Review: Lexus LM

Not since Susan Boyle’s Britain’s Got Talent debut has something served up such a show-stopping surprise as the Lexus LM Takumi.

Introductions to the rarely spotted people carrier often provoked disgruntled faces as its square set dimensions and tall front grille jarred with the everyday SUVs we are now so used to.

Not until its electronic sliding doors rolled back like a stage curtain to reveal a business class rear cabin space did people wake up to its magic.

Vast accommodation for just two passengers features reclining armchairs with extending footrests and smartphone-style controllers for everything from a back massage to the functionality of a vast 48-inch multimedia screen.

Look closely and there are two complementary umbrellas, cubbies containing wireless smartphone chargers, a fridge and a screen dividing the front and rear quarters which can be opened or closed, clear or opaque.

The cocooning rear quarters are the ideal space to experience a stunning 23-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.

What from the outside looks like a posh minicab contains a world of luxury that pits the LM against the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7-Series long wheelbase.

Upon its 2023 launch, UK buyers snapped up two-thirds of the brand’s entire European allocation. Such was demand, that a second batch was quickly ordered.

Its low-key exterior appeals to CEOs and celebs who want to move around in absolute comfort.

During my time with the LM, such scenarios had to be simulated.

A pick-up from my son’s school sports dinner brought the opportunity to wow his mates with an impromptu World Cup screening.

Another night saw me cruise the countryside while my daughter enjoyed a mobile movie night.

Driving the LM is easy-going, despite its 5.13 metre length.

At its heart is the remarkably efficient, 247bhp 2.5-litre petrol hybrid drivetrain that also features in Lexus’ NX and RX SUVs. Ours was also all-wheel-drive.

Acceleration to 62mph takes a respectable 8.7 seconds and, while the hum of the engine can be heard in the driver’s space when worked hard, active noise control utilises speaker outputs to supress sound in the rear.

The front quarters of the LM offer Lexus levels of luxury too. There is the usual touchscreen infotainment, heated and cooled seats and a head-up display. A 360-degree reversing camera is also among the essential features.

I left the LM with only minor gripes.

Firstly, the limitations of its rear quarters’ multimedia system. I was unable to connect to my phone using the MirrorLink software, so plugged in an Amazon Firestick via the available HDMI sockets.

Secondly, the LM was the first car to make me pine for autonomous driving. It is the only test car that has ever evoked a desire to settle down in the back seat.

Lexus LM 350h Takumi

Price: £117,645

Engine: 2.5-litre petrol hybrid

Power: 247bhp

Torque: 239Nm

Transmission: continuously variable transmission (CVT)

Top Speed: 118mph

0-62mph: 8.7 seconds

Economy: 39.2mpg (WLTP combined)

Emissions: 162g/km