MODEL TESTED 350H AWD TAKUMI
Price £112,995
Power 247bhp
Torque na
0-60mph 8.6sec
30-70mph 8.2sec
Fuel economy 32.9mpg
CO2 emissions 163g/km
70-0mph 52.7m
Having tried its hand at what we might call traditional premium-brand model segments for so long, Lexus is currently taking a swing at something different. 'Model diversification' is the process in which its marketers would tell you it is engaged. With a range now full of SUVs, the company clearly isn't about to abandon the mainstream. And yet even here, with cars like the UX, NX and RZ, we can see that it is intent on offering something a little different compared with the European premium brands, rather than battling for the middle ground.
With its lower-volume, higher-margin models in particular, we might see even bolder moves in future, and the arrival of this week's road test subject into European markets is a clear sign of that. The LM is Lexus's new 'luxury mover': a full-size monocab MPV with a 'self-charging' hybrid powertrain and the aim of making inroads into the continent's various luxury VIP-shuttle micro-niches. It's here to show this hyper-affluent clientele there's an alternative to traditional limousine travel, one that is more like how they are used to getting from A to B in their private jets.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MG 4
An EV changes your driving style - but not to the detriment of pleasure
PEUGEOT E-208
Time with our French hatch is up. Is it good riddance or au revoir?
In the hot seat
Is the best automotive job in the world actually in miniature scale? Hot Wheels' design boss assures STEPHEN DOBIE it is
Correcting the record
Autocar invented the road test back in 1928 - or did we? KEITH JONES trawls the past to find the true starting point
Road test rebooted
As the Autocar road test forges into its second century, its brief is expanding and it's returning to a familiar place. MATT SAUNDERS explains
Cyber attack
MG is back on the international stage and now trying to return to its sports car roots. MATT SAUNDERS sees if the Cyberster EV can match up to a rival from the present and a relation from the past
KIA PICANTO
As rivals fall by the wayside, Kia's popular city car gets a makeover
MASERATI GRANTURISMO
Latest coupé in a long line of Maserati GT cars hits the UK with V6 power
PORSCHE CAYENNE GTS COUPE
New V8 model gets all the goodies
TOYOTA PRIUS
Back by popular demand with a cool new look and greater driver appeal