Verdict
The RM312,000 price gap is decisive: the Lexus LM costs RM1,228,000 and carries RM835 annual road tax, against RM1,540,000 and RM2,352 for the Lexus LX. Both seat seven, but the LM is a 5,125-mm MPV with a 3,000-mm wheelbase and a 1,890-mm width, so it is the more sensible chauffeur-oriented choice for Malaysian urban use. The LX answers with 415 hp, 650 Nm, all-wheel drive and a 6.5-second 0-100 km/h time. Buy its muscle only if you will use it.
Pick the Lexus LM if you want seven seats, a 3,000-mm wheelbase and RM312,000 left in hand rather than the LX’s power advantage.
Pick the Lexus LX if 415 hp, 650 Nm, all-wheel drive and a 6.5-second 0-100 km/h time matter more than the higher purchase price and road tax.
Key differences
- Price: Lexus LM RM1,228,000; Lexus LX RM1,540,000.
- Annual road tax: Lexus LM RM835; Lexus LX RM2,352.
- Engine capacity: Lexus LM 2,494 cc; Lexus LX 3,445 cc.
- Engine output: Lexus LM 188 hp and 236 Nm; Lexus LX 415 hp and 650 Nm.
- Driveline: Lexus LM front-wheel drive; Lexus LX all-wheel drive.
- Dimensions: Lexus LM 5,125 mm long, 1,890 mm wide and 3,000 mm wheelbase; Lexus LX 5,100 mm long, 1,990 mm wide and 2,850 mm wheelbase.
LM
- RM312,000 cheaper to buy.
- RM835 annual road tax versus RM2,352.
- 3,000-mm wheelbase and a body 100 mm narrower than the LX.
- 188 hp and 236 Nm trail the LX’s 415 hp and 650 Nm.
- Front-wheel drive instead of the LX’s all-wheel drive.
LX
- 415 hp and 650 Nm from its 3,445-cc hybrid powertrain.
- All-wheel drive and a 10-speed automatic.
- 6.5-second 0-100 km/h time.
- Costs RM312,000 more than the LM.
- RM2,352 annual road tax is RM1,517 higher.
- 2,850-mm wheelbase is 150 mm shorter than the LM’s.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM1,228,000✓ | RM1,540,000 |
| Body type | MPV | SUV |
| Segment | Executive | Luxury |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM835✓ | RM2,352 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated, Atkinson cycle with variable valve timing | 24-valve DOHC, twin-turbocharged with direct fuel injection, variable valve timing and electric hybrid module |
| Capacity | 2,494 cc | 3,445 cc |
| Horsepower | 188 hp | 415 hp✓ |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 650 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Number of Motors | 1 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 180 hp✓ | 49 hp |
| Motor Torque | 270 Nm✓ | 250 Nm |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | eCVT Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | E-CVT | — |
| Gears | — | 10 |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | — | 6.5 seconds |
| Rated Economy | — | 10 L/100 km |
| Top Speed | — | 210 km/h |
| Co2 | — | 227 g/km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,125 mm | 5,100 mm |
| Width | 1,890 mm | 1,990 mm |
| Height | 1,955 mm | 1,885 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,000 mm | 2,850 mm |
| Weight | — | 2,840 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 60 litres | — |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 7 | 7 |
| Boot Space | 110 litres | — |
| Front Tyre | 225/55R19 | 265/50 R22 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/55R19 | 265/50 R22 |
| Spare Tyre | Tyre Repair Kit | — |
| Factory Tyres | Michelin Primacy SUV+ | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | — |
| Rear Suspension | Double Wishbones | — |
| Front Wheels | 19" Multi-spoke Mesh Aluminium Alloys | — |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Multi-spoke Mesh Aluminium Alloys | — |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | — |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | — |
| Stability Control | ✓ | — |
| Alarm | ✓ | — |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | — |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | — |
| Seat Belts | 7 Three-point | — |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | — |
| ISOFIX | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats | — |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | — |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | — |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector with Adaptive High Beam and Sequential Indicators | — |
| Taillamps | Full LED with Sequential Indicators | — |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | — |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | 18-way Power Adjustable Front Seats with Memory Function, Ventilated | — |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding Middle Row, 50:50 Split-folding Last Row with Power Fold | — |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control with Lexus Climate Concierge | — |
| Rear Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System with Lexus Climate Concierge | — |
| Sunroof | Rear Panoramic Roof | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front 12-volt, 4 Front USB, 2 Rear USB | — |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | — |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Middle Row, 4 Last Row | — |
| Sun Shade | Powered rear sun shade and rear door window shades | — |
| Audio | 14" Lexus Premium Audio Touchscreen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and 10 Speakers | — |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | — |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | — |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | — |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go | — |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | — |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | — |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | — |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot with Contactless Opening | — |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | — |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with Surround View Camera | — |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | — |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Power Door | Power Sliding with Soft-close Function, One-touch Auto Close, Anti-pinch | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | — |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | — |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | — |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used LM & LX for sale
LM vs LX FAQ
Is the Lexus LM or Lexus LX better?
The Lexus LM is better for the buyer prioritising a lower RM1,228,000 entry price, RM835 road tax and a 3,000-mm wheelbase. The Lexus LX is better if its 415 hp, 650 Nm, all-wheel drive and 6.5-second sprint are essential.
What is the price difference?
The Lexus LX costs RM312,000 more than the Lexus LM: RM1,540,000 versus RM1,228,000.
Which Lexus is easier to place in tight Malaysian parking spaces?
The Lexus LM is 1,890 mm wide, making it 100 mm narrower than the 1,990-mm Lexus LX. The LM is also 25 mm longer, so the LX has the shorter body but the wider footprint.
