Lexus LM

Can this new ultra-luxury MPV redefine limousine norms for passenger comfort?

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.