The Lexus LM might be a relatively common sight on our roads, but unless it wears a Lexus Malaysia number plate holder, it’s likely a converted Toyota Alphard. Parallel imported units are extremely rare, most are converted Alphards advertised as LMs.

Today, Alphard-to-LM conversions can be done for between RM 10,000 to RM 20,000. More expensive conversion kits will include the chrome blade on the sliding door: the most obvious differentiator between a cheap kit and a properly done conversion / original Lexus LM.

The Lexus LM was first launched in Malaysia in April 2021, then priced at RM 1.148 million, for the sole LM 350 variant. Despite the price, nearly every unit that arrived from Japan, has a buyer waiting. A total of 34 units were sold during the model’s three-year run.

Now in its second generation, Lexus Malaysia has expanded the LM’s range to two variants, both hybrids: the 7-seater LM 350h and 4-seater LM 500h.

The RM 1.228 million LM 350h comes with three-row seats, front-wheel drive, and is powered by a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated hybrid engine. The RM 1.468 million two-row seats LM 500h swaps seat count for the ultimate in first-class travel. It comes with all-wheel drive and a 2.4-litre turbocharged hybrid engine.

Even before the model was launched, several Malaysian tycoons had already paid their bookings for one and within one month after its launch in May 2024, Lexus Malaysia had collected nearly 20 orders. Of those early buyers, five Malaysian tycoons have taken delivery of their cars (as of June 2024), raising the cumulative total units of Lexus LM in Malaysia to 39 units.

The second-generation Lexus LM has a different roofline and D-pillar from the Alphard, making it much more difficult to convert an Alphard into an LM, thus securing its exclusivity. Of course, cheap conversion kits from China will eventually make its way here, but you will know the real deal when you see one.