THE MOST PERFORMANCE ORIENTATED compact luxury Lexus ever – the Lexus LBX Morizo RR – will be priced from $76,490 plus on-road costs when it arrives in the first half of 2025.
The LBX Morizo RR offers a new take on the Lexus Driving Signature of confidence-inspiring vehicle responses faithful to the driver’s input by injecting a dose of turbocharged adrenaline.
The crowning addition to the recently-launched LBX lineup features a high-output 1.6-litre intercooled turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine – a Lexus first – producing 206kW of power at 6500rpm and 390Nm of torque from 3250 to 4600rpm.
Together with dynamic all-wheel-drive, limited-slip differential and eye-catching sports styling, the LBX Morizo RR is set to disrupt the order by redefining small car performance luxury, says Lexus Australia Chief Executive John Pappas.
“The LBX Morizo RR is a performance Lexus you can drive, and live with, every day. Unquestionably.
“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,” Mr Pappas said.
“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 LBX Morizo’s sonorous engine note ignites the senses courtesy of a specially developed dual-tip exhaust system, featuring a secondary intake duct which opens at high speeds to enhance output, and then closes at lower speeds to provide luxury quietness.
Power is delivered via a newly developed Direct Shift eight-speed automatic transmission, featuring close-ratio gears for swift yet smooth acceleration. Manual mode and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters allow for greater direct driver involvement when the mood arises.
High levels of grip and responsiveness are provided by the electronically controlled full-time all-wheel-drive system with rear Torsen limited-slip differential, which precisely distributes front-rear torque to help reduce understeer and provide dynamic responses faithful to driver input.
The LBX Morizo RR sits 10 mm lower than Luxury and Sorts Luxury grades, reducing its centre of gravity to further promote the Lexus Driving Signature.
Impressive stopping comes from aluminium monobloc four-piston calipers matched to 356mm x 28mm two-piece ventilated discs at the front, with floating single-piston calipers and 281mm x 12mm solid discs at the rear.
Building on the LBX’s compact exterior design, the Morizo RR takes performance-inspired styling to the next level with exclusive 19-inch alloy wheels, along with aerodynamic upgrades including a new front bumper and vertical fins on the rear.
Inside, the Morizo RR brings signature Takumi craftsmanship with high quality materials, superb fit and finish and unique sporting character with black leather-accented sports front seats, shift knob and dimpled steering wheel with contrast red stitching.
The word Morizo is the name given by Global Chairman Akio Toyoda to favourite vehicles he has helped develop – cars he would like to keep in his personal garage.
The LBX urban SUV has been exceptionally well received by customers since launching in March. A high number of LBXs are being delivered each month while Lexus continues to hold a strong order bank.
Further details of the LBX Morizo RR will be available closer to its Australian launch in the first half of 2025.
2025 Lexus LBX Morizo RR pricing
| LBX Morizo RR | $76,490 |
| LBX Morizo RR with Two-Tone Paint | $78,240 |
Both prices plus on road costs