Motoring writer Ian Lamming lords it up in the latest lavish people carrier from Lexus
SHOPPING. Although not to everyone’s taste right now all the family is happy: mother, father and son.
It’s 80 miles each way of mixed roads to the shops but we are all content because the means of transport is so amazing.
For a change, mother is in the back and is enjoying the ride. Reclining in a first class aircraft-style seat she has raised the footstool, dropped the back slightly, switched on the heat, which even warms the armrest, and is enjoying a massage while checking her emails.
I’ve raised the dividing glass screen, which separates front from rear cabins, which also has a cool function that makes it go opaque for extra privacy at the press of a button, and switched all the music from the stunning 23 speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system into the front.
The boy wants to learn guitar so I’m introducing him to the joys of Hendrix, Thin Lizzy, ACDC and Rainbow – not mother’s scene at all.
It’s a good day and that’s down to the test vehicle, a humungous Lexus called the LM. The ‘L’ stands for Lexus luxury of course and the ‘M’ is for multi-purpose-vehicle. Do you remember those? We used to call them people carriers and the LM can be ordered in seven-seater form or gloriously indulgent four-seater offering levels of luxury never seen in a car before.
LM is gargantuan. It measures 17ft long and more than 6ft wide and tall. Imagine minibus levels of space but in the back there are just two luxurious recliners. We all fight to ride in the back; how often does that happen?
Swathes of glass, including twin sunroofs, illuminate a exquisitely crafted interior. Recline the seats, raise the aircraft style tables from the armrests, choose between blinds up or down and play with the dual i-Phone-like handsets which operate the 48in HD screen that divides the front seat occupants from the rear. It comes with HDMI ports so you can plug in your devices and play whatever you have downloaded on to the screen. You can even set ambient lighting – 64 colours and 14 preset combinations.
Reach forward and there’s a fridge for your drinks or your picnic while you listen to the aforementioned stunning sound system.
Sliding side doors and tailgate are electrically operated, of course, and the driver and front seat passenger share the luxury with typical Lexus attention to detail and driving dynamics.
Despite its size, it is incredibly easy to drive and manoeuvre. The high-set driving position is helped by aids such as a 360 degree camera and beeping sensors. From the front it has the Lexus signature grille, flanked by sharp triple-LED headlights. It looks ultra-modern, solid and stable. The quality of the interior leaves you in no doubt that this is a luxurious vehicle.
Driver gets an extra wide head-up display with vital data projected in colour directly onto the windscreen. This lets you check navigation, safety features, information and audio settings without taking your eyes off the road. If you do then a warning flashes up telling you to concentrate.
The 2.5 litre petrol/hybrid engine is smooth and powerful. It has the CVT raucous nature under full power but is otherwise serene when cruising and silent when on EV. The combination helps it deliver enviable fuel consumption figures. I saw 42mpg on the trip, not bad for such a big lump. The E-FOUR electric all-wheel-drive system is always operational, providing more torque and greater traction. Whatever the road conditions, the drive is confident and relaxed.
Hotels are going to love it, so are event companies ferrying around VIPs. Businesspeople will be able to use them as an office and families might well opt for the seven-seater. If you have doubts then know that the first UK tranche has sold out.
