It appears that Lexus is readying a new luxury MPV that will be unveiled at the 2019 Shanghai Auto Show next month. The bedazzled “Lexus Alphard” has been rumoured since October last year, when Lexus Manila president said “a Lexus version of the Toyota Alphard is actually on my wish list.”
To lend credence on the matter, Lexus Taiwan has taken to its Facebook page to post the photo above, along with a message entitled “the luxury of space.” The post, when translated, added: “How does Lexus jump off the limits of transportation? When the vehicle is upgraded to personal private space.” Sounds like an MPV, no?
The teaser image is further evidence, showing headlights in a similar shape to the Alphard’s – albeit with Lexus’ signature arrow-shaped daytime running lights – that flank the spindle grille. The new MPV could wear the newly-trademarked LM badge in LM 350 and LM 300h trims, as reported by Lexus Enthusiast last year.
Engine options should remain the same as the Alphard, which consists of a 300 PS 2GR-FKE 3.5 litre direct-injected V6 as well as a Hybrid model powered by a 150 hp 2.5 litre Atkinson-cycle engine, a 141 hp electric motor and a 67 hp rear motor. Both these powertrains are already used on current Lexus models.
If this piece of news turns out to be true, then expect Lexus to select several markets – particularly in Asia – with which demand for high-end MPVs like the Alphard is high. What do you think?
GALLERY: 2018 Toyota Alphard 3.5 Executive Lounge in Malaysia
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Wait. Alphard is a minivan? So how big is an actual van?
Minivan is just another term for MPV.
Wonder how they gonna stuck a v12 into that alpard bonnet
finally something’s that can differentiate from the crowd, there are just too many secondhand and record unit of Toyota alphard, this one even recons unit won’t be cheap also, rich pipu will buy it and be driven
It is RX facelift, both 5 seaters and lengthened 7seaters
Alphard already RM400,000. Velfire already RM500,000. How much would this Lexus-fied Alphard will be priced? A bungalow?
It’s less in japan
This will distinguish the class between the real money king and the acah acah money king.
Alphard rebadge to Lexus, tambah luxury here there.
Fanbois chant All Hail Toyota, All Hail Godcar.
Other brands do rebadge, Toyota Fanbois kutuk, maki hamun, condemn kau². Blardy hypocrites.
April Fool kah???
Hi PT.org. ‘An MPV’ not ‘a MPV’ (2nd Para, last line)