Lexus strikes hard with a supercharged version of its LBX urban SUV. Called the Morizo RR, this impressive model borrows its engine from the Toyota GR Corolla to deliver sports car-like performance in a compact package. A bold move that could well redefine segment standards.
A muscular design for an extraordinary SUV
The Lexus LBX Morizo RR doesn’t go unnoticed. Its aggressive appearance and enlarged proportions immediately assert its sporting ambitions. The brand’s signature trapezoidal grille takes on impressive dimensions here, blending into the air intakes of the special front bumper.
The wheel arches have been widened by 15 mm to accommodate 19″ forged wheels, while black plastic elements highlight the rocker panels. The matching roof and mirror caps add to the dynamic look. At the rear, the dual exhaust tailpipes integrated into the bumper leave no doubt as to the potential of this small SUV.
A sporty heart under the hood
Lexus made the bold choice of installing the engine of the Toyota GR Corollaa sports car unfortunately absent from the European market. The engine is a 3-cylinder 1.6 turbo unit developing no less than 305 hp and a maximum torque of 400 Nm.
Two transmissions are available: a 6-speed manual gearbox for purists, or an 8-speed automatic for those who prefer comfort. Weight varies slightly according to the option chosen, with 1,440 kg for the manual version and 1,470 kg for the automatic.
All-wheel drive comes as standard, enabling the LBX Morizo RR to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds. Impressive performance for a vehicle of this size, rivaling established sports cars.
A chassis optimized for power
To master this cavalry, Lexus has given the LBX’s chassis a thorough overhaul. The suspension has been completely redesigned with a sporty outlook, offering a compromise between roadholding and comfort suited to demanding everyday use.
The braking system has also been resized to cope with the increased performance. Larger-diameter discs and reinforced calipers ensure powerful, long-lasting braking, essential for exploiting the vehicle’s full potential on both road and track.
Lexus DNA preserved despite sporting ambitions
If the LBX Morizo RR clearly displays its sporting pretensions, it is nevertheless a Lexus. The interior retains the same level of finish and comfort typical of the Japanese brand. The materials used are of the highest quality, with particular attention paid to ergonomics and soundproofing.
Sport seats offer excellent lateral support without sacrificing long-distance comfort. The state-of-the-art multimedia system and numerous driving aids are a reminder that this vehicle is first and foremost designed for multi-purpose use, capable of satisfying both daily commutes and sporting weekend escapades.
A unique philosophy expressed by its designer
Kunihiko Endo, project chief engineer Lexus LBX Morizo RRexplains the vision that guided the development of this atypical model: “With the standard LBX, we wanted to transcend traditional hierarchies based on size, offering casual luxury that allows those who appreciate authenticity to reconnect with their true selves, driving with ease and confidence.”
He continues: “For the LBX Morizo RR, our goal was to create a vehicle adored by true car enthusiasts like Morizo, a fellow traveler who engages deeply with the sensory pleasures of sound and smell, and ultimately makes them smile.”
This statement perfectly illustrates the ambition of Lexus to create a vehicle capable of arousing genuine emotion in its driver, beyond mere performance figures.
An uncertain future for the European market
For the time being, the Lexus LBX Morizo RR is exclusively reserved for the Japanese market. It is not excluded that it will be marketed in other countries in the future, potentially as a limited edition to preserve its exclusive character.
Japanese enthusiasts will even be entitled to an even more exclusive version: the Lexus LBX Morizo RR ‘Bespoke Build. Limited to just 100 examples, this edition will only be available through a lottery system, further reinforcing its status as a potential collector’s item.
A daring gamble for Lexus
With the LBX Morizo RR, Lexus takes the risk of shaking up the established codes of the compact SUV segment. By injecting the DNA of a true sports car into an urban format, the Japanese brand is demonstrating its ability to innovate and surprise.
This model could well pave the way for a new category of vehicles, combining everyday practicality with sports car-like performance. It remains to be seen whether the European public will have the chance to discover this explosive cocktail, and whether other manufacturers will follow Lexus’ lead.
In any case, the LBX Morizo RR has already established itself as a fascinating automotive object, symbolizing the know-how and audacity of the Japanese automotive industry.
