WionDrive News Desk 
Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota, has made a significant announcement regarding its LM 350h model in India. As of September 21, 2024, the company has temporarily suspended bookings for this high-end vehicle. This decision comes just months after the LM 350h’s initial launch in the Indian market, which took place in March of the same year. At its introduction, the starting price for this luxury MPV was set at an impressive INR 2 crore (ex-showroom).
The primary factors behind this pause in bookings are twofold- ongoing supply chain disruptions and a substantial backlog of existing orders. These challenges have prompted Lexus to take this step to manage customer expectations and ensure they can fulfill current commitments before accepting new ones. However, the exact number of bookings already received for the LM 350h has not been disclosed by the company.
It’s worth noting that the Lexus LM 350h is essentially a more luxurious version of the Toyota Vellfire, offering two distinct seating configurations. Customers can choose between a seven-seater option and an even more exclusive four-seater variant, with the latter commanding a premium price of INR 2.5 crore (ex-showroom). The “LM” in the model name stands for “luxury mover,” aptly describing its position in the market.
The LM 350h’s design and features showcase Lexus’s commitment to luxury and innovation. While it shares its basic structure with the Toyota Vellfire, Lexus has added its own distinctive touches. The front end, for instance, features a faux grille impression created by 3-D elements, complemented by slim LED headlamps and boomerang-shaped daytime running lights (DRLs) flanking a sleek radiator grille.
Inside, the LM 350h truly lives up to its luxury designation, particularly in its four-seater configuration. The vehicle is equipped with an array of high-end features, including armrest and Ottoman heaters, a separate front/rear audio output system, a rear climate concierge, power sliding doors with see-saw handle switches, a refrigerator, and a removable remote panel that gives rear-seat passengers control over various functions. The driver’s area is equally impressive, boasting a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as an infrared ray sensor for climate control.
Under the hood, the Lexus LM 350h is powered by a sophisticated hybrid powertrain. It combines a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine with electric motors to produce a total system output of 246 bhp. The hybrid system utilises a low-resistance nickel-metal hydride battery that efficiently captures energy from the internal combustion engine and distributes it to the electric motors. The front axle is equipped with a 134kW motor, while the rear features a 40kW unit that activates in situations requiring additional traction or during acceleration.
