2024 Lexus LM unveiled: New Toyota Alphard-based people mover confirmed for Australia

The 2024 Lexus LM has been unveiled in China – and for the first time, one of the world's most luxurious people movers will be sold officially in Australia.

The new LM is the more luxurious version of the next generation of the Japanese-market Toyota Alphard and Vellfire people movers, which are popular in Australia as "grey imports" (vehicles imported as used cars that are not sold as new locally).

Australian arrival timing is yet to be locked in, however it is expected to arrive by the middle of next year with a choice of two hybrid models.

It represents the first time a version of the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire has been sold in Australia since the nameplates debuted in 2002 – albeit now with Lexus luxury badges.

It remains to be seen if the new-generation Toyota versions – the luxury-oriented Alphard and sportier Vellfire – will come to Australia, after they are unveiled in Japan later this year.

Aimed at China – where luxury people movers remain popular – the new LM is the second generation of the nameplate, following the original version based on the outgoing Alphard/Vellfire which has been sold in China and South-East Asia since 2020.

The new model will expand globally to more than 60 countries, including Australia and Europe – where rivals are largely limited to the Mercedes-Benz V-Class.

Buyers overseas will be able to choose from three rows of seating with six or seven positions – or a flagship, two-row arrangement with four seats, including two luxurious, individual rear pews.

Four-seat versions are fitted with a partition between the front and rear seats, with a smoked glass panel, and a 48-inch TV screen "for business purposes such as online meetings as well as entertainment".

The individual 'captain's chair' rear seats are equipped with power adjustment, heating, armrests, and retractable ottomans, while there is a touchscreen to control air conditioning, seat position, window shades, and lighting.

Lexus highlights a "thermal matrix sensor" in the second row that "estimates the temperature across four occupant body areas (face/chest/thigh/lower leg) and selectively controls the air conditioner and seat heater to consistently maintain a comfortable cabin environment."

Other highlights in the four-seat model include plush leather upholstery, and a leather-trimmed centre armrest with a table capable of fitting a laptop.

All LM models irrespective of seat layout come with a rear climate control panel, touchscreens in the second-row armrests, seat designs claimed to be optimised for comfort, and 64-colour ambient lighting.

The new Lexus LM's exterior design draws inspiration from the latest Lexus RX, with the company's new "spindle body" front grille design, a choice of 17- or 19-inch alloy wheels, and chrome trim.

Adaptive suspension is fitted, including a 'Rear Comfort' mode that prioritises ride comfort for rear-seat passengers.

Lexus says it has gone to lengths to reduce road noise, vibration and harshness, with increased sound deadening, a non-absorbent roof liner to "create subtle, natural sound reflection", and additional body bracing under the car.

Powering the new Lexus LM is two hybrid drivetrains, shared with its Lexus RX SUV twin under the skin.

The three-row-only LM350h combines a 2.5-litre non-turbo petrol four-cylinder engine with electric motors, while the four-seat LM500h model is powered by the RX500h's 2.4-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder and electric motors.

In the RX, these drivetrains produce 184kW and 273kW respectively.

The LM measures 5125mm long, 1890mm wide and 1945mm tall, riding on a 3000mm wheelbase.

A full suite of advanced safety features will be offered with the LM, though exact details haven't been given.

Australian arrival timing for the 2024 Lexus LM is yet to be confirmed.