Lexus has confirmed that its second-generation LM luxury MPV will make it to Europe and the UK in a first for the flagship ‘luxury mover’.

The Lexus LM will be available in the UK from autumn 2023

Revealed this week at the Shanghai motor show, the LM provides “the ultimate luxury of a limousine in the format of a spacious minivan”, taking the brand into a new segment in Europe.

It will be sold as a flagship Lexus model, alongside the LS sedan, LC coupe and convertible and – in eastern European markets – LX SUV.

Based on the GA-K platform, also used by models including the Toyota RAV4 and Lexus RX, it will be available in two versions, providing four or seven seats.

The four-seat model features two large, airline-style seats in the rear that can be made fully horizontal in line with the brand’s Omotenashi vision of “making luxury personal”. It also comes with a partition between the front and rear cabin, which houses a 48-inch widescreen monitor and glass panel that can be dimmed for privacy. The bespoke Mark Levinson 3D Surround Sound audio system has a 23-speaker array and there’s a Lexus Climate Concierge that uses thermal sensors to precisely control and direct heating and ventilation. The LM is said to be the world’s first model to provide a voice recognition function that responds specifically to commands from rear seat passengers.

In the seven-seat model, the middle row of VIP seats is prioritised in terms of space and accessible functions and an additional third row is provided with three flip-up seats, which can be folded away when more load space is required.

The line-up will initially include a single LM 350h powertrain with a 2.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid electric, already seen in the NX 350h and RX 350h. It delivers 250hp of power with peak torque of 239Nm and comes with E-Four electronic all-wheel drive.

Performance technologies include Lexus’s first Rear Seat Comfort drive mode, which adjusts suspension performance and drive torque distribution and suppresses vibration. Automatic Smart Stop braking control, Pitch Control and a revised Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system also feature.

The LM also comes with the latest generation of Lexus Safety System+ active safety and driver assistance systems, as also seen in the new NX, RX and RZ models.

These bring expanded functions for the pre-collision system, including emergency steering assist, and the adaptive cruise control, together with proactive driving assist for safer driving in slower, urban traffic. A driver monitor warns of driver distraction, bring the car slowly to a halt and triggering the eCall system to summon help if there is no response to warning alerts. The doors – including the sliding rear doors – are fitted with an e-latch electronic opening system, with safe exit assist to warn of approaching traffic from the rear and prevent inadvertent opening.

The all-new LM will be available in European markets from autumn 2023. Prices will be announced closer to launch.