So, the Lexus LM350h. Very a lot a distinct segment automobile, a cross between a folks provider, a limousine and, certainly, a first-class compartment on a airplane. I’m undecided what to make of it, if I’m sincere. You can see it’s designed for the chauffeur-driven market, to ferry across the high echelons in society – chief executives, visiting dignitaries, crypto tycoons, soccer membership homeowners, that form of factor – in supreme consolation.
It comes as a seven-seater, which is a bit “mini bus” for elite transportation, or, as within the instance Lexus kindly allowed me to strive, as a four-seater – two up entrance as regular, plus two particular person, absolutely reclining seats within the rear, modelled on the sort of factor you’d end up flying round in should you had the cash. From my expertise as a fake skilled driver lugging some mates about, even the tallest and broadest of plutocrats will discover enough room to loosen up. (Although there’s not that a lot room left within the boot for his or her clobber; presumably, that will get despatched on individually.)
It’s huge enjoyable, although it’s alleged to be deeply critical transportation for the Forbes journal courses. Snug within the again armchairs, you’re swathed in leather-based, you possibly can chill nearly flat for a kip, and there’s a wee fridge simply forward with room for a bottle of Laurent Perrier and a few glasses. There are good little cantilever tables that fold out from the armrests, plus smartphone-style controls for the massive telly display within the again, the air con and full digital connectivity.
The four-seater type is known as “Ottoman”, and there are certainly footrests for the weary govt, plus dimming lights and gaming choices. Best of all, for many who desire absolute privateness, the separate rear passenger compartment might be absolutely sealed off from the motive force with an electrical window divider, simply as in a standard Daimler, Vanden Plas or Rolls-Royce limousine, so there’s no eavesdropping by the servants. The ambiance is serene.
To drive the LM350h is a little bit of a dream. Equipped with a fairly highly effective Toyota engine (Lexus being the luxurious arm of the enterprise, in case you hadn’t gathered, and this mannequin is effectively suited to the “premium” badging), it will probably make speedy progress if wants be, nevertheless it’s honest to say it encourages a sedate type, with the “lively variable” suspension tuned to most consolation for the VIPs within the again.
THE SPEC
Lexus LM350h Takumi
Price: £117,595 (as examined, vary begins at £94,950)
Engine capability: 2.5l petrol hybrid, 4-cyl; cvt auto
Power output (hp): 250
Top velocity (mph): 118
0 to 60 (seconds): 9.1
Fuel financial system (mpg): 39.2
CO2 emissions (WLTP, g/km): 163
It’s a traditional hybrid, which implies it’s by no means going to be fairly as refined as it will be as both a pure petrol or pure battery electrical automobile, and it ought to actually have six cylinders, however it will probably tootle round enterprise districts in near-silent electric-only mode. Only when pressed laborious will the transmission intrude with a little bit of a low moan. Braking and physique management are each extremely progressive.
For some motive, there’s a four-wheel-drive choice (with no further floor clearance) that propels the Lexus into £120,000 checklist worth territory, and, even in a world of conspicuous consumption, that feels a bit extreme.
I’m nonetheless undecided what to make of it, although. I feel it displays altering tastes within the enterprise luxurious finish of the carriage commerce, particularly in Asian markets. For many a long time now, the Mercedes-Benz S-class has sewn up this sector, with BMW, Audi working a little bit behind, whereas the Range Rover gives one thing barely totally different, and the Bentley and Rolls-Royce fashions (even pricier) had been in a category above even these well-known marques. All are clearly spectacular locations to be, and might be specced to your coronary heart’s content material with the best of workmanship in wooden and leatherwork.
This Lexus gives a unique package deal – way more of the lounge-on-wheels, with the added benefit over the old-style limousines and the SUVs of ease of ingress and egress – no clambering out or having to hop up or step down, the electrical sliding doorways including to the comfort. Thus, you nearly stroll out and in of the LM350h. Such issues matter to some.
The single sensible flaw with the Lexus – and it’s a vital one – is that entrance doorways are so deep that they may simply foul any kerb greater than about an inch excessive. I’m undecided why the automobile needs to be fairly so slab-sided, however there we’re. One day, the decrease edges of these doorways will look shabbily rusty.
In the UK, this Lexus has few direct rivals. There’s one thing referred to as a Maxus Mifa 9, constructed by Shanghai Automotive, that’s aggressive and, from reminiscence, equally cozy however reasonably cheaper; whereas Mercedes-Benz gives its Premium V-class, which takes a van conversion as near an S-class Maybach as is feasible and is healthier suited to bigger teams. It’s nonetheless a van, although.
So, if I had been within the airport chauffeur enterprise, I’d positively take into account the Lexus for my high-end clientele. I’d simply must get used to that visually difficult frontal styling (once more, I feel attuned to rising market fashions). The fantastic thing about this posh motor may be very a lot on the within.
