Lexus LM debuts in India; Bookings commence for flagship MPV

MAIN PRODUCT FEATURES OF THE ALL-NEW MAJESTIC LEXUS LM

RIDE COMFORT

To ensure a comfortable ride for all passengers, development focused on ride quality worthy of a flagship MPV. By design, an MPV has large aperture sliding doors, and securing body rigidity within this framework was paramount. Following the approach taken with all new generations of Lexus vehicles, work began with improving core strength. Overall, torsional rigidity is 50% higher than that of the current model, an achievement made through elements such as braces on the radiator support and rear underfloor, a straight rocker structure, and quarter pillar reinforcement. The structural adhesive used for the upper body and floor also helps to reduce vibration.

For seat development, passenger body movements were thoroughly analysed to ensure a naturally relaxed state for both body and mind no matter where you are sitting. Special attention was also paid to reducing head movement and stabilizing the line of sight. The front seats optimise surface pressure distribution on the seat cushion to hold the body, regardless of the amount of G-force during turning. The goal is to achieve seating comfort that reduces fatigue and an environment that allows the driver to have a dialogue with the car. For the second-row seats, two types of shock-absorbing materials with different characteristics were used to gently envelop and support the passengers, from when the vehicle is standstill to when the vehicle is in motion. In models with third-row seats, thick seat backs and cushions allow adults to sit comfortably.

QUIETNESS

For the new LM, special attention was paid to creating a natural and comfortable sense of quietness. Noise frequency bandwidths and noise sources were analysed, resulting in a 3-step approach to noise reduction: reducing generated noise (source noise), preventing noise from entering the vehicle (sound insulation), and reducing noise inside the vehicle (sound absorption). Source noise reduction focused mainly on road noise and wind noise. In addition to the specific countermeasures for road noise around the tires and for wind noise around the hood and pillars, acoustic glass was used to help reduce high-frequency wind noise. The engine, one of the primary sources of noise and vibration, and the related mounts, which amplify the vibration, received thorough tuning. Also, cabin noise was greatly reduced by placing carefully calculated amounts and thicknesses of sound-absorbing, sound-insulating, and vibration-damping materials in appropriate places throughout the vehicle.

The new LM was designed with the key concept of "Dignified Elegance”, to stand apart as a flagship Lexus MPV by combining a unique and elegant curbside presence with a spacious and comfortable interior.

 EXTERIOR DESIGN ROOTED IN FUNCTION

The MPV package expresses the next-generation Lexus design goal of “the pursuit of a unique identity and proportions, born from a dynamic driving experience.”

The key for the exterior design was to bring to the MPV segment the goal of next-generation Lexus design - to create a unique identity through proportions that reflect functional purity and dynamic performance. The LM's unique form is dynamic, elegant, and graceful.

The spacious cabin offers maximum passenger space by providing minimal interruptions in the longitudinal form, while the emphasis on the front and rear wheels evokes excellent driving performance and ride comfort.

The front design further evolves the Spindle Body, the identity of Lexus. By applying the exterior color to the grille, the strong extruded spindle shape is expressed as a seamless integral part of the body. By minimizing the gap between the surrounding parts and the body, the new design is more integrated, thereby contributing to aerodynamic performance, cooling performance, and maneuverability.

 To allow passengers to return to being their true selves, the interior incorporates exquisite craftsmanship based on a human-centered approach. The aim was to create a relaxing, lounge-like environment by taking advantage of the generous interior height of the vehicle and offering an airy, comfortable space with a seamless design characterized by clean horizontal and vertical lines.

In the front seats, a modern and spacious interior incorporates the Lexus Tazuna Cockpit concept, complemented by the simple instrument panel and console that create an environment where the driver can concentrate on driving.

The interior colors conjure up a sophisticated contemporary feel in line with this new expression of luxury. Solis White features copper accents on the surroundings, while Black features gray tone gradations throughout. The clean-cut rectangular door trim is also finished with a subtle pattern.

With the many ways to spend time in a car, vehicle use has become even more diversified in recent years. The new LM has been developed with an emphasis on creating a naturally relaxing indoor environment, while meeting the diverse needs of our guests, such as providing a comfortable space that feels like a living room at home, or a space that can be used for business purposes.

For example, indirect lighting not only accentuates the beauty of the interior shapes and materials but also creates a relaxing atmosphere. A total of 64 illumination colors are available, including 14 themed colors and 50 custom colors that can be selected according to preference. Each color scheme has its own theme, such as “soothing” or “relaxing” and passengers can choose the color scheme they prefer.

The rear multi-operation panel is a detachable touch-screen controller that can be used to control a variety of rear-seat functions such as” Rear Climate Concierge”, seats, audio, and lighting. Two controllers are located on the console armrests of the second-row seats to allow left and right passengers to set their own individual preferences.

4-SEAT CONFIGURATION SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR CHAUFFEUR-DRIVEN USE

Available in a 4-seat & a 7-seat configuration, the 4-seat model raises the level of personalization and privacy, featuring a partition equipped with a striking 48-inch wide-screen display in front of the rear seats. A retractable glass partition above the display separates the front and rear compartments while offering a clear forward view, and assist grips provide easy entry and exit. The speakers, refrigerator, storage compartments, and other functions are integrated into the design elements, while great care has been taken to minimize the panel gaps between components. The side window graphics are also simple rectangles, and every component of the interior has been designed to reduce visual noise, resulting in a relaxing environment for all passengers. Additionally, large independent seats comfortably envelope the body, intending to provide a sense of comfort that frees the body and mind the moment the person sits down.

The  7-seat versions focus on a spacious feel and excellent visibility, with expansive trim and overhead consoles throughout the cabin to create a personal feel for all passengers.

The rear seats feature exclusive independent seats. The extension and retraction range of the ottoman has been increased compared to the previous model, while still maintaining ample distance between the ottoman and the partition. In addition, heated armrests and ottomans are also another Lexus first. A dedicated rear seat "thermal IR matrix sensor" detects passenger and ambient temperature* and is located on the upper center portion of the partition. By dividing the passenger’s body parts (face, chest, thighs, and lower legs) into four categories and estimating their thermal sensitivity (warmth/coldness), the system jointly controls the air-conditioning and seat heaters to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the vehicle at all times The retractable table, which fits inside the armrest, is large enough to operate a tablet device or notebook PC, and has a leather-wrapped surface with improved texture and non-slip/non-scratch functionality.

The LM, with its focus on quietness, does not completely shut out sound from the outside, but rather, creates a sense of spaciousness through moderate reflections of sound. Specifically, the layered structure of the roof headlining has been reexamined and intentionally made non-sound-absorbent to achieve a pleasant, quiet environment.

ADVANCED SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES BASED ON A HUMAN-CENTERED APPROACH

Lexus continues to develop safety technologies in line with the ultimate goal of a mobility society: "Zero fatalities and injuries from traffic accidents.” Based on the belief in the importance of speedily developing the most advanced safety technologies and promoting their use in as many vehicles as possible, Lexus Safety System + is now available in the new LM, following the RX.