Lexus’ new LM, the LM500h “version L,” a three-row, six-passenger model, finally went on sale in Japan on May 9, 2024. We’ve had the chance to see the new LM in person, so we’ll share our impressions, as well as some key points and things to keep in mind when choosing one. We hope this information will be helpful when making your purchase.
Luxurious exterior design
The LM uses Lexus’ latest design, the “Unified Spindle Body”! The top of the grille is filled in and opens towards the bottom, creating a unified spindle. It has a different sense of quality to the Alphard and Vellfire, and has a unique character. The headlights have L-shaped daytime running lights and position lamps at the top and bottom. They are triple-lens full LED headlights. The turn signals are illuminated by the L-shaped part at the top of the headlights. When the turn signals are on, the daytime running lights at the bottom turn off.
The body size is 5,125mm in length, 1,890mm in width, 1,955mm in height, and a wheelbase of 3,000mm. However, it is 130mm longer and 40mm wider than the Alphard and Vellfire.
| Specifications | New model “LM” | New “Alphard” and “Vellfire” |
difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| full length | 5,125mm | 4,995mm | +130mm |
| Overall width | 1,890mm | 1,850mm | +40mm |
| Overall height | 1,955mm | 1,935mm | +20mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,000mm | 3,000mm | +0mm |
There are many mechanical multi-story parking garages in urban areas of Japan, and the ones found in department stores and downtown areas have a total height of less than 2,000 mm. Both of these meet the height limit, so parking at stores and other facilities is not an issue.
Looking at the side, there were chrome lines on the bottom of the doors, around the window glass, and on the door handles, giving it an incredibly luxurious feel. The door handles use the e-latch system, which I’m not used to and felt a little strange, but it looked futuristic. The tires were Michelin PRIMACY SUV 225/55R19, and the car was fitted with 19-inch LM original aluminum wheels. (This can be changed to 17-inch as an option.) The design is even better than the aluminum wheels on the Alphard and Vellfire!
The rear combination lamps are a single horizontal letter, but I felt that they were thick and had a novel design not seen on previous Lexus models. Perhaps because I’m not used to seeing them, it felt strange. The rear turn signals light up in an L shape. While the Alphard and Vellfire use sequential turn signals, the LM uses regular turn signals. The emblem has “DIRECT4” underneath “LM500h.” The LM is only available in 4WD.
Luxurious interior
The interior has a high-quality feel, with soft padding from corner to corner of the door, making it feel nice to the touch no matter where you touch it. Just as you’d expect from a Lexus.
The e-latch system on the inner door handle is even more confusing. It may be easier once you get used to it. However, the biggest advantage of the e-latch system is that it comes with a safe exit assist. It uses a blind spot monitor to detect bicycles or approaching vehicles from behind and is equipped with safety features that will stop or cancel the door opening. It also has an easy closer that prevents the door from being left ajar.
The driver’s and passenger’s seats are made of high-quality semi-aniline leather. 8-way power seats are also available.
The only disappointing thing is that the navigation system is a 14-inch one, and the design is the same as the Alphard and Vellfire, so I would have liked to see some differences. This one is also the same, but it uses a 12.3-inch full LCD meter and the steering wheel controls use a touch tracer.
The steering wheel heater and seat ventilation can be operated automatically. Of course, they can also be used manually. The sound system is equipped with a 23-speaker Mark Levinson Reference 3D Surround Sound System. This is a big difference from the 12-speaker JBL premium sound system in the Alphard and Vellfire, but since I couldn’t play the sound, I couldn’t experience the difference.
The wooden ornamental panels throughout the car gave it a calming atmosphere, and the satin plating throughout was wonderful.
The Amrest console opens to the left and right, and inside are USB Type-C, HDMI, and accessory ports.
The same goes for the Alphard and Vellfire, but I would have liked to see an ottoman installed on the passenger seat. The Alphard and Vellfire up to the 30 series had an ottoman on the passenger seat which was well received, so I wonder if there’s another reason why all the new models don’t have one.
The rear seats are really comfortable. The second row is really spacious. I personally felt that the second row seats were basically the same as the executive lounge seats in the Alphard/Vellfire. The rear entertainment system was equipped with a 14-inch monitor. It also has seat heaters, seat ventilation, and a massage function.
The biggest difference between the Alphard and Vellfire is that the third row has a large armrest in the center, making it a six-seater.
Luggage space is almost nonexistent if the third row seats are in the rearmost position. The third row seats are folded up, just like the Alphard and Vellfire.
Special engine specifications
The LM500h and LM500h “EXECUTIVE” are equipped with a 2.4L turbo hybrid , a 2.4L direct injection turbo engine + hybrid system (T24A-FTS) with a “Direct Shift-6AT”, the same powertrain as the Lexus RX500h. This powertrain is not available in the Alphard or Vellfire, and it differentiates the two. This may be the biggest difference.
| Specifications |  New model “LM” |
 New “Alphard” and “Vellfire” |
|---|---|---|
| full length | 5,125mm | 4,995mm |
| Overall width | 1,890mm | 1,850mm |
| Overall height | 1,955mm | 1,935mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,000mm | 3,000mm |
| engine | 2.4L direct injection turbo engine + hybrid system (T24A-FTS) |
2.5L inline 4-cylinder direct injection engine D-4S + motor (THS II) |
| Maximum power | 202kW (275PS) / 6,000rpm |
140kW (190ps) / 6,000rpm |
| Maximum torque | 460Nm (46.9kgmf) / 2,000-3,000rpm |
236Nm (24.1kgm) / 4,300-4,500rpm |
| Motor maximum output |
Front: 64kw (87ps) Rear: 76kw (103ps) |
Front: 134kw (182ps) Rear: 40kw (54ps) |
| Motor Max Torque |
Front: 202Nm (20.6kgm) Rear: 169Nm (17.2kgm) |
Front: 270Nm (27.5kgm) Rear: 121Nm (12.3kgm) |
| System maximum output |
E-Four: 273kW (371ps) | 2WD: 184w (250ps) |
transmission |
Direct Shift-6AT | Electric continuously variable transmission |
| Drive system | 4WD (E-Four) |
2WD/4WD (E-Four) |
| Passenger capacity | 4 people | 7 people |
| Minimum turning radius | 5.9m | 5.9m |
| WLTC mode fuel economy | 13.5km/L (4WD) | 17.5-17.7km/L (2WD) 16.5-16.7km/L (4WD) |
| Price (10%) | 15,000,000 yen to 20,000,000 yen |
6,200,000 yen to 8,920,000 yen |
deadline
Currently, the delivery time is about four months, but this may be extended in the future. Meanwhile, orders for the Alphard and Vellfire remain suspended.
The future of “LM” is also unclear. If you are considering purchasing the product, it may be wise to consider purchasing it sooner rather than later.
A word from the editorial department
The Alphard I purchased was a 2.5L hybrid model that cost about 7 million yen, but the 6-seater LM500h I purchased this time was 15 million yen, plus various expenses, so the price difference was more than double. There are many small differences, but you probably won’t know the true difference until you actually drive and compare the two. However, it was a car that really showed what a Lexus brand it was. I’d like to take a test drive next time. I hope this is helpful for anyone considering purchasing one.
