The LEGO Mercedes-AMG F1 W14: The Details Of The Engine & Steering Are Immaculate
One car, two versions.
By Anne Nunis — 19 Apr 2024, 01:59 PM
If someone handed you 1,642 plastic bricks, could you make a car out of them? Probably not (unless you’re MacGyver), but with this set, you can!
Introducing the 42171 Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance unit. Released as one of the main attractions of LEGO's latest range of race car sets, the 42171 is not a set to miss, especially if you're a Formula 1 (F1) fan.
The set is a 1:8 scale model of the Mercedes W14, complete with an engine, slick tyres, and a working steering wheel. It's one of the two new LEGO Technic sets, alongside the 42165 Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance Pull Back (more on that later).
Sleek and dark with subtle but effective turquoise highlights, it makes a not-too-loud yet attractive set to display
We got the chance to build the set, and boy, were we taken aback.
Coming from an absolute beginner to LEGO, this set with over 1,000 pieces seemed like a daunting task. Yet with perseverance, the entirety of Les Misérables, and about 20 hours of build time, it was a challenge worth conquering.
The main highlight of the set is that it does a pretty great job at emulating its namesake. The W14 is, in itself, a handsome car, so the novelty of bringing it home and making a model of it is justification enough for most to get the set.
Buildwise, it was a fun challenge. And because it's a LEGO Technic set, there are a few surprises that make it stand out.
In the cockpit of the car, there's a working steering wheel that can control the front wheels. There's also a brown knob at the top of the car that achieves the same effect.
When you remove the hood of the car, you'll also be able to admire its engine, complete with moving pistons. Admittedly, this bit took this writer a little longer to build than she'd care to admit, but once you have it in, it's a nice addition to the car.
Due to these technical bits, be sure to check if the gears turn properly every now and then, lest you have to trace back a couple of steps to find out where you went wrong.
It's worth noting that the majority of the exterior details of the build come from the collection of 70+ stickers that come in the set. While some may share the sentiment that stickers on LEGO sets are a no-no, it makes sense for the 42171 because of the many sponsor logos and the curves of the car that would make printed bricks a little difficult.
The decals of the car provide that well-known turquoise of the W14, standing out among all the black of the car's build. The PETRONAS stickers and stripes on the side of the car give it an extra flare that helps bring the car together.
For a kid-friendly option, opt for the 42165 Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance Pull Back, retailing at RM124.90
It's the exact same car, only smaller and with a more durable, solid build.
With 240 pieces, it was definitely an easier build. It doubles as a neat display unit and a pull-back, so the kiddos will have something to play with once the building is done.
The stickers and the nooks and crannies of the car are not as detailed as its adult counterpart, but it still looks just as good as a unit of its own.
Both of the sets were recently launched as part of LEGO's range of racing vehicle sets, featuring collaborations with BMW, McLaren Racing & Senna brand, and of course, the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 Team.
The sets you can find in this range are:
- 42171 Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance (RM999.90)
- 42141 2022 McLaren Formula 1 Race Car (RM849.90)
- 10330 McLaren MP4/4 & Ayrton Senna (RM379.90)
- 60406 Race Car and Car Carrier Truck (RM139.90)
- 42165 Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance Pull-Back (RM124.90)
- 76919 2023 McLaren Formula 1 Race Car (RM124.90)
- 76922 BMW M4 GT3 & BMW M Hybrid V8 Race Cars (RM RM79.90)
- 60399 Green Race Car (RM44.90)
Overall, the 42171 Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance and 42165 Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance Pull-back are great additions to the list of LEGO cars you can build.
If you're looking to splurge on a set and you have the space for it, the Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance will make a great centrepiece. If you're looking for an F1 set without breaking the bank too much, the pull-back version is still a solid choice. It's portable, solid, and doesn't cheap out on the W14's features.
