The 2024 Lexus LM 350h is not your typical people mover. It transcends mere transportation, offering an opulent experience akin to being chauffeured in a private jet. Designed with high-end buyers in mind, the LM caters to those who value comfort, sophistication, and a touch of exclusivity. Let’s delve into the details of this elegant luxury van.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- VIP Seating Experience: The LM’s interior feels like a movable living room. Plush leather seats, ambient lighting, and whisper-quiet surroundings cocoon passengers in luxury.
- Comfort and Refinement: The LM pampers its occupants with features like massaging seats, individual climate control, and noise insulation that rivals a library.
- Understated Elegance: Unlike flashy competitors, the LM exudes sophistication without excessive bling. It’s the epitome of refined taste.
Cons
- Infotainment System: The engineers might have designed the infotainment system, but it lacks the finesse of a bespoke solution.
- Entry-Level Drivetrain: The LM 350h’s hybrid powertrain is competent but lacks the punch expected at this price point.
- Invisibility: While you’ll feel like royalty inside, the LM might go unnoticed on the streets. It’s not a head-turner.
How Much Does It Cost?
The Lexus LM 350h doesn’t come cheap, but then again, luxury rarely does. The starting price for the base model, the LM 350h 2WD Sports Luxury, sits at a cool $160,888 before on-road costs. Opting for the all-wheel-drive version, the LM 350h AWD Sports Luxury, bumps the price tag up to $165,888.
Features and Benefits: Geared for Opulence
So, what exactly does that hefty price tag get you? Buckle up, because the LM 350h is loaded with features that will make every ride feel first-class. Here are just a few highlights:
- Supreme Comfort: Imagine plush captain’s chairs that practically cradle you, a 48-inch (!) entertainment screen for rear passengers, and four-zone climate control for ultimate comfort customization. That’s just the beginning.
- Hybrid Power: The LM 350h boasts a 2.5-liter petrol engine combined with electric motors, offering a smooth and efficient driving experience. It’s a win for both performance and the environment.
- Safety First: Packed with Lexus’s advanced safety suite, the LM 350h comes equipped with features like lane departure warning, pre-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Your precious cargo will be well-protected.
- Technology Galore: A behemoth touchscreen infotainment system, a head-up display, and a panoramic sunroof are just a few of the tech goodies that come standard in the LM 350h.
Redefining the Luxury People Mover
Running Costs: A Sip, Not a Gulp
While the initial price tag might cause a flinch, the LM 350h‘s hybrid powertrain does offer some relief on the running cost front. Lexus claims impressive fuel efficiency figures, which translates to fewer trips to the gas station.
Standing Out from the Crowd: How Does it Compare?
The LM 350h occupies a unique space in the Australian market. Traditional luxury sedans can’t compete with its sheer size and passenger capacity. Its closest competitor might be the Mercedes-Benz V-Class, but the LM 350h edges it out in terms of pure opulence and features.
Conclusion
A Luxurious Reimagining of the People Mover
The 2024 Lexus LM 350h isn’t for everyone. It’s a statement vehicle designed for those who demand the absolute best in comfort, technology, and luxury. While the price tag is undoubtedly a hurdle, for those seeking the ultimate people mover experience, the LM 350h delivers in spades.
Rating: 8.5/10
The LM 350h might not be perfect. Its size and price might deter some. But for those who prioritize unparalleled comfort, innovative features, and a luxurious driving experience, the LM 350h stands out as a truly unique and remarkable offering in the Australian market.