How Would You Feel About a Lexus Van?

The bolder choice in vans

Would you, Lexus owner of sound mind and body, buy a luxury van if one was presented as a choice? Well, the president of Lexus Manila Raymond Rodriguez thinks that it is only a matter of time until one happens. “As a luxury automaker, Lexus does not want to be left behind.” Raymond believes that this Lexus van would not be an upgraded version of the Toyota Sienna but the executive van known as the Toyota Alphard Vellfire. 

Would it fit the current market?

Where would Lexus even go with a luxury van? This is a country consumed by crossovers that the automaker even pioneered itself for God's sake. So what does this van have that could make it attractive to the public? For powertrains, buyers can choose from a 3.5-liter direct injection V6 with a Direct Shift 8-speed transmission, a 2.5 liter 4 cylinder with a Super CVT-i, or a 2.5-liter THS II Hybrid with E-Four AWD. However, Rodriguez remarked that the van would be for the Philippines's market since the Alphard van is such a success already there. 

>>Join the conversation about a Luxury Van with a Lexus badge right here in Club Lexus.

This isn't a boring van

All of that got me thinking about what if Lexus brought a van here? What if Lexus decided to put up a competitor to go against Mercedes-Benz vans that carry a high level of comfort and luxury? In areas across Asia and Eastern Europe, the Alphard (Vellfire) is used by limo and chauffeur services to shuttle fancy people about. These vans offer a mobile living room-like experience for occupants who may desire more space and better creature comforts. 

>>Join the conversation about a Luxury Van with a Lexus badge right here in Club Lexus.

The cost of coziness

That being said, the Toyota Sienna has suffered declining sales despite a minor refresh it received last year. Toyota was only able to deliver 67,373 units from January to September 2018 of this year, which was down 23% from the 87,623 units for the same time period last year. In Japan, the Vellfire has an MSRP of about 8-passenger FWD X model to about $66,400 for the 7 passenger Hybrid Executive Lounge Z with E-Four AWD. 

>>Join the conversation about a Luxury Van with a Lexus badge right here in Club Lexus.

The million dollar question

While many of us here in the States have a somewhat negative view towards vans, Lexus could possibly change all of that with the right vehicle. I know that these wouldn't be selling like hotcakes but these luxurious vehicles would serve a purpose. They come with heated and ventilated ottoman seating function, a stowaway table, and other amenities like a wide-screen entertainment system! 

So, what do you all think? Could you see Lexus releasing a van to the U.S. audience and finding success in a niche segment? 

>>Join the conversation about a Luxury Van with a Lexus badge right here in Club Lexus.

For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our How-to section in the forum.