2024 Lexus LM Alphard (7-seat LM350h ) Review

Nowadays, the competition in Malaysia's luxury MPV market is becoming increasingly intense. Consumers demand both space practicality and high requirements for luxury features and fuel efficiency. Against this backdrop, the 2024 Lexus LM Alphard 7-seater version (LM350h), positioned as a high-end MPV model under the brand, enters the market with a hybrid powertrain, fully upgraded luxury features, and flexible space. Its core selling points are clear: low fuel consumption brought by the 2.5L hybrid system, segment-leading features like a 21-speaker audio system, and Lexus's consistent excellence in cabin quietness. This test drive focuses on verifying: whether its luxury feel matches its price, how the hybrid system performs in daily commuting, and whether the practicality of the 7-seat layout can meet the needs of large families.

From the exterior, the LM Alphard adheres to the Lexus family design language, featuring a steady and recognizable overall style. The front fascia is adorned with a large spindle-shaped grille complemented by chrome trims, delivering strong visual impact; the sharp-shaped LED headlights integrate daytime running lights, offering high recognition when illuminated. The vehicle’s side features smooth lines, with a waistline extending from the front to the rear door handles, paired with 19-inch multi-spoke wheels, presenting a balance of stability and sophistication. At the rear, the LED taillights adopt a horizontal layout echoing the front design, and the rear bumper, adorned with chrome trim, enhances the luxury feel. The overall exterior design aligns well with the positioning of a luxury MPV, suitable for both business receptions and family use.

Opening the door reveals an interior filled with a luxurious ambiance. The dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials, combined with wood grain panels and metallic trims, providing a tactile experience; the 14-inch central touchscreen is broad and responsive, supporting smartphone connectivity; the 12.3-inch full LCD instrument panel displays information clearly and allows switching between different theme interfaces, enabling the driver to intuitively access vehicle data. In terms of features, the front seats come with 8-way electric adjustment (driver) and 4-way electric adjustment (front passenger), along with heating functionality; the second-row seats support a 40:20:40 split-folding configuration, while the third row features a 50:50 electric folding design, allowing flexible space adjustment. The Lexus Climate Concierge intelligent air-conditioning system can adjust temperature according to different seating positions, and the 21-speaker Lexus Premium sound system delivers outstanding audio quality, further enhancing the driving and riding experience.

In terms of space performance, the vehicle measures 5125mm in length, 1890mm in width, and 1940mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3000mm, ensuring ample interior space. The legroom for second-row passengers exceeds two fists, with headroom of one and a half fists, allowing even passengers standing at 180cm tall to sit comfortably. The third-row legroom remains at one fist, with headroom also at one fist when the second-row seats are adjusted appropriately, meeting the short-distance seating needs of adults. Regarding storage, the front central armrest box is spacious, and door panel storage compartments can hold two bottles of mineral water; cup holders and storage slots are provided beside the second-row seats, with the third row also equipped with cup holders and power outlets, maximizing practicality.

For dynamic driving, the LM350h is equipped with a 2.5L naturally aspirated engine and a permanent magnet synchronous motor hybrid system, delivering a combined power of 186.4kW (253.5PS) and paired with an E-CVT transmission. During startup, the electric motor drives the vehicle, offering quick and smooth responses with no fuel vehicle jolts; when accelerating, the engine intervenes promptly, providing linear power output with an official 0-100km/h acceleration time of 9.1 seconds, making everyday overtaking effortless. Switching to sport mode enhances throttle response, delivering more direct power output, though the overall experience remains predominantly smooth.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel feels moderate in weight, with minimal play and precise directionality; the suspension adopts a front MacPherson strut and rear double wishbone independent setup, tuned for comfort. When driving over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension effectively absorbs vibrations, maintaining a stable body posture. At high speeds, the vehicle remains stable without feeling floaty; when cornering, body roll is controlled within a reasonable range, aligning with the positioning of an MPV. Fuel efficiency is excellent, with an official combined fuel consumption of 5.5L/100km. In actual test drives, urban road fuel consumption is about 6.2L/100km, while highway fuel consumption is around 5.0L/100km, which far outperforms the same class of fuel MPVs in terms of fuel economy.

In terms of driving comfort, the vehicle offers excellent noise insulation, with almost no electric motor noise audible at low speeds, and wind and tire noise kept to a minimum at high speeds. The seat padding is soft yet sufficiently supportive, making long durations of sitting non-fatiguing. Even third-row passengers benefit from independent air conditioning outlets and power ports, demonstrating thoughtful design in every detail.

Overall, the 2024 Lexus LM Alphard 7-seater version has outstanding core strengths: a smooth and fuel-efficient hybrid system, luxurious interiors with rich features, flexible and practical space, and excellent noise insulation. Compared to its peer, the Toyota Alphard, the LM350h excels in luxury and features. For instance, the 21-speaker sound system and the Lexus Climate Concierge system are unique to this model. On the other hand, compared to the Mercedes-Benz V-Class, while its brand value is slightly lower, it is more affordable and boasts better fuel efficiency.

This vehicle suits two groups of people: first, business users who value luxury and comfort, as it creates a prestigious impression when receiving clients; second, families with multiple members, as its flexible 7-seater design and low fuel consumption meet the needs of daily commuting and long-distance travel. If you’re looking for an MPV that balances luxury, utility, and fuel economy, the LM350h is worth considering—it is not the sportiest, but it is undoubtedly one of the most comfortable and worry-free options in its class.