Lexus prices LBX Morizo RR

A CAR Lexus claims is its most performance orientated compact luxury model ever – the LBX Morizo RR – will arrive in Australian showrooms from the first half of next year priced from $76,490 plus on-road costs.

The Japanese luxury importer says the model offers a new take on its Lexus Driving Signature, offering a confidence-inspiring ride that responds “faithful to the driver’s input by injecting a dose of turbocharged adrenaline”.

Sharing its G16E-GTS powerplant with the Toyota GR Corolla and GR Yaris, the Lexus LBX Morizo RR features a 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine developing 206kW at 6500rpm and 390Nm from 3250-4600rpm.

Drive is channelled to all four wheels via an eight-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission Lexus says features close gear ratios for “swift yet smooth acceleration”. The transmission also offers drivers manual mode via steering wheel mounted paddles for “greater direct driver involvement when the mood arises”.

A zero to 100km/h acceleration time of 5.2 seconds is listed in official documents.

The Lexus LBX Morizo RR measures 4190mm in length (unchanged), 1840mm in width (+15mm), 1535mm in height (-25mm), and rides on a 2580mm wheelbase (unchanged).

It tips the scale at 1485kg, 70kg more than the donor model.

The LBX Morizo RR features what Lexus claims is a world-first technology using thermoset resin in the front lower control arms to enhance steering response and feel across all speeds and driving conditions.

It is stiffer than the donor model, and widened to incorporate the AWD running gear, lowered double wishbone suspension (-10mm), and “impressive braking performance” from two-piece 356mm rotors clasped by four-piston monobloc callipers up front and single piston 281mm rotors at the rear.

On the design front, the Lexus LBX Morizo RR sports its own aerodynamic enhancements including unique front and rear bumper designs, bespoke grille, colour-coded wheel arch extensions, accentuated sill covers, and red-painted brake callipers.

Interior highlights include sculptured sport seats with contrasting red stitching, sports steering wheel wrapped in dimpled leather, a 12.3-inch display screen and aluminium pedals.

Other equipment highlights include 19-inch alloy wheels, black leather-accented upholstery with contrasting red stitching, and multi-mode exhaust and intake systems.

“The LBX Morizo RR is a performance Lexus you can drive, and live with, every day. Unquestionably,” said Lexus Australia chief executive John Pappas.

“It is faithful to the Lexus ‘yet’ approach: creating cars that are rewarding yet luxurious to drive and stirring yet sophisticated in the way they deliver thrills.

“The LBX Morizo RR is the ultimate expression of the Lexus Driving Signature in small car form, setting a new benchmark for genuine performance and luxury.”

The Lexus LBX Morizo will compete within the SUV Small over $45K segment where it will challenge the likes of the Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce (from $78,500 +ORC), Audi SQ2 (from $70,800 +ORC), BMW X1 M35i (from $90,900 +ORC), and Genesis GV60 Performance (from $100,384 +ORC).

Further details of the LBX Morizo RR will be made available closer to its Australian launch in the first half of 2025.

2025 Lexus LBX pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.