The Lexus LM Gets You More Than Just the VIP Experience

I enjoy driving as much as the next guy, but sometimes, even I have to admit that it feels good to sit as a passenger once in a while, especially on long road trips.

When Lexus pitched a quick weekend getaway to a secluded mountain resort in Batangas aboard the Lexus LM, it was an easy yes. I have sat behind the wheel of the LM before but have always been curious about what it feels like just to chill in the back of the carmaker’s luxurious MPV.

I was about to find out.

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The journey started at my doorstep, where a chauffeur-driven Lexus LM 350h showed up at the appointed time to whisk me away to Coi Resort and Spa in the mountains of Calaca, about two hours away. The idea was to spend a couple of days doing very little. The Lexus simply extended that experience from the road to the resort.

There was cold water and some snacks waiting as I slid into one of the two captain’s seats in the rear. Each has its own power adjustment, footrest, heating, ventilation and massage functions. The seats can recline almost fully down, and it’s controlled using a digital handset built right into the armrest.

I spent the first part of the journey figuring out the controls. I could adjust the temperature, seat position, lighting, and other functions without having to reach forward or ask the driver to change anything. It might sound like a small thing, but having everything literally at the tip of my fingers really changes the way I settled into the space. After finding the ideal cabin temperature and seatback incline, I started trying to figure out the entertainment system

The handset also controls a foldable screen that can connect to the passenger’s own device and cast video streaming content. After a few tries, I finally got to work and before I knew it, I was watching Mortal Kombat 2 on the screen as my driver continued on our way to our destination.

At some point, though, I fell asleep, thanks to the reclining seat, the leg support, the quiet cabin and the steady movement of the car. But that was exactly the point: the LM is for people who’d like to make land travel as comfortable as possible.

By the time we arrived at Coi Resort and Spa in Calaca, the sky was a steely gray and it was threatening to rain any minute. Tucked into the mountains, the property is inspired by modern Japanese ryokans and is for those looking for a real weekend escape that’s not too far from the city. I didn’t see any other guests, there was no crowded lobby, and no packed pool area. We were whisked straight into the living room that looked out into an infinity pool and green mountains further out. There was no itinerary other than to enjoy the amenities, and that was exactly what I intended to do.

The experience made me think about what luxury actually means when you're neck-deep in work on most days. Sometimes, it’s not about having more things, but having more time to enjoy the things you already have and maybe having fewer things to worry about.

A vehicle like the Lexus LM contributed to that feeling. One may be attracted to the rush and excitement of driving, but the experience of sitting back and letting someone else take the wheel while you concentrate on relaxing is, perhaps, the best definition of luxury mobility. The rear cabin provides a comfortable place to sit, watch something, adjust my surroundings at precisely my own specifications, and, eventually, fall sleep.

It was the same at the resort, where the quiet surroundings, fresh mountain air, and deliberately slow pace made it possible to spend an entire weekend without worrying about what I had to do next.

It was pretty much the same experience on the trip back home. The driver cheerfully picked us up at check-out and made sure the drive was as smooth and pleasant as possible. I knew it was just a taste of what the LM offered, but I certainly felt like I knew exactly what an LM owner was getting: peace, comfort, and a VIP experience each and every time.