Lexus LM500h Drive Review : Two’s Company [YIC2024]

The lush environ of the Lexus LM 500h is best enjoyed by two

The title is a bit of a misnomer because one does not drive and review a Lexus LM — much less the exclusive four-seat LM 500h — but reviews the ride instead.

After all, this Luxury Mover doesn’t just move you physically, but emotionally (and some say spiritually) too.

It is easy to think of the LM as a tarted-up Alphard, but that would be a grave disservice because it far surpasses its Toyota sibling in terms of comfort and luxury, especially the four-seat LM 500h.

Some months ago, we were given the seven-seat LM 350h — with an accompanying chauffeur — for an entire day, a refreshing change from the usual drive review.

See also: A day out with the Lexus LM 350h

The cosseting comfort we enjoyed in the LM 350h was enough to turn this avid driver into a passenger prince. However, as we would later discover, the even posher four-seat LM 500h elevates the “luxury moving” experience to an even higher level.

The description says it is a four-seater, but this includes the two front occupants — driver and bodyguard/personal assistant.

See also: The Volkswagen ID. Buzz Pro is the other MPV in our "Year in Cars : 2024" special

In reality, it is a cosy full-flat reclining two-seater in the back, made even more intimate by the privacy screen that separates the front compartment from the rear.

Its closest rivals may deliver Premium Economy or Business Class rides, but with the LM500h Ultra Luxury, it is the full Suites experience.

When you are used to stepping into the cabin through smooth-gliding doors to access your plush seats, you really can’t go back to stooping and crinkling your body (and formal wear) to slide into the rear of a conventional luxury sedan.

This veritable mobile lounge is a well-insulated refuge guided by Lexus’ legendary omotenashi hospitality.

As you luxuriate in the plushly padded, ergonomic, airline-style +2 seats, the rear cabin features everything you’ll need to help you rest, relax, and rejuvenate in tedious traffic jams between meetings or even longer journeys across the border.

See also: Lexus Singapore revamps its Leng Kee Road showroom

Taking pride of place is a massive 48-inch high-definition ultra-widescreen display that practically spans the cabin's width. This can be used in both full-screen and split-screen configurations, and it will support Zoom calls or stream your Disney+ flicks in full cinematic glory — 3D surround sound included.

Other nice details enhance your convenience, too, such as the full-length brollies strapped on both sides of the outward-facing section of the B-pillars, which avoid introducing sopping wet items into the cabin during ingress.

In this 2+2 configuration, the LM 500h has no real rival, especially in the sub-$800,000 segment.

Sure, there are more conspicuous trappings of wealth in the form of the usual lux-limo suspects, but the Lexus is in a class of its own, although it is indubitably not a car to drive but to be driven around in.

To Lexus’ credit, the front occupants won’t exactly be slumming it either, even as the rear two are nicely ensconced in the lap of luxury because the front seats are also well-padded for long-distance drives.

Compared to the nat-asp 2.5-litre in the LM 350h, the 500h is distinguished by a turbocharged 2.4-litre petrol-hybrid engine, which has been tuned to deliver serene, waft-worthy performance.

In this segment, you want the LM 500h’s smooth and seamless performance that is barely perceptible to the occupants, unlike its sportscar-rivalling acceleration ability. The 2000-3000rpm is a sweet spot that lets your driver take advantage of the full 460Nm from the petrol-electric powertrain.

The GA-K platform provides high torsional rigidity and reduced vibrations, while the “Rear Comfort” drive mode and Adaptive Variable Suspension system are tuned for maximum rear-occupant comfort.

Contrary to common belief, this doesn’t mean it is softly sprung; rather, it is well-damped and engineered to counter the minute lateral or longitudinal movements that tend to make a person car-sick.

The rear passengers have individual controls for the sunshade, sunroof, climate control, seat adjustment, and entertainment. It’s all about “owning” your personal zone of solace and solitude when required, although it is also possible to create a more convivial ambience with your travelling companion when desired.

Best of all, everything in the LM 500h is executed in a natural, minimalist fashion that never overwhelms you with too many features, another thing that car brands new to the segment tend to get wrong.

After all, when you’re trying to wind down, the last thing you want is to find yourself confronted by too many choices. Instead, we’d much rather reach for the bottle of champers chilling in the cooler box.

The LM is newly introduced to Singapore, and the LM 500h, in particular, is one of those swag vehicles that not everyone understands, especially those who are hung up on a luxury vehicle in the trite-and-tested three-box shape.

Besides, at this price point, the owners are in a position to have other types of fun cars in their garages, so the LM isn’t an “either/or” kind of choice.

Moreover, if you consider what makes a luxury limo a luxury limo, you will realise it is all about passenger comfort and tranquility, less so dynamic handling and acceleration.

The LM 500h’s natural luxury and comfort are of the sublime variety and the exclusivity of its reclining, full-flat, rear seats within the posh, well-appointed environs of the passenger cabin makes for the best sort of company.

Lexus LM 500h
Engine: 2393cc, inline4, turbo
Power at rpm: 371hp at 6,000rpm
Torque at rpm: 460Nm at 2,000–3,000rpm
Transmission: 6spd auto
0-100km/h: 6.9secs
Top speed: about 185km/h