Make Every Sip Count
The handsome Lexus LM 350 redefines style, comfort when on the move
If Covid-19 has increased your wine intake, understandable; but this should not start you on scrimping on quality
We often look to distant places or exotic destinations to feel special and pampered. We dine out, travel and seek exceptional hotels to enjoy the beautiful spaces they’ve created. In these pursuits, travelling to a destination is part of the pampering experience. I relish the moments when I would sit in a Business or First-Class Cabin and enjoy “me-time” watching movies, eating curated meals and guiltlessly drinking champagne or wine by myself while relaxing in my seat.
When challenges to engage in such activities were brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, many of us started feeling deprived of these little luxuries. I soon realised that there’s no need to wait for that vacation or special occasion to indulge and feel pampered. We can purposely create spaces of luxury around us and feel special every day.
When I started working from home more often, I created a luxury space for my work area. I put together an ergonomic chair, a dark mahogany desk, a portable massager that I can put on my back or on my shoulders. I also kept a container of snacks and a refrigerator within my reach.
Part of my regular workweek, however, still entailed travelling to and from the office or going to in-person meetings. When I needed a weekend break, I would travel by road to accessible destinations. These car trips, short or long, made me think about ways to make my trips feel more special. I would bring a pillow and recline my car seat to the maximum extent possible. Sometimes I would bring a book to read, or a video to watch for longer car rides. I continued to think of ways to make my car rides more pleasing.
Then I met the Lexus LM 350.
“I felt a sense of awe when I got into the LM 350 and saw its generous cabin space”
A first glance at the Lexus LM 350 can be deceiving. I didn’t get the wow factor I normally get beholding a Rolls Royce, Bentley, or those long limousines that can fit a bedroom. The exterior of the LM 350 first reminded me of the Alphard, but a closer look reveals its subtle elegance. The Lexus Spindle grille captures attention to the front. The sculpted sides flow continuously to the back with L-shaped taillights emphasising the LM 350’s wide stance. The overall sleekness evokes the Lexus L-design philosophy that unites incisive simplicity, elegance and seamless anticipation.
I felt a sense of awe when I got into the LM 350 and saw its generous cabin space. This was reminiscent of my first experience entering an Airbus A380, which looked like other planes from the outside but inside were large FirstClass seats that fully reclined to a bed, equipped with its own mini-bar, vanity mirror, standing lamp and partitioning doors. When I needed to stretch my legs, there was an onboard serviced bar that had standing areas and lounge seats. Memories of my A380 experience were triggered by the LM 350’s atmosphere of an airplane’s First-Class cabin and my longing for airline travel.
The 7-seater LM 350 has two large Ottoman leather seats in the front. The interior floor is lined with velour carpet. The front row armrests have a control panel that allows seat adjustment, including the ability to fully recline the back support and lift the leg-rest (just like a La-Z-Boy at home or a Business/First Class Seat on a plane). There are large cupholders and a foldable table, which makes eating or working during a car ride very convenient. One thing I wish the seats had was easy access to a plug to charge my phone and other devices. I searched but didn’t find any charging outlets in the front row.
For entertainment, there is a 13.3-inch retractable television in front of the rear seats which can be navigated with a remote control. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson system provides high-quality listening experience. In terms of connectivity, the LM 350 is enabled with Apple Carplay and Android Auto and Bluetooth capability.
When passengers want to relax and sit quietly, a moonroof can be opened to view the sky or catch some sun.
More than being luxurious, the LM 350 is also practical. There’s plenty of cabin storage for bags and other items on either side of the cabin. The seats can be reconfigured based on specific travel needs. Sliding doors can open and close by themselves with one press of a button; passenger entry and exit easy is easy with assist grips and side steps.
I felt pampered with the 7-seater, but there were other luxurious features that I missed-out on. Apparently, the 4-seater LM 350 has massage chairs with seven massage options and five levels of pressure. The 4-seater also has a refrigerator and a much larger 26-inch television. Its sound system is upgraded to a 19-speaker Mark Levinson.
While the LM 350 was clearly designed to give passengers an incredible riding experience, the LM 350 can be enjoyed by drivers too. The driver’s seat has semi-aniline leather upholstery (the same for the passenger Ottoman chairs) and a power 8-way seat adjuster. The steering wheel is crafted with leather and wood.
A powerful 2GR-FKS gas engine delivers driving pleasure with 296 horsepower, 6-cylinder V-type, 24-valve, and 8-speed automatic transmission. Fuel tank capacity is at 75-litres, which could cover long distances for out-oftown trips.
A suite of safety features comes standard for the LM 350 such as hill-start assist, anti-lock brake system, vehicle stability control, traction control, clearance and reverse sections, back guide monitor, clearance and reverse sensors, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, rain sensor wipers and tire pressure monitoring system.
Lexus engineered the LM 350 to be the most comfortable and luxurious model in its segment. From experience, I can say Lexus was able to deliver on this promise. While there are sedans out there that can deliver equal luxury, the LM 350 offers a lot more room (think First/Business Class airline or La-Z-Boy feel), without causing a huge dent on the wallet.
Whenever I yearn to get a luxurious escape, I no longer need to think of going too far away or wait for that special vacation. I can simply hop on the LM 350 and enjoy my own space of luxury, even if I’m just going to the office or taking a ride around the city.