LEGO Mario Kart Luigi and Mach 8

If Mario is the dependable hero of the Mushroom Kingdom, Luigi has always been the slightly awkward underdog. Fortunately, the LEGO Mario Kart – Luigi & Mach 8 gives him a well-deserved moment in the spotlight. This is an absolute treat for Nintendo fans who enjoy display pieces just as much as building them.

Designed for those aged 18+ (although to be honest there is no way my 5 year old is letting me make this on my own), this premium set contains 2,234 pieces, recreating Luigi behind the wheel of his iconic Mach 8 kart from the Mario Kart series. The finished model measures over 25cm high, 41cm long and 23cm wide, making it an impressive centrepiece.

The build itself is wonderfully varied, with clever techniques used throughout the kart’s aerodynamic bodywork, chunky tyres and distinctive exhaust. Luigi features a fully poseable head, arms and hands, allowing you to tweak his driving position. Mount everything on the included display stand and the kart appears to be drifting through a corner, bringing plenty of movement to what could otherwise have been a fairly static looking model.

LEGO has also added some welcome mechanical touches. Turn the steering wheel and the front wheels respond accordingly, while rolling the kart causes the rear flame exhaust to spin, adding just enough playfulness to remind you this is still Mario Kart at heart rather than a museum exhibit.

The instructions are clear and easy to follow, with the LEGO Builder app offering interactive 3D guidance if you’d rather pinch, zoom and rotate than focus on a paper manual. It’s a satisfying build that rarely feels repetitive despite the sizeable piece count.

Its biggest obstacle is the price, and while the model looks fantastic on display, it doesn’t offer much play value compared with LEGO’s traditional Mario Kart sets aimed at younger builders. Still, that’s rather missing the point. This is a display model first and foremost.

Whether you’re a lifelong Nintendo fan or simply appreciate beautifully engineered LEGO sets, Luigi & Mach 8 crosses the finish line in style. It’s packed with charm, full of clever engineering and easily the coolest way to shine some light on our favourite green plumber. RRP £159.99

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