Why the Lexus LM stands for Luxury Mega-sized
When we think about the ultimate luxury car, different images come to mind.
For some, it’s a low-slung, brightly colored supercar replete with massive wings and the sort of acceleration that can alter the rotation of planets. And for others, it’s the traditional large sedan that imperiously traverses our pockmarked roads, all while isolating its occupants from the worries of the world.
But a new kind of transport has gained favor among the elite – the luxury multi-purpose vehicle (MPV). This is an evolution of the gaudy conversion vans of the 1990s, complete with their high roofs, tacky decals and wallet-crushing fuel consumption, thanks to boulevard-born American V8 engines.
The unquestionable star of the high-end MPVs is the all-new Lexus LM 350h. We walk you through some of the features of this uber-hauler and why owners adore it so much.
Palace on wheels
Old-school luxury sedans relied on their considerable length and girth to make their presence felt on the street.
But like the world’s most impressive skyscrapers, the LM 350h makes full use of its height to assert its power. And eye-catching details like the boomerang-style LED headlights lead your eye to the intricate front grill and prominent bumper openings.
Unlike conversion vans of yore, this big Lexus is edgy and classy – its spindle body includes elements like the large and steeply raked front windshield, strong character lines on the fenders and doors, a subtle side skirt and artfully designed 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels that help reduce interior noise at speed.
At the rear, the LM 350h’s LED taillights emphasize its generous width, while the tailgate spoiler and cropped rear-quarter windows provide a sporty counterbalance to the tasteful garnishes of chrome.
New Canaan Insurance owner Paul Chuatico, who is also an avid golfer, said his love affair with Lexus began when he bought his LX 600 sport-utility vehicle (SUV).
“I am a solid convert thanks to former Lexus Manila president Raymond Rodriguez,” he told Inquirer Mobility in an exclusive interview.
“Then, my 2017 Toyota Alphard was feeling a bit dated, so I wanted an upgrade,” Chuatico added. “I got the LM 350h and my love affair continues. It is definitely a cut above the rest.”
Indulgent, but not wasteful
The interior is what sets the LM 350h apart from anything else in the luxury-car market.
Semi-aniline leather upholstery is beautifully integrated with fine wood veneer for a sumptuous passenger experience, whether you’re behind the wheel or seated in the back. And the standard Adaptive Variable Suspension ensures seamless trips over even the most pothole-infested tarmac.
The 7-Seater variant provides three rows of spacious seating, including electrically adjustable Ottoman captain seats with memory function, seat ventilation and massage. Meanwhile, the 4-Seater cranks up the VIP experience by totally removing the third-row seats for legroom, headroom and cargo capacity that are unmatched by even the likes of the Range Rover luxury SUV.
This higher variant also gets features like Privacy Glass Partition, Large Capacity Refrigerator and Smart Control Remote to help make it a true business jet for the road.
And all this luxury is sustainable – all LM 350h models are powered by a 2.5-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 gasoline engine mated to an electric motor. Combined output is 247 horsepower that is coursed through all four wheels with Lexus’ E-Four technology.
Company president and car lover Edward Tiu said having a big family swayed him to get his LM 350h.
“It’s the ultimate in comfort and refinement,” he told Inquirer Mobility in an exclusive interview.
“It’s made of higher-quality materials than similar vehicles,” Tiu added. “I prefer being chauffeur-driven to enjoy the smoothness and even take a nap. I arrive wherever I need to go in better shape.”
High-tech that’s durable
And like all other luxury vehicles, the LM 350h is packed with the latest technology to make all journeys safer and more convenient.
The 7-Seater model comes standard with a 14-inch, ceiling-mounted, rear-seat entertainment system paired with a 21-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Meanwhile, the 4-Seater variant steps up to an astounding 48-inch Ultrawide Display with Dual Screen Display and a 23-speaker Mark Levinson audio unit.
And unlike many European luxury cars, you don’t have to pay extra for life-saving advanced driver-assist systems – the LM 350h’s standard Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 includes Lane Tracing Assist, Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lexus Teammate Advanced Park and Blind Spot Monitor with Safe Exit Assist.
“As a senior citizen, I definitely want to enjoy the little luxuries in life and this MPV gets it done bigtime,” Chuatico said. “And unlike my inconsistent golf swing, Lexus is very sustainable in terms of reliability and excellent aftersales. I have owned European cars for many years, but I’m a happy camper with this Japanese luxury brand.”
The LM 350h starts at P7,158,000 for the 7-Seater and goes up to P10,718,000 for the top-spec 4-Seater variant. With its hybrid fuel efficiency, superior practicality and legendary Japanese reliability, this Lexus makes conversion vans and gigantic European sedans seem rather outdated.
