The Lexus LM is not your typical minivan that you’d see in Vietnam. However, in other Southeast Asian countries like Thailand and Malaysia, this vehicle is quite popular and can be spotted on the roads frequently.
In Malaysia, there are fewer than 40 genuine Lexus LM vehicles, with the rest being Toyota Alphards that have been modified to resemble the Lexus.
It is known that the cost of modifying a Toyota Alphard into a Lexus LM in Malaysia typically ranges from 10,000 to 20,000 ringgit (approximately 56.9 – 113.8 million VND).
The modification primarily involves adding a chrome trim to the sliding door, which is a distinct feature that helps differentiate between the genuine and modified versions.
Moreover, the genuine Lexus LM has a rectangular license plate frame, while the modified Toyota Alphard has a square frame, adhering to the standard for imported vehicles from Japan.
In terms of color options, the Lexus LM is only available in two exterior colors: pearl white and black. So, if you spot a Lexus in any other color, chances are it’s a modified Toyota Alphard.
The Lexus LM first-generation model was introduced in Malaysia in April 2021, with the sole LM 350 variant. At its launch, the vehicle was priced at 1.148 million ringgit (approximately 6.43 billion VND). Despite the hefty price tag, all the units were pre-booked by customers.
In May 2024, the new Lexus LM generation arrived in Malaysia, offering two variants: the LM 350h with a 7-seat configuration (over 7 billion VND) and the LM 500h with a 4-seat layout (8.37 billion VND).
Within a month of its launch, Lexus Malaysia received nearly 20 orders, with 5 vehicles already delivered to their new owners. This brings the total count of Lexus LM vehicles on Malaysian roads (including both old and new models) to 39.
TH (Tuoitrethudo)