Beyond the character of a minivan used by high-end class
families and friends, which is popular in terms of VIP cars, L-size minivans are becoming more and more important in business situations and as chauffeur cars. Currently, the lineup includes Toyota Alphard/Vellfire, Lexus LM, and Nissan Elgrand. The main one is a 7-seater with 3 rows of seats, and the Alphard/Vellfire and Elgrand also have 8 seats, but LM first introduced a 4-seater specification in Japan, which fully meets the needs of chauffeur cars. Later, a 6-seater specification was added, making it a model that can be used not only in business situations but also with families. In addition, the Alphard/Vellfire PHEV, which will be the first PHEV of a minivan, is also mainly a 6-seater, and a 4-seater version is now available on the Alphard PHEV as a special equipment. The LM's 4-seat specification has a lot of special features for family use, such as the front and rear seats are completely partitioned, and the 4-seat version of the Alphard PHEV also has limited seat arrangements.
If you are looking for ease from the perspective of family use,
where you can choose comfortable specifications as a family car, the "X" grade of Alphard/Vellfire is the best. The second row of seats has a gorgeous image, but this grade uses a 6:4 split chip-up seat and is equipped with convenient equipment such as storage, making it easy to use for the child-rearing generation. If you choose a luxurious executive lounge seat with power reclining, ottoman and folding table, heated seats, relaxation functions, etc., or an executive power seat that is a little simpler from there, it should also be a space to welcome important guests.
It has been announced that the next model of Elgrand will be released in 2026, and it seems that it will be an e-POWER that will be equipped with a 1.5L engine exclusively for power generation. The current powertrain is a 2.5-liter and 3.5-liter gasoline engine, so fuel efficiency is expected to increase significantly. The current Elgrand has a stylish design with a low overall height and stable and powerful driving performance while securing a large interior space. It is a minivan that does not feel uncomfortable even if you use it with your family.
While the LM is particular about the comfort of the rear seats with the natural quietness of a chauffeur car and the "rear comfort mode", it has also refined its driving performance as a driver's car, making it recommended for families with a lot of long drives.
■2.5l HEV (FF/4WD) ■2.5L gasoline vehicle (FF/4WD) *Alphard only ■2.4L turbo vehicle (FF/4WD) *Vellfire only 2.5l PHEV (4WD)
The hero
of luxury minivans that take over the former saloon Although it is an expensive L-size minivan, it is a popular car that sometimes hits monthly sales of more than M-size minivans. The flagship Alphard is luxurious and focuses on ride comfort. The Vellfire has 19-inch tires and improved body rigidity, allowing you to enjoy sporty driving.
The driving performance has been raised to the world standard in
terms of performance and comfort, and the hospitality is full of luxurious equipment centered on the second row is the best in Japan. There is also a PHEV for environmentally conscious users, making it the only minivan capable of driving up to 73 km of EV on a single charge.
■2.4L Turbo HEV (4WD)
The highest model
of domestic minivans LM 6-seat specification with second-row seats like first-class airplanes and overly luxurious third-row seats. In addition, the seat arrangement is surprisingly diverse, such as the 1st & 2nd rows or the 2nd & 3rd rows being fully flat.
■2.5-liter gasoline vehicle (FF/4WD) ■3.5-liter gasoline vehicle (FF/4WD)
It is the original luxury minivan that
can also enjoy driving with a V6 engine, and the current model is a long-seller. We recommend the 7-seater with the captain's seat in the second row. It is comfortable with a seatback folding function and an ottoman that allows for a comfortable posture. The grade equipped with a powerful V6 engine is also valuable.
■2ℓHEV〈FF〉
In addition to the low form and sporty
low-floor and low-center of gravity package, outstanding driving performance with a two-motor hybrid, and a full range of safe driving support functions, it has evolved into a comfortable second-row seat with an electric ottoman and reclining and a large center table. There is also Wi-Fi in the car.
Among the lineup of 1BOX vans, there is a model that is registered as a passenger car. The body type is the same as that of a minivan, such as the pursuit of space efficiency, and the practicality such as loading is high, but advanced functions and comfort equipment are superior to general minivans.
