Segmen kereta mewah di Malayia rata-rata memfokuskan gaya dan prestasi berbanding praktikal dan selesa.
Bagi memenuhi kriteria pemilik yang mahukan ciri mewah, penuh gaya namun selesa seakan terbang dalam ‘business class’, Lexus Malaysia kini menawarkan LM 350.
Tergolong dalam kategori ‘Luxury Mover’ (LM) Lexus, LM 350 ini menggabungkan ciri mewah, selesa serta layanan berkonsepkan ‘Omotenashi’.
Rekaan keseluruhan LM 350 sememangnya melambangkan kemewahan terutamaya penggunaan kemasan jenis krom yang memenuhi ruang gril.
Penggunaan lampu jenis triple-beam LED dengan DRL (Daytime Running Light) serta lampu belakang yang bersambung menimbulkan ciri elegan dan unik.
Sementara itu, LM 350 ini tampil dengan rim aloi 18″ yang berkemampuan mengurangkan gangguan bunyi bising daripada memasuki ruang dalam sekaligus meningkatkan tahap keselesaan penumpang.
Sebagai sebuah MPV mewah, LM 350 ini hanya boleh menempatkan empat individu pada satu masa dengan ruang tempat duduk belakang hanya menawarkan dua tempat duduk sahaja.
Ruang tempat duduk belakang sememangnya menetapkan petanda aras baharu bagi sebuah kereta MPV mewah dengan ruang kabin yang luas dan mnyelesakan.
Bukan setakat bertindak sebagai kerusi biasa, sebaliknya dua tempat duduk dibelakang menawarkan fungsi urutan dan mampu menyalurkan udara sejuk/panas mengikut ketetapan.
Ruang belakang juga dipisahkan dengan penggunaan cermin jenis eletrochromatic yang menyalurkan aliran elektrik bagi mengkaburkan pemandangan sekaligus mewujudkan privasi di antara tempat duduk depan dan belakang.
Antara ciri lain ditawarkan:
paparan HD 26″ dengan pelbagai fungsi
skrin 12.3″ dengan ciri ‘touchscreen’
19 sistem pembesar suara Mark Levinson
peti sejuk mini
Meskipun berkonsepkan MPV, LM 350 ini dilengkapi enjin berkuasa dengan 3.5L V6 yang menjana 269hp dan 361Nm.
Lexus LM 350 ini kini dibuka untuk pembelian dengan harga RM1,148,000 (sebelum cukai jalan dan insurans) dan didatangkan dengan waranti lima tahun.
Menariknya, meskipun mencecah harga tujuh angka, Lexus Malaysia telah pun menerima lebih 10 tempahan bagi model ini.
The launch of a model that costs a million ringgit (actually more) usually means it is from one of the premium luxury brands, typically a flagship model and usually a limousine unless it’s a super sportscar. But the million ringgit model (RM1.148 million without insurance) launched today is not a limousine – it’s a MPV… the Lexus LM350. While there are already some SUVs that cost over a million ringgit, a MPV at the price level would raise eyebrows although there are probably customized units that cost that much with a lot of additional equipment.
Only for a few Asian markets
However, the LM350 is not a customized Alphard – which Lexus does not deny is a similar model sold under the Toyota brand – and is a fully engineered model with super luxurious equipment. While the LX SUV model, which is a Lexus version of the Toyota Land Cruiser, is sold in quite a number of markets, the LM350 was conceived for customers in just a few Asian markets, Malaysia included. Interestingly, the MPV is not offered in the Japanese market where they probably have very luxurious versions of the Alphard anyway.
The other thing about the LM350 which may also have some saying the price is ‘outrageous’ is that it is a 4-seater. Yes, a giant vehicle with just two seats in the passenger area that occupies three-quarters of the 5040 mm overall length. Having two large seats at the back is not unusual since the LS also has such configurations although in a MPV, that gives a whole new meaning to spaciousness and comfort.
First Class experience on wheels
The way the cabin is set up has led Lexus Malaysia to liken it to the experience of being in a one of those First Class suites in an Airbus A380. And instead of oval windows along the side, there are large glass panels (suitably tinted, of course) which provide a panoramic view of the world passing by. The ambience can be enhanced at night with a large glass Twin Moonroof overhead.
Besides this, the cabin lighting is subtly recessed around the moonroof in the ceiling and can be illuminated in 16 colours and four brightness levels. This enables occupants to personalize the ambience of their private space to match their mood, from working to a power nap, at the touch of a switch.
Access to the cabin can be from either side through doors that quietly slide open or close. The crafted interior, installed by the takumi craftsmen of Lexus, reflects the ‘omonetashi’ spirit of Japan which refers to utmost hospitality.
The most comfortable MPV seats?
The 2-seats have semi-aniline leather upholstery and feature AdaptiPedic rate-sensitive response foam, its use in the LM350 said to be a world-first. This is an innovative seating foam which conforms to each passenger’s physique, promoting correct lumbar posture and a snug fit while mitigating pressure points to provide exceptional comfort and support. It also has excellent vibration absorption characteristics.
While the seats cannot fold flat into a bed, they can be stretched out and reclined in an Ottoman configuration which would provide exceptional comfort. An example of the Lexus attention to detail is the height of each seat – this has been carefully determined so that the position of the occupant’s face relative to the window is at a comfortable level.
The seats are also ventilated for enhanced comfort and they don’t just have fans blowing but also a suction system to draw cabin air cooled by the air-conditioning system through the seat surface. This more effectively reduces heat and moisture, giving a direct refreshing feel. A standard 3-mode cabin partition with a glass dimmer provides additional privacy when desired.
The standard sound system is from Mark Levinson, a leading brand in audio systems which has worked with Lexus for decades. As with every Lexus model, Mark Levinson specialists studied the cabin extensively to identify the best locations for each of the 19 speakers of the QLI Reference Surround Sound System.
Besides the Mark Levinson system, the rear occupants also have a 26-inch Full High Definition 720p display panel mounted on the partition. Various connectivity options allow playing from other media and devices for entertainment or to do a presentation while on the move.
If a deal has been discussed and concluded positively, the two occupants can celebrate with drinks from a 14-litre refrigerator. The rest of the cabin air is kept comfortably cool and clean at all times with the automatic air-conditioning system that incorporates a Pollen Filter and Nanoe Negative Ion Generator. The ion generator is able to deactivate viruses so they do not cause infection, a good thing to have these days.
While the focus has been on passenger comfort, the front occupants haven’t been forgotten although, with the partition, seat adjustment backwards is limited. The driver has everything to maintain full command of the LM350, with the Lexus Safety System+ (LSS+), a sophisticated system that integrates a number of advanced active safety systems. The rearview mirror is a high-tech type – a Digital Inner Mirror which is a Lexus First. It shows a real-time image from a rearview camera and apart from being clear in all conditions, the visibility is also not blocked by the rear headrests.
The LM350 is powered by a 3.5-litre 24-valve DOHC naturally-aspirated V6 petrol engine (the proven 2GR-FKS unit also used for other models) which generates 296 ps/361 Nm – more than enough to move four persons around speedily and comfortably. A Direct Shift 8-speed automatic transmission delivers power smoothly and efficiently to the front wheels.
Differentiating the LM350
Although the Lexus designers had a MPV design from which to start, they nevertheless ensured that in every aspect, the design of the LM 350 would conform to the design language of the brand. This, of course, meant incorporating the spindle grille that is found on every Lexus model. It’s huge but the proportions are properly matched to the size of the vehicle, with slim LED headlamps that have the distinctive arrowhead shape of Lexus Daytime Running Lamps. At the rear, LED lamps extend across the entire width of the rear door, also a visual signature of the brand.
The signature Lexus spindle grille provides clear differentiation from the Toyota Alphard (below).
There may be some who will say that they can customize a RM465,000 Alphard to be similar to a LM350 and save a lot of money. True, but Lexus engineers often point out that while some of their models have equivalents in the Toyota range, there is still much ‘under the skin’ that is different. This can be in the materials used (higher-grade insulation, for example), engineering enhancements in certain areas to push NVH even lower, and even the way the engine is tuned. So while there is the notion that a Lexus just ‘a more expensive Toyota’, it is not really the case.
For those wondering if anyone would buy the LM350, we’re told that demand for it has been strong in all the markets where it is sold and there are more than 12 Malaysian customers who are waiting for delivery of their MPV.
Finally, the Lexus range gets a MPV after 31 years of existence. Unveiled at the Shanghai Motorshow in China last year, the new model is designated LM350, the ‘LM’ referring to ‘Luxury Mover’. It’s no secret that the LM350 is adapted from Toyota’s Alphard model, a practical move for the luxury brand. In earlier years, it had also adapted the Land Cruiser to become the LX SUV before it developed its own SUV, the RX.
The new LM350 has been progressively introduced in various Asian markets and will be launched in Malaysia in May 2021 (deliveries to commence in June 2021). Orders are now accepted by Lexus Malaysia with a deposit based on the price of RM1,148,000 (without insurance, Peninsular Malaysia registration).
“In true Lexus fashion, the engineers have crafted a vehicle that heralds a new level of dignity in luxury motoring. From the immense road presence of the vehicle to the finite details of each interior component, the all-new Lexus LM350 is crafted to exceed the desires of those who appreciate the highest level of style and comfort on the move,” said the President of Lexus Malaysia, Ravindran K.
There are two powertrains for the LM range and as the hybrid LM300h would be more expensive, Lexus Malaysia has decided to focus on the LM350 which is powered by a 3.5-litre quad-cam V6 petrol engine that delivers 296 bhp/361 Nm through a direct-shift 8-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels.
Biggest Lexus spindle grille
In adapting the Alphard, the LM350 gets Lexus styling elements on the exterior, notably the signature spindle grille with a chrome frame. Given the large frontal area, this is the largest version of the spindle grille in the Lexus range. Like the Alphard, it has ultra-compact 3-beam LED projector headlights on either side of the short bonnet.
Inside too, the Lexus treatment is evident with Omotenashi hospitality being the guiding philosophy. While the Alphard already offers a luxurious interior, the LM350 goes further to offer a mobile first-class lounge on wheels. If privacy is required, a standard glass partition can be raised or lowered at a touch of a button.
Only 2 seats at the back
To provide plenty of space in the cabin, there are just 2 VIP lounge seats for the passengers behind the front occupants. With the 5-metre body length and 3-metre wheelbase, this means that very generous legroom is available even when the Adaptipedic seats are fully reclined. The semi-aniline lounge seats are adjustable in numerous ways to achieve the most comfortable seating position and also have an Ottoman massage function with air-cooling within the seats.
Lefthand drive version for Philippines shown above.
The equipment and fittings installed ensure that every journey will be a pleasure with large cubicles on both sides of the cabin for stowing a handbag or even an attache case, as well as a mini fridge. A 26-inch full HD display panel is mounted ahead of the seats and the infotainment system has numerous functions and connectivity options.
On the dashboard in front is a 12.3-inch touchscreen with controls that be activated through a touchpad, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and a 19-speaker Mark Levinson reference sound system for superlative sound quality.
Lexus Safety System +
Occupant protection is a high priority and the LM350 comes with advanced active and passive safety systems. These include the Lexus Safety System + with its integrated driver-assistance systems such as the Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Departure Alert, Adaptive High-Beam System and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. There are 7 airbags around the cabin with 2 curtain airbags that will cover the side window areas and provide protection against injuries during side impacts.
Adaptive High-Beam System (above) and Lane Tracing Assist (below) are two of the active driver-assistance systems in the Lexus Safety System +.
Commenting on the new model, UMW Toyota Motor’s Deputy Chairman, Akio Takeyama, said: “Lexus has once again delivered on the promise of elevating executive-class travel on the road. Whether your journeys are for urban commutes or inter-state travels, the notion of being transported in sophisticated elegance, top-level comfort and advanced safety is not compromised. Few vehicles on the road today are able deliver you in such a capable and dignified manner as the LM350 does.
Why buy an official import?
Although some may say that they can get lower prices at independent dealerships, they may not realise that there are some important points which can affect their ownership experience. One is the technical specifications which may seem the same for every market but according to a Lexus engineer, specific tuning is necessary for each market. For the Malaysian market, the tuning takes into account the higher cruising speeds as well as higher air temperatures.
Then there is aftersales support which Lexus Malaysia is committed to provide as the authorised importer and distributor. This means not just maintenance but also warranty coverage which is 5 years (unlimited mileage) and the provision of genuine replacement parts. And should there be a recall to rectify an issue, only those who have officially imported units will be able to get the support as the ‘unofficial’ imports may actually be recorded by Lexus as being in another country.
