Lexus Halts Bookings For LM 350h Due To Supply Challenges
One would have watched celebrities travelling in this ultra luxurious MPV Lexus LM 350h . But the company has announced a temporary halt in the bookings of LM 350h from 21 September 2024. The luxury arm of Toyota, Lexus launched the LM 350h in India earlier in March this year at a starting price tag of Rs 2 crore. The reason cited by the company is the ongoing challenges in supply chain and a high demand. Bookings for Lexus LM 350h in India began in August 2023 and reached 100 units within the first month.
The carmaker, however, hasn’t revealed exact number of bookings made for the LM 350h. Essentially a rebadged Toyota Vellfire, the luxury MPV is available in two iterations– a seven-seater and a four-seater– the latter priced at Rs 2.5 crore (ex-showroom). The LM stands for “luxury mover”.
First launched in 2020, this was the first major update to the LM 350h after making its debut at the 2023 Auto Expo. On the face of it, the design and outer body shell is the same as the Vellfire. However, the LM 350h gets Lexus treatment such as faux grille impression courtesy of 3-D elements. Slim LED headlamp clusters and boomerang-shaped DRLs flank a sleek radiator grille.
The interiors scream opulence especially the four-seater variant. The MPV is loaded to the gills with features such as armrest and Ottoman heaters, separate front/rear audio output system, rear climate concierge, see-saw handle switch power sliding door switch, a refrigerator, and a removable remote panel which controls all functions for rear seats. At the driver’s cockpit, it gets a 14-inch touchscreen system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and an infrared ray sensor for climate control.
The Lexus LM 350h is powered by 2.5-litre inline 4-cylinder hybrid powertrain which generates a peak output of 246 bhp. The powertrain features a low-resistance nickel-metal hydride battery that draws energy from the ICE engine and delivers to the twin-electric motor. The front gets a 134kW motor and the rear gets a 40kW unit which gets activated in low-grip or acceleration scenarios.
The Lexus LM 350h offers an array of features designed to enhance passenger comfort and safety. These include a digital inside rearview mirror, blind-spot monitoring, dynamic radar cruise control, and lane departure alert with steering assist. Other safety technologies like Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), automatic high beams, and Safe Exit Assist (SEA) and more.
While the halt in bookings may make potential buyers unhappy but Lexus India is working diligently to resolve supply chain challenges and meet customer expectations.
