Luxury MPVs are a rare sight in the UK, but Lexus has joined the game with the LM350 – a people carrier that wants to deliver limousine levels of comfort. It takes aim at the likes of Mercedes’ V-Class and other premium German offerings, yet adds a unique Japanese twist with focus on refinement, exclusivity and efficiency.
A brief background
The LM badge first appeared in 2019 as a petrol-only model for the Far East, but it wasn’t until the second generation arrived in 2023 that a hybrid option was introduced and sales expanded into Europe. The LM350h is the version we get here, and it comes in a tight range: Standard (seven seats), AWD, and the range-topping Takumi with a lounge-like four-seat setup and a 48-inch rear screen. Prices start from £94,595 and climb to over £117,000.
Designed from the inside out
This is a car that puts passengers first. Step inside the Standard seven-seat model and you’re greeted with powered side doors, two captain’s chairs in the middle row, and a suite of controls to adjust everything from climate to lighting. There are footrests, pop-up trays, blinds and even mood lighting at your fingertips. Rear passengers can tweak their environment using handheld devices, giving them control normally reserved for the driver.
The third row folds down when not in use, leaving plenty of space for luggage. With all seven seats in play, boot capacity shrinks to just 110 litres – not ideal for airport runs with a full load of people and bags. Accessing the rearmost seats can be awkward, but once you’re in, space is surprisingly generous.
Takumi luxury
If money is no object, the Takumi model turns things up another notch. Instead of seven seats, you get a pair of reclining armchairs, a partition with a 48-inch screen and a 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system. It’s less people carrier, more private jet on wheels.
Up front
Drivers and front passengers aren’t forgotten. Heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, a huge head-up display and Lexus’ latest infotainment system all come as standard. The 2.5-litre petrol-hybrid powertrain is shared across the range, delivering 247 bhp through a CVT gearbox. It’s not fast – 0-62 mph takes 9.1 seconds – but this car isn’t about speed. It’s about smooth, quiet progress.
On the road
Comfort is the LM350’s biggest strength. The ride is soft and glides over bumps in a way that feels closer to a Rolls-Royce than a van-based MPV. Double-glazed windows and heavy insulation keep road and wind noise to a minimum, though push the engine hard and you’ll hear it working.
Handling is safe and stable rather than sharp, and while it feels big in tighter spaces, the driver aids and cameras make parking less stressful than you’d expect. Long-distance motorway cruising is where the Lexus shines, with economy figures averaging around 40 mpg – impressive for a 2.3-tonne luxury bus.
Verdict
The Lexus LM350 is not for everyone. It’s expensive, it’s big, and the boot space is tiny with all seats in use. But judged for what it is – a first-class travel lounge on wheels – it’s superb. For passengers, it really can feel magical.
Fast facts
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Model tested: Lexus LM350h Standard 2WD (7 seats)
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Price: £94,595
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Engine: 2.5-litre petrol-hybrid, 247 bhp
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0-62 mph: 9.1 seconds
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Top speed: 118 mph
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Economy: 41 mpg (average)
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CO2: 152 g/km
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Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles (up to 10 years/100,000 miles with servicing)
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Rating: 4.5/5
For: Supreme comfort, luxury features, refinement, efficiency for its size
Against: Small boot with all seats up, expensive, big to manoeuvre
