Living with Lexus LM 350h
Review by Jacob Lerklint
2024 Lexus LM 350h: A New Standard in Luxury Transport
The 2024 Lexus LM 350h is far from being your ordinary people mover. It transcends conventional transportation, providing an opulent experience akin to being chauffeured in a private jet. This luxury van is designed for high-end buyers who demand comfort, sophistication, and exclusivity, and it’s poised to redefine what premium transport means in markets like Sweden, where understated elegance is appreciated just as much as cutting-edge technology.
After having the chance to test the Lexus LM 350h on Swedish roads, it became clear that this is a vehicle designed to offer a sublime experience, especially in a market that values comfort during the long, often cold Scandinavian winters.
VIP Seating Experience: Step inside, and you’re greeted by an interior that feels like a moving living room. The plush leather seats, customizable ambient lighting, and whisper-quiet cabin offer an atmosphere of serenity and luxury. The rear seats, especially in the Executive variant, are akin to first-class airline pods, complete with reclining functions and massage capabilities.
Unmatched Comfort: Massaging seats, individual climate zones, and a suspension that glides over Swedish roads like silk make this a class leader in comfort. Noise insulation is so advanced that even at highway speeds, the interior remains peaceful—perfect for both busy executives and families looking to travel in unparalleled quiet.
Understated Elegance: In contrast to some of its flashier competitors, the LM 350h embodies the Swedish aesthetic of "lagom"—just the right amount of everything. Its design exudes sophistication without excessive ornamentation or bling. For buyers who want to feel luxurious without attracting too much attention, this is the perfect choice.
Infotainment System: While the 48-inch rear screen certainly makes a statement, the infotainment system could use more refinement. The interface is functional, but it doesn’t quite match the elegance of the rest of the vehicle.
Powertrain Performance: The hybrid drivetrain, consisting of a 2.5-liter petrol engine and electric motors, offers a smooth and efficient drive, but it lacks the exhilarating punch one might expect from a vehicle in this price range. It’s more about serene cruising than spirited driving.
Subdued Presence: Unlike some luxury vehicles that turn heads on the streets of Stockholm, the LM 350h blends in. While this might be appealing to some, others might expect more visual drama at this level of luxury.
Price: How Much Does It Cost?
The Lexus LM 350h isn’t for those with a frugal mindset. The entry-level 7 seater variant Luxury version starts at SEK 1,455,000, while the 6 seater variant tips the scales at just over SEK 1,725,000. While these figures are hefty, they reflect the level of exclusivity and luxury that the LM brings to the table, making it a competitor to high-end SUVs and vans like the Mercedes-Benz V-Class.
Features and Benefits: An Opulent Experience
For such a premium price tag, the LM 350h is brimming with features designed to make every journey feel like a first-class experience.
Supreme Comfort: The rear seats are the highlight, with captain’s chairs that recline, massage, and even offer heating or cooling functions—ideal for Sweden’s cold winters. The 48-inch entertainment screen and four-zone climate control give passengers a sense of complete control over their environment.
Hybrid Powertrain: Combining a petrol engine with electric motors, the LM 350h offers a refined, efficient driving experience. On long-distance trips between Gothenburg and Stockholm, the hybrid system performed admirably, delivering solid fuel efficiency without sacrificing comfort.
Safety First: Sweden is known for its high safety standards, and the LM 350h doesn’t disappoint. With features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, pre-collision systems, and automatic emergency braking, this van is as safe as it is luxurious.
Running Costs: Economic and Efficient
Despite its hefty price tag, the LM 350h’s hybrid powertrain provides some solace in terms of running costs. During our test drives, the van demonstrated excellent fuel efficiency, reducing the frequency of trips to the pump—particularly valuable given Sweden’s fuel prices. Its consumption is well-suited to both urban commutes and longer highway drives, making it practical as well as luxurious.
In Sweden, where taste often leans toward refined minimalism and quality craftsmanship, the Lexus LM 350h occupies a unique niche. While traditional luxury sedans such as the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class offer exquisite refinement, they cannot match the sheer spaciousness and seating options of the LM. Similarly, its closest direct competitor, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class, falls short in terms of luxury features and the premium feel that the LM exudes.
Conclusion: A Luxurious Reimagining of the People Mover
The 2024 Lexus LM 350h is not for everyone. It is a statement vehicle crafted for those who value ultimate comfort, exclusivity, and refinement. While it might not deliver the same excitement on the road as some high-performance luxury SUVs, it excels in providing an elevated passenger experience. In Sweden, where long winter drives demand comfort and peace, this van redefines what a luxury people mover can be.
The LM 350h may have a steep price tag and somewhat restrained performance, but for those prioritizing comfort, advanced technology, and understated luxury, it stands out as one of the best choices in its class.