Lexus LM 400h Trademark Filing: A New Hybrid Minivan Variant

Lexus might be expanding its LM luxury minivan range. The company has filed a trademark for "LM 400h," hinting at a new hybrid variant that would slot between the current LM 350h and LM 500h.

The LM is based on the Toyota Alphard, but its trim and positioning are a step above. The first-generation LM launched in 2019 and found particular success in Asia, especially China. The second generation switched entirely to hybrid powertrains.

Today, the lineup starts with the LM 350h, which uses a 2.5-liter hybrid system. The top-tier LM 500h features a more powerful 2.4-liter turbo hybrid. An LM 400h could fill the gap for buyers who want more than the base model but don't need the cost or performance of the 500h.

Based on naming logic, this is likely a conventional hybrid, not a plug-in. Lexus typically uses a plus sign for plug-in models, like 450h+. So if the LM 400h reaches production, it would probably get a standard HEV system.

Of course, trademark filings don't guarantee a launch. Toyota and Lexus often register prospective names early to block competitors. Still, the idea of a mid-range variant makes sense: the luxury minivan segment is growing, and buyers in this class want to choose not just interior appointments but also powertrain options.

The question of the US market remains open. In Asia, the VIP-minivan format is well established—more space, configurable seats, and quiet comfort trump traditional sedans. In America, minivans are still mostly seen as family haulers. But if Lexus decides to position the LM as a mobile business lounge, a 400h version could add useful flexibility to the lineup.