Skoda Scala vs Lexus LM

What's the difference?

VS
Skoda Scala
Skoda Scala

$32,490 - $43,890

2025 price

Lexus LM
Lexus LM

2024 price

Summary

2025 Skoda Scala
2024 Lexus LM
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Turbo 3, 1.0L

Inline 4, 2.5L
Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded/Electric
Fuel Efficiency
5.4L/100km (combined)

5.5L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

7
Dislikes
  • Sporadic wireless phone mirroring
  • Not as fun as its rivals with outputs
  • Older looking exterior

  • Third row suits two people not three
  • Limited luggage space
  • It’s an expensive people mover
2025 Skoda Scala Summary

The new Skoda Scala brings a trim line-up of just two models and the features list for both have been reshuffled with a little pruning here and a few welcome additions there.

The Select 85TSI on test for this review replaces the former Ambition base variant and offers very competitive pricing considering its European roots.

You would be forgiven, though, if the Skoda Scala was not the first make and model that came to mind in your new hatchback hunt. But with its minor facelift and a boot capacity that rivals medium SUVs, maybe it should be on the list.

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2024 Lexus LM Summary

Most people that are wealthy enough to be ferried around in a car or limo choose a long luxurious sedan like a Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series or a Lexus LS. Of course, there are now also SUVs that are used for the same purpose.

But what about a plush people mover? There are very few of these available in Australia and they don’t sell in huge numbers. But Lexus believes there is a market for such a model and it has just launched the big and bold LM. The hybrid-only range is a unique proposition and the LM should hold appeal for limo and tourism operators, and larger cashed-up families

This initial launch drive was a slightly different format to usual. Given the intended use of the lounge-like model, Lexus arranged for us to be collected in the LM by a chauffeur and ferried from Melbourne to the Mornington Peninsula. From there we got behind the wheel for a brief drive, but many of my impressions will focus on the passenger cabin experience.

Note too that the LM500h does not land until early 2024, so we only sampled the LM350h AWD.

So jump aboard and let’s see if this Lexus can do everything the LS can do - and maybe even a little bit more.

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Skoda Scala 2024 Lexus LM

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