2024 Lexus LM people-mover revealed, confirmed for Australia

UPDATE: 2024 Lexus LM confirmed for Australia

The second-generation 2024 Lexus LM has debuted with a global focus – including Australia.

Lexus Australia has confirmed the LM – based on the soon-to-be-released fourth-generation Toyota Alphard – will become its first people-mover sold locally.

It will join the brand's flagship L-series, including the LS limousine, LC two-door, and the Toyota LandCruiser 300-based LX off-road upper-large SUV, with a matching premium price tag likely.

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Previously limited to China, the vehicle will be "launched in more than 60 countries" with two hybrid powertrains shared with the latest RX large SUV.

It is believed to be underpinned by the same GA-K platform as the NX and RX, also found underneath the latest Toyota vehicles, including the RAV4 and Kluger.

The new LM will be offered in a two-row, four-seat VIP format, or a three-row setup with six or seven seats in Australia.

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The four-seat variant will feature a smoked glass partition between the front and rear passengers for added privacy, with second-row riders getting individual heated captain's chairs with retractable ottomans and large 48-inch widescreen displays.

A smart rear air-conditioning system with thermal matrix sensors allows the vehicle to optimise the temperature for the face, chest, thigh and lower leg.

Under the bonnet, local LM examples will be powered by a hybrid 2.5-litre non-turbo engine for three-row variants, and a 2.4-litre turbo-petrol hybrid – similar to the RX500h – for the four-seat version.

Lexus Australia said a full suite of active safety equipment would be standard across the range.

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Further details for the 2024 Lexus LM, including local timing, pricing and features, will be confirmed "in due course."

The official addition of the Lexus LM to the Australian market could open the door for the related Toyota Alphard's local sale, potentially replacing the diesel-only and slow-selling HiAce-based Granvia with a more-economical, passenger-car based hybrid option.

Our earlier story, below, continues unchanged.

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April 12: Lexus LM teased, trademarked for Australia

The new 2024 Lexus LM people-mover will be revealed in Shanghai next week.

A new generation of the Lexus LM people-mover could be bound for Australia, if this new teaser image is anything to go by.

Well, less the image and more its source: an official press release from the Australian arm of Lexus, which ought to be a hint that the LM will come to our market.

Adding to that is the news in late 2021 that Lexus had trademarked the LM badge in Australia, although it should be noted that brands will often protect trademarks in global markets regardless of any launch plans.

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In its current form, the first-generation Lexus LM was unveiled at the 2019 Shanghai motor show, with clear roots in the Toyota Alphard – a popular grey-market import for Australian buyers, with 157 examples listed on CarSales right now, 81 of them the current model.

As with all Toyota-derived Lexus models, the LM builds on the Alphard's base with its own big 'spindle' grille and L-hooked headlights, while the rest of the body is more clearly identified as a Lexus-enhanced Toyota.

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Click any photo in this story to see our full gallery

Despite its donor platform, the LM is a proper luxury offering, with certain variants featuring a massive 26-inch entertainment display in the second row and a 14-litre fridge. A theatre on the move.

A new-generation Alphard is still to be revealed, so at this point it seems next week's LM debut in Shanghai will offer our first look at the new people-moving twins.

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Will the new Lexus LM come to Australia?

In Australia, the LM would enter as an obvious rival to the Mercedes-Benz V-Class, a low-volume, van-based luxury alternative to vehicles like the Hyundai Staria, Toyota Granvia and Volkswagen Multivan.

In most cases, vehicles like these are popular in Australia as shuttles for high-end hotels and VIP event transport – effectively a Tarago for the modern popstar and their entourage, where a 'cheaper' van simply won't do.

In China and other Asian markets, where families often live together across generations, these vans are popular as a way to transport children and grandparents with more ease than a seven-seat SUV can offer.

Watch for the LM to be unveiled next week, when news of an Australian launch could also be announced.