Would the Lexus LM Be a Big Seller in the States?
Minivan is a forbidden word in America, but the LM is so much more than those other boring, boxy family haulers.
Not Just a Minivan
Say the word "minivan" to anyone in the U.S., and it'll immediately bring up memories of sad, boxy, less-than-masculine vehicles that'll bore any true enthusiast to tears. No, nowadays, we want rugged SUVs and performance cars, and that's about it. Meanwhile, folks in China who desire the ultimate in luxury look no further than the Lexus LM, a minivan of a very different kind.
Photos: Lexus
Big Money
A fully-loaded LM costs a pretty hefty sum in China - 1.46 million yuan, or around $215,000. That's an incredible amount of money for a van, but this is no ordinary van. Rather, it's designed for the actual owner to ride in the back, bathed in luxury, while someone else drives them from point A to point B.
Photos: Lexus
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Lap of Luxury
The back of the LM isn't just crammed with a bunch of seating and a couple of tiny screens with DVD players, either. Occupants kick back in reclining and ventilated seats, which are filled with ultra-plush padding. Though a seven-seat version is available, there's still plenty of room for a pair of captain's chairs in the center.
Photos: Lexus
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Privacy Matters
Of course, someone important enough to be driven around doesn't want to be bothered with having to look at or speak to the driver, either. So there's a built-in privacy wall that separates the cockpit from the rear section of the LM. But that wall isn't just a wasted bit of space, as it holds a 26-inch TV and a glass partition so you can still see what's going on ahead.
Photos: Lexus
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Special Occasion
In between the captain's chairs, there's also a control panel that allows the occupants to change whatever settings they'd like to ensure a pleasant ride. And if anyone gets thirsty along the way or feels the need to celebrate, there's also a fridge in the rear with enough space to hold two bottles of champagne.
Photos: Lexus
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Specific Market
Even the base version of the LM costs around $120,000, so this thing is clearly aimed at a very specific market. But that's likely why it's also proven to be quite successful so far. Here in the U.S., the closest thing we have is the Mercedes Sprinter van, itself a popular choice among those who need some work space and prefer to let someone else do the driving.
Photos: Lexus
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Plush Ride
So no, the LM is obviously not a high volume product aimed at a broad customer base. But we imagine that it could easily find enough footing in the U.S. to justify Lexus selling it there. Heck, who wouldn't love to ride in the back of this thing, if they had the means to do so?
Photos: Lexus
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