The Lexus LM 350h is not your typical minivan—it blends unparalleled luxury, advanced hybrid technology, and impeccable design into a four-seater ultra-luxury vehicle. With a strong reputation for being reliable, efficient, and technologically superior, Lexus has created a masterpiece for both chauffeur-driven executives and families who demand the best. This review will cover every aspect of the Lexus LM 350h, including its price, performance, hybrid powertrain, fuel efficiency, and more.
Price Range in India
The Lexus LM 350h is a premium luxury vehicle that comes with a hefty price tag. In India, the price range starts at ₹2.5 crore for the base model and goes up to ₹2.5 crore for the top model, depending on customization and features. It is undoubtedly a costly affair, but given the ultra-luxurious experience it offers, the price can be justified for those seeking exclusivity and comfort.
Power and Performance
The Lexus LM 350h is powered by a sophisticated hybrid system, which includes a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder petrol engine paired with electric motors. This hybrid system produces a combined power output of 250 hp. The petrol engine on its own generates a power of 187 hp and 239 Nm of torque. The electric motor further boosts the overall performance, making it ideal for both city driving and long highway cruises.
The hybrid powertrain delivers instant torque when required and ensures a smooth transition between electric and gasoline power. This dynamic combination results in a refined driving experience with lower emissions and better fuel economy compared to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
Mileage and Total Range
When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Lexus LM 350h offers a respectable mileage of around 15-18 km/l, depending on driving conditions and modes. The hybrid system ensures that the petrol engine is not overworked, making it efficient even in stop-and-go traffic.
As for the total range, combining the fuel tank capacity of 65 liters with the hybrid system, the Lexus LM 350h can cover approximately 975-1,170 kilometers on a full tank. This remarkable range makes the LM 350h a highly practical vehicle for long-distance journeys, providing a perfect balance of luxury, performance, and efficiency.
How the Hybrid Powertrain Works in the Lexus LM 350h
The hybrid powertrain in the Lexus LM 350h is a marvel of modern engineering. It combines an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) and an electric motor, with the power seamlessly shifting between the two or using both simultaneously to optimize performance and efficiency.
- ICE Power: The vehicle uses its 2.5-liter petrol engine for traditional gasoline power. The engine is designed to work efficiently by engaging mostly at higher speeds or when additional power is needed.
- Electric Motor: The electric motor is powered by a lithium-ion battery that recharges either through regenerative braking or by the engine. The motor can propel the vehicle for short distances at low speeds, such as in urban stop-and-go traffic, allowing for quiet, zero-emission driving.
- Regenerative Braking: The hybrid system uses regenerative braking to capture energy lost during braking and deceleration. This energy is stored in the battery and later used to power the electric motor.
- Transition: Depending on driving conditions, the Lexus LM 350h switches between ICE and electric power automatically, without any input from the driver. At higher speeds, the petrol engine takes over, but during low-speed driving, the electric motor handles most of the work.
Motor and Engine Specifications
- Engine Type: 2.5-liter inline-4 petrol engine (187 hp, 239 Nm torque)
- Electric Motor Type: Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
- Combined Power Output: 250 hp
- Transmission: E-CVT (Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 65 liters
- Electric Battery Type: Lithium-ion
The advanced E-CVT transmission in the Lexus LM 350h plays a key role in delivering power smoothly and efficiently. It optimizes the engine’s power band to provide excellent fuel economy while still offering a refined driving experience.
Hybrid System and Future Advancements
Lexus has always been at the forefront of hybrid technology, and the LM 350h is a testament to that. The Lexus Hybrid Drive system is not just about fuel efficiency—it’s about providing a smooth, silent, and responsive driving experience.
One of the key components is the Electric Control Unit (ECU), which manages the interaction between the engine and electric motor, ensuring that the vehicle operates as efficiently as possible. The Hybrid Synergy Drive system ensures minimal energy loss and uses electric power whenever feasible, reducing emissions and improving fuel economy.
For future generations of the Lexus LM 350h, we can expect even more advancements in the hybrid system. Lexus is likely to enhance battery efficiency, offering even greater electric-only range and quicker charge times through regenerative braking. Upcoming models may also include plug-in hybrid variants, allowing users to charge the vehicle externally for extended electric driving ranges.
Pros and Cons of the Lexus LM 350h
Pros
- Luxurious Interior: The LM 350h is decked with high-end materials, premium leather, and advanced features such as reclining rear seats, dual-zone climate control, and noise insulation for a quiet cabin.
- Fuel Efficiency: Thanks to its hybrid powertrain, the vehicle offers excellent fuel economy for a luxury vehicle of its size and class.
- Seamless Hybrid System: The hybrid system is smooth and refined, making the transition between electric and gasoline power almost unnoticeable.
- Cutting-edge Safety Features: Equipped with a wide array of advanced safety technologies like Lane Tracing Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Pre-Collision System.
- Spacious Cabin: The four-seater ultra-luxury layout offers ample space for passengers, making it ideal for long trips.
Cons
- High Price: The Lexus LM 350h is one of the most expensive minivans on the market, which might put it out of reach for most buyers.
- Limited Electric Range: While the hybrid system is efficient, the electric-only range is minimal, especially when compared to full-electric vehicles.
- Size: At over 5 meters in length, the Lexus LM 350h is a large vehicle, which might make it cumbersome to maneuver in tight urban spaces.
- Limited Availability: The LM 350h is available only in select markets and is not yet available in all regions of India.
FAQs About the Lexus LM 350h
- What is the price of the Lexus LM 350h in India?
- The Lexus LM 350h is priced between ₹2.5 crore and ₹2.5 crore in India, depending on the variant and customization options.
- How does the hybrid system in the Lexus LM 350h work?
- The Lexus LM 350h uses a hybrid system combining a 2.5-liter petrol engine and an electric motor. The system automatically switches between electric power for low-speed driving and petrol power for higher speeds, ensuring efficiency and smooth performance.
- What is the mileage of the Lexus LM 350h?
- The Lexus LM 350h offers a mileage of around 15-18 km/l, making it one of the most efficient luxury minivans in its class.
- How much power does the Lexus LM 350h produce?
- The hybrid system in the Lexus LM 350h produces a combined power output of 250 hp, with the petrol engine generating 187 hp and the electric motor providing additional torque.
- What is the total range of the Lexus LM 350h?
- With a 65-liter fuel tank and the hybrid system, the Lexus LM 350h offers a total driving range of approximately 975-1,170 kilometers on a full tank of fuel.
- Is the Lexus LM 350h suitable for city driving?
- Yes, thanks to its hybrid system and smooth electric power at low speeds, the Lexus LM 350h is well-suited for city driving. However, its large size may make maneuvering through narrow urban streets challenging.
- What safety features does the Lexus LM 350h offer?
- The LM 350h comes with advanced safety features, including six airbags, ABS, Lane Tracing Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and a Pre-Collision System.
- Will the Lexus LM 350h get a plug-in hybrid version?
- While there is no official word yet, it is expected that future generations of the Lexus LM 350h may include plug-in hybrid variants to further enhance electric-only driving range.
Conclusion
The Lexus LM 350h is a stellar example of how luxury and hybrid technology can coexist in perfect harmony. Offering a blend of fuel efficiency, high-end comfort, and cutting-edge safety features, this minivan stands out as a top choice for those seeking an ultra-luxury driving experience. Despite its high price tag, the Lexus LM 350h is an outstanding vehicle for those who prioritize comfort, efficiency, and performance in one package.
Know more : https://carovaar.com/2024-toyota-camry-hybrid-power-efficiency/