Green light for Lexus’ all-new LM 350h luxury people-mover in 2WD and 4WD guise; LM 500h to follow
The 2024 Lexus LM has received regulatory approval for sale in Australia, with the LM 350h luxury people-mover now one step closer to launching in the final quarter of this year.
Both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive variants of the 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid version have passed through the homologation process.
Lexus Australia has confirmed this powertrain will be used for seven-seat/three-row versions, while a flagship four-seater grade, the LM 500h that’s still to be homologated (and is set to arrive early next year, after the 350h), will use a more powerful and efficient 2.4-litre turbocharged hybrid powertrain – as found on the RX 500h F Sport Performance SUV.
European specs show the LM 350h in all-wheel drive form produces 184kW and 239Nm of torque from 4300-4500rpm, driving through a continuously variable transmission and an E-Four (electric AWD system). Maximum speed is 190km/h.
The 2WD version should have the same output though driving only the front wheels.
This 350h powertrain is also found in the Lexus NX and RX 350h SUVs.
In the RX, the top-spec 500h powertrain produces 273kW/550Nm, which, if the output carries over unchanged to the LM, will help with driveability given the AWD version of the LM 350h has a 2320kg tare weight – as shown in the Australian homologation documents.
The 2WD version tips the scales at 2270kg, pointing to the large size and loaded specification of the LM, which measures 5130mm long, 1890mm wide and 1940mm tall. It also rests on a long 3000mm wheelbase.
Other confirmed details in the Aussie documents include the standard fitment of 17-inch alloy wheels, with 19-inch rims available as an option.
Watch out for further details on the incoming new Lexus LM as they come to hand.
