Although the LEGO® Super Mario play sets appear to be winding down, the LEGO Group are far from leaving the world of Nintendo’s beloved plumber behind. Before we are treated to the first-ever Mario LEGO minifigures in 2027, the latest LEGO Mario set returns to the track with a second large-scale set inspired by Mario Kart. The set follows in the track of the 18+ Mario Kart set released in 2025, but this time it’s the turn of Mario’s younger brother, Luigi. Here’s an early look at the upcoming LEGO Mario Kart set, Luigi and Mach 8 Kart.
Product Details
Set Name: Mario Kart – Luigi & Mach 8 | Set Number: 72050 | Pieces: 2234 | Theme: Super Mario
Instructions: Paper booklet + Builder App | Sticker: N/A | Minifigures: N/A
RRP: £159.99/179.99€/$179.99/279.99AUD/249.99CAD
Availability: LEGO Stores, LEGO Online & LEGO retailers
When rumours of a second large-scale Mario Kart set featuring Luigi began, it was assumed that it would merely colour swap Mario’s kart and switch Mario for his brother. But it turns out the set is far more than a lazy rehash; it’s an entirely different kart from the one Mario drives. So in place of the Standard Kart is the Mach 8 Kart. This was first featured in the Mario Kart series in Mario Kart 8. It has since appeared in the Switch version of Mario Kart 8 and the mobile spin-off, Mario Kart Tour. The kart resembles a classic jet plane body and is one of only a couple of karts not to switch colour to match its driver, although it does don its driver’s icon.
Split across 22 bags plus a few loose elements, much of the set’s construction is focused on the kart. As mentioned, its design is inspired by a single-seater plane, so the body of the kart is uniquely shaped. Unlike Mario’s kart, the Mach 8 is a longer, slimmer kart with an enclosed shell. So much of the exterior detail is achieved with sections added to the core of the kart. But before adding the outer shell of the Mach 8, its interior includes two working functions. The front wheels are connected to the steering wheel, so they can be turned when the steering wheel is moved. That movement is minimal but does add an extra level of detail to the build experience. A slightly more complex mechanism is found at the rear of the kart. This sees one of the rear wheels connected to a system which rotates the flames protruding from the back of the kart. Move the kart along, and the motion makes the flames spin. Both functions may seem unnecessary, especially as the set has been created primarily as a display piece, but they add to the overall appeal of the set and provide something substantial to the build.
Once the kart is mostly complete, a few extra details are added. These include a transparent windscreen element. Which is thankfully, packaged in its own little paper bag. Plus the huge tyres which use a large wheel rim, a rubber tyre and a large, printed disc for the hubcaps. There’s also a trio of printed discs featuring Luigi’s L logo.
Every good kart needs a driver, and Luigi seems the natural progression from Mario. Despite the similarities between the two brothers, Luigi’s build is completely different to Mario’s. Luigi is taller than Mario and thinner; these are the main reasons why the two characters’ builds are so different. However, one similar thing is the poses the characters are in. Luigi’s body appears to be out of proportion to his head. But once Luigi is nestled in the kart, it’s less obvious. One thing that surprised me the most was how many elements it took to build Luigi’s arms and legs. The head uses a lot of similar pieces found in the Mario set. These include the unique nose and moustache elements, plus printed plates for Luigi’s eyes, ears and mouth. It’s a shame alternative plates weren’t included to recreate Luigi’s famous ‘death stare’. Another printed element is used for the logo on Luigi’s hat. Unfortunately, the white on the green surface does make it look a little washed out. But I’d take that in place of a sticker.
Just like Mario’s set, the Mach 8 can be mounted on a small display stand. This is necessary in order to stop the kart rolling off a shelf, but also helps to display the kart in a slightly more dynamic way. The stand allows the kart to be rotated but also tilted and slots into a 2×2 gap found in the base of the kart.
Despite the vastly different karts and the differences between Mario and Luigi, you can switch out the drivers of each kart. Mario can fit within the Mach 8, although he can’t be fixed to the seat without the addition of a small plate, and Luigi can also get behind the wheel of the standard kart. Both characters have been designed to fit within their respective karts, but should you wish to move them around, it’s nice to know you can.
Of course, the set has a high price point, but given that it has over 260 more pieces than the Mario set, including several big, unique elements, the £10/$10/10€ price increase is quite impressive. Mario’s kart is certainly more iconic, but Luigi’s was more fun to build, and the finished model looks a little better. Despite the Mach 8 not being Luigi’s kart, it’s forever tied to him thanks to the meme-inducing moment Luigi is driving the kart whilst dropping his intense stare at fellow drivers. So it’s only fitting that Luigi joins Mario in the Mach 8. I hope we get more Mario Kart sets in this scale. I’d also like to see buildable figures of both Mario Brothers, using the heads from the Mario Kart sets as the basis. Set 72050: Luigi & Mach 8 Kart will be released on April 1st and can be pre-ordered now.
The LEGO Group provided this set to BricksFanz.com for review purposes. The thoughts in this review are those of BricksFanz.com and do not reflect those of the LEGO Group. Providing the set for free does not guarantee a favourable opinion of it
