Mercedes-Benz and LEGO, two iconic brands synonymous with precision engineering and creative construction, have joined forces to bring the thrill of Formula 1 racing to your living room. The result? A stunning lineup of Mercedes Lego Sets, capturing the essence of Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team vehicles in brick form. This year, LEGO released not one, but two LEGO Technic sets modeled after the Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance race car: the larger, more intricate #42171 Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance designed for adult enthusiasts, and its smaller, more playful sibling, the #42165 Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance Pull-Back, perfect for budding young racers aged 7 and up.
Beyond simply building these sets in isolation, we’re diving deep into how LEGO has adapted the same source material – the cutting-edge Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance car – for vastly different scales, complexities, and target audiences within their Mercedes LEGO set range. Are these Mercedes LEGO sets worthy additions to your collection, or are they destined to be left in the pit lane? Let’s explore.
LEGO Technic Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance [#42171]: A Deep Dive for Adult Builders
The flagship of the current Mercedes LEGO set F1 lineup is undoubtedly the #42171 Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance. This impressive model boasts 1642 pieces and is tailored for builders aged 18+. Launched on March 1, 2024, it comes with a price tag of $219.99 (219.99€ / £189.99 / 289.99 CAD / 299.99 AUD). Unboxing this Mercedes LEGO set reveals a well-organized collection of 12 numbered bags, four substantial wheels in a separate bag, and four tires.
Inside a cardboard pouch, you’ll find the instruction manual and two enormous sticker sheets. While the sheer number of stickers – 74 in total – is a nod to the sponsor-laden livery of F1 cars, it might be overwhelming for some builders of this Mercedes LEGO set.
Building the #42171 Mercedes LEGO Set: A Bag-by-Bag Breakdown
The build experience of this Mercedes LEGO set is divided into twelve bags, each focusing on a specific section of the car.
Bag 1 kicks off with the intricate rear wishbone suspension. Utilizing eight 1×9 Wishbone Suspension Arms (part 32294) and shock absorbers, this stage creates a robust and functional suspension system, a hallmark of Technic Mercedes LEGO sets.
Bag 2 is a quicker assembly, adding a simple gear mechanism to the foundation built in the first bag, extending the model’s length and hinting at its final size as a Mercedes LEGO set.
Bag 3 focuses on the front suspension, centered around a 7×11 Frame (part 39794) and incorporating a differential. This bag adds steering functionality to the Mercedes LEGO set, increasing its mechanical complexity.
Bag 4 marks a shift towards the exterior design, blending mechanical elements with aesthetic shaping. While stickers play a role later, the brick-built 107Bright Bluish GreenDark Turquoise / Teal stripes on the rear fender are a welcome detail in this Mercedes LEGO set. Combining the front and rear modules at this stage reveals the car’s overall dimensions.
Bag 5 introduces the engine block, constructed using 40Transparent Trans-Clear parts to showcase the moving 24Bright YellowYellow pistons. This visually engaging element adds a layer of realism to the Mercedes LEGO set. The second part of this bag reinforces the model’s structural integrity using 3×19 Technic Frames (part 67491).
Bag 6 focuses on building the car’s ‘floor’, the horizontal section connecting the front and rear wheels. This adds to the aerodynamic shaping of the Mercedes LEGO set.
Bag 7 tackles the ‘sidepods’, crucial for engine cooling and aerodynamics. Clever building techniques are employed to achieve the complex shapes, including 2×3 Panel, Curved (Part 71682). However, the reliance on stickers for the iconic accent line is a minor drawback of this Mercedes LEGO set.
Bag 8 is less involved, adding smaller detailing panels and the driver’s seat. Bag 9 brings in the scalloped front end, creating a visually appealing design element, along with a smooth ridge along the vehicle’s front in this Mercedes LEGO set.
Bag 10 adds the distinctive air intake above the engine, trimmed with 21Bright RedRed elements. A gear mechanism extending from the intake connects to the steering, allowing for wheel manipulation, a fun interactive feature of this Mercedes LEGO set.
Bag 11 focuses on cockpit detailing, including side mirrors (which could benefit from chromed tiles instead of stickers). A flex-axle is cleverly used to create the curved cockpit shape, adding to the model’s sleek lines as a Mercedes LEGO set.
Bag 12 concludes the build with a removable engine cover and the wheels. The wheels feature a new element, Wheel Cover Ø56 mm (Part 4472), providing a polished finish, enhanced by Teal accents, completing this sophisticated Mercedes LEGO set.
Build Time Breakdown: (Total: 232 minutes)
Final Verdict on the #42171 Mercedes LEGO Set
Despite a promising start with the suspension and chassis, the #42171 Mercedes LEGO set feels somewhat underwhelming overall. The excessive reliance on stickers, particularly for turquoise accents, detracts from the premium feel expected at this price point. The build process, while initially engaging, becomes less exciting in the latter half, focusing more on shaping than complex mechanical functions. For the price, comparable sets offer a more substantial building experience and piece count.
Considering alternatives like the #21061 Notre Dame in the same price range, which offers significantly more detail and three times the parts, highlights the value proposition concern of this Mercedes LEGO set. The #42171 Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance receives an Acceptable (2/5 stars) rating, suggesting better options exist for most LEGO builders, unless you are a die-hard F1 fan or enjoy applying a multitude of stickers to your Mercedes LEGO set.
LEGO Technic Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance Pull-Back [#42165]: Fun for Younger F1 Fans
In contrast to the detailed adult model, the #42165 Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance Pull-Back Mercedes LEGO set is designed for a younger audience (ages 7+). This set contains 240 pieces and is priced at $26.99 (26.99€ / £20.99 / 34.99 CAD / $39.99 AUD). It offers a more accessible entry point into the world of Mercedes LEGO sets and F1 racing.
Inside the box, you’ll find four numbered bags, tires, instructions, and a sticker sheet – still quite large for a set of this size, a common theme in Mercedes LEGO sets it seems.
Building the #42165 Mercedes LEGO Pull-Back Car: Quick and Engaging
The build process for this Mercedes LEGO set is streamlined and divided into four bags, making it suitable for younger builders.
Bag 1 focuses on the robust central core and integrates the pull-back motor. Only one sticker, a Mercedes logo, is applied at this stage, keeping it simple for younger builders of this Mercedes LEGO set.
Bag 2 builds the front end with layered fins. Stickers for sponsors like Syntium and TeamViewer are optional additions, allowing for customization of this Mercedes LEGO set.
Bag 3 brings the vehicle’s shape to life with flex-axles to create the curved 107Bright Bluish GreenDark Turquoise / Teal racing stripes and the cockpit shape. This adds visual flair to the Mercedes LEGO set.
Bag 4 completes the model with the rear spoiler, additional front fins, side driving boards, and wheels. The wheels use 3×3 Discs (Part 2723). Unlike the larger model, the Teal wheel accents are stickers in this Mercedes LEGO set.
Final Thoughts on the #42165 Mercedes LEGO Set
The #42165 Mercedes LEGO set successfully captures the essence of the Mercedes-AMG F1 car in a smaller, more abstract form. It’s a testament to LEGO’s design ingenuity that they can translate the complex details of an F1 car into a pull-back model. While stickers are still present, they are arguably less critical to the overall aesthetic than in the larger set.
Although slightly pricier per piece than some comparable pull-back sets like the Monster Jam series, the $27 price point is reasonable for a licensed Mercedes LEGO set. It earns a Good (3/5 stars) rating, making it a solid choice for young race car enthusiasts and a worthwhile addition, especially if you already own other pull-back Mercedes LEGO sets or similar models.
Mercedes LEGO Sets: Comparing the Two F1 Models
Despite sharing the Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance as their inspiration, these two Mercedes LEGO sets are clearly designed for different demographics.
Sticker Overload in Mercedes LEGO Sets?
Both Mercedes LEGO sets feature a significant number of stickers, reflecting the logo-heavy nature of F1 racing. The larger set has a staggering 74 stickers, while even the smaller set includes 26. This abundance of stickers might be a point of contention for builders, particularly in the set aimed at younger children, potentially leading to frustration during application.
Age Appropriateness and Play Features
The age targeting is evident in the design priorities of each Mercedes LEGO set. The larger model prioritizes accurate detailing and showcasing aerodynamic features like the flat floor and air intakes, appealing to adult collectors interested in the intricacies of F1 car design. The smaller model, conversely, focuses on capturing the overall shape and incorporating the pull-back play feature, perfectly aligning with the interests of younger children. The use of flex tubes to achieve the curved Teal racing stripe is a clever compromise in the smaller Mercedes LEGO set, balancing aesthetics with building simplicity.
Final Thoughts on the Mercedes LEGO Set F1 Lineup
While acknowledging a personal preference away from F1 and stickers, these reviews aim to provide an objective perspective on these Mercedes LEGO sets. The larger #42171 set, while detailed, feels less compelling than other large Technic cars, primarily due to the over-reliance on stickers and a somewhat less engaging build process for its size and price. The smaller #42165 set emerges as the stronger offering of the two, providing a fun, accessible, and recognizable Mercedes LEGO set experience for younger builders.
Ultimately, whether these Mercedes LEGO sets are for you depends on your preferences. If you are a dedicated F1 fan, particularly of Mercedes-AMG Petronas, and appreciate detailed models, the larger set might still hold appeal despite its drawbacks. For younger builders or those seeking a more playful and less sticker-intensive Mercedes LEGO set, the pull-back model is the better choice.
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