Review LEGO 42127 The Batmobil (2022) | 2TTOYS ✓ Best price

Iconic movie vehicles are commonplace in the LEGO for Adults or Creator Expert theme. Plenty of well-known brands have lent their names to various Technic builds . But the two only really combined into the Fast & Furious set. This was one of the first Technic vehicles to be inspired by the movie world, as opposed to real cars or construction vehicles. From the feedback I've seen, Dom's Dodge Charger wasn't the best of all the sets, so can Batman's appeal do any better? The Batmobile, in its various guises, is a vehicle heavily influenced by its introductory era. Previous Batmobiles have been quite flamboyant with The Dark Knight going the military prototype route for his take on Batman's wheels. Batman's Batmobile is much more grounded, making it a perfect fit for Technic's architectural style. But does it offer an interesting build and what does the finished model look like?

Product details

Superhero fans will enjoy an exciting challenge as they build the iconic BATMOBILE car in LEGO Technic form. Inspired by the latest version of the BATMOBILE from the 2022 film THE BATMAN, this highly detailed toy car building set features a lifelike design and is packed with cool features.

Light up the night

The model contains 2 light stones - 1 red and 1 yellow. The red light adds an awesome glow to the transparent toy engine at the back, while the yellow brick illuminates the front grille. Other cool features include front wheel steering, rear wheel differential, rotating flame, plus opening doors and hood. Kids will love exploring the model before putting it on display as a tribute to their favorite superhero.

• Set name: THE BATMAN - BATMOBILE
• Set number: 42127
• Pieces: 1360
• Recommended retail price: €. 89.99
• Number of bags: 7 + extra elements
• Stickers: sheet x 1
• Instructions: Booklet x 1 + LEGO Building Instructions App

The set contains 7 numbered bags, together with a bag of wheel arches, tires and rims. As well as a very small sheet of stickers. These are used to add details to the interior of the Batmobile. There is also a single instruction booklet, which can also be found in PDF format in the LEGO Instructions App.

Start with the chassis

As with many Technic models, building the Batmobile starts with the chassis. But unlike the equivalent LEGO System sets, much of the vehicle detail is built up as sections that are then added to the core of the set. This allows sets to have unique details and working parts. This is both a source of wonder and frustration. It has an 8-cylinder engine, which is connected to the rear wheels and the exhaust with blue flames at the rear. This is the only part of the model that we had to put together a few times before it was right. This isn't due to poor set design or instructions, it's just difficult to get the elements right. If the moving parts of the engine are not properly mounted in the engine housing, they will not be able to turn the gears. Once fully completed, this will also cause the rear wheels to lock up and the running exhaust to stick.

Light Bricks

The set also includes two Light Bricks and they are even different colors. One is mounted under the hood and the other is in the rear engine of the Batmobile. Activating both is nice, with the yellow light in the bonnet, activated by a small lever in the car and which can be illuminated in the engine by pushing down the steering wheel on the roof of the car. This means that it lights up naturally when the car is moved while the steering mechanism is used. The fact that the engine housing uses clear elements also ensures that the red light filters through the rear of the car nicely.

Would it be a nicer car if it was made as part of the LEGO for Adults/Creator Expert line?

In all honesty, probably yes, Technic elements offer both a restrictive architectural style and a very complex build. It might have looked a little more complete if it had been built with system bricks, but honestly it would have lost the functional aspect of the construction and that is the strong point of the set. Moreover, the appearance of the new Batmobile lends itself well to Technic's architectural style. It's also a great starter set for someone who wants to experience a Technic build but may be put off by some of the larger, more complex sets. Because it contains a basic gear system and other simple working parts such as the doors and hood that open. Plus, it's not too expensive, with a price comparable to other LEGO vehicles of similar scale. I would definitely be interested to see other entertainment brand vehicles become future Technic sets.