to seal off the driver’s cabin.
The LM’s strengths lie in its spacious, innovative interior and the thoughtful details that make every journey feel special. Whether it’s the seamless operation of its electro-chromatic partition, the buttery-soft leather, or the cinema-grade sound system, the LM delivers on Lexus’s promise of “personal luxury.”
Despite its luxury focus, the LM remains practical. The four-seater offers a cavernous 752-litre boot, perfect for designer luggage. Up front, the driver’s cabin is functional and still pretty plush, with plenty of storage and a 14-inch touchscreen for navigation and media.
Business Class Drive
Let’s address the elephant in the room: the Lexus LM isn’t a driver’s car. Powered by a 2.5-litre hybrid system producing 250hp, it’s smooth but far from brisk. The 0-62mph time of 8.7 seconds is fine for urban commutes but leaves it feeling underpowered on the motorway, especially when overtaking. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) exacerbates this with a droning engine note under hard acceleration.
However, the LM excels at what it’s designed for: serenity. The hybrid system is whisper-quiet at low speeds, with the electric motor handling much of the workload. The suspension — a combination of coil springs and Lexus’s Active Variable Dampers — absorbs bumps beautifully, making the LM feel like it’s gliding over potholes and speed bumps.
Interestingly, there’s a special Rear Comfort mode that adjusts the suspension to prioritise back-seat passengers, keeping head-bobble and lateral movement to a minimum. It works, too. Even with it switched off, the LM is soft and squishy, covering undulations in the road, so you pass by almost unable to perceive them. It’s no sports saloon, then, but on twisty roads, the LM’s steering is precise, and its tight turning circle is a blessing in urban settings.
Fuel economy is respectable for a vehicle of this size. Officially rated at 39.2mpg, our real-world testing had the onboard computer showing an average of 32.7mpg. It’s a “self-charging” hybrid, so there’s no plug-in option, and emissions of 163g/km mean high road tax in the UK. But for its target audience, these are minor concerns.
Lexus LM: The Verdict
In an era dominated by luxury SUVs, the Lexus LM is a refreshingly unique alternative to luxury rivals like the Mercedes V-Class or the electric EQV. While the LM’s hybrid system doesn’t match the power or refinement of six-cylinder rivals or electric models, its focus on outright passenger comfort — rather than driver engagement — sets it apart.
It redefines luxury travel by prioritising space, comfort, and innovation. It’s not for everyone; rivals like the BMW 7 Series or Range Rover SV will hold more appeal if you’re a keen driver. But if you value the experience of being driven, the LM offers something genuinely unique.
Need a car for shuttling high-profile clients to exclusive events or acting as a mobile office for captains of industry? Then the Lexus LM is in a class of its own. With prices starting at £89,995 and topping out at £113,000 for the Takumi, it’s not cheap. But for those who value luxury, it’s worth every penny. This is a luxury van that feels more like a Learjet, and in that regard, Lexus has absolutely nailed it.
Model Tested: Lexus LM 350h AWD 4 Seat Takumi
Price: £113,030
Average Joes Rating: ★★★★☆
He is the founder of Huff Media, publisher of Professional Pickup, Professional Van, Average Janes, Average Joes, and CALIBRE. His work focuses primarily on light commercial vehicles, pickups, and real-world vehicle use, with much of his time spent on manufacturer launches, industry events, and long-term vehicle testing.