Removal buyers in Australia may soon experience Japanese luxury for the first time. The Lexus version of the private import favorite Toyota Alphard looks likely for local showrooms.
He 2023 Lexus LM – one of the world’s most luxurious people movers – looks likely to arrive in Australia for the first time after the next-generation model is unveiled in China next week.
Australia issued a press release tonight mocking the next generation LM – the super luxury version of the Japanese market Toyota Alphard and Vellfire people movers, which are popular as “grey imports” (vehicles imported as used cars that are not sold as new in Australia).
It is highly unusual for Lexus Australia to issue a press release for a new vehicle that is not planned for local showrooms.
Adding to the probability of a local release: toyota spain it has held trademarks since late 2021 for the ‘LM350h’ and ‘LM500h’ nameplates, which are expected to grace hybrid versions of the new model.
It would represent the first time that a version of the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire people-engines, albeit now with Lexus badging, has been sold in Australia in the nameplates’ 21-year history.
It’s unclear for now if Toyota’s versions of the same vehicle, the luxurious Alphard and its sportier twin Vellfire, will also make their way to Australia.
Next-generation models from the Toyota and Lexus brands will be in showrooms abroad later this year.
The current-generation Lexus LM (based on the Toyota Alphard introduced in 2015) has been sold in parts of Southeast Asia, as well as China, where luxury vehicles remain popular, for the past three years.
High-end versions are equipped with four seats, with the two rear passengers enjoying individual “captain’s chairs” with armrests, plush leather upholstery, and a touchscreen control panel.
The first and second row of seats are divided by a partition, incorporating a 26-inch TV screen and a refrigerator.
If local trademark filings are any guide, the new Lexus LM may offer a choice of two hybrid systems in Australia, both shared with the new Lexus RX luxury SUV with which it is expected to share its underpinnings.
The LM350h is likely to combine a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with electric motors for a combined 184 kW, while the LM500h is expected to use a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine and electric motors. developing 273 kW combined.
The new 2023 Lexus LM will be unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show in China next week, on Tuesday, April 18.
Rivals for the Lexus LM will be few and far between in Australia, largely limited to the diesel and electric Mercedes-Benz V-Class.
Chinese brand LDV’s Mifa 9 electric motor is priced similar to a luxury car, priced above $110,000 by car, but based on a gasoline model priced at $53,990 by car, similar to the rivals of Hyundai and Kia.
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