LEGO Technic 42173 Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut Grey Hypercar Review

What's Included

The 801-piece inventory arrives in seven numbered polybags supporting systematic assembly across 217 steps within 176-page instructions. No minifigures accompany this vehicle-focused set, maintaining pure mechanical emphasis. The color palette proves contentiously monochromatic: predominantly dark bluish grey with sparse orange accents that reviewers deemed insufficient to "brighten it up." Notable elements include new crank discs introduced from the Kawasaki Ninja set, yellow fork pins for piston construction, and light bluish grey offset cams. The dihedral door mechanism utilizes gear racks with 12-tooth double-bevel gears—the set's engineering highlight. Four standard Technic wheels complete the package, though their generic design lacks hypercar authenticity compared to specialized Speed Champions offerings.

Building Experience

Construction completes surprisingly quickly—under two hours for experienced builders—belying the mechanical complexity within. Initial stages engage through V8 engine assembly featuring new piston designs using yellow fork pins, creating smooth reciprocating motion. The differential installation proves straightforward, establishing drivetrain fundamentals early. The signature door mechanism emerges as the build's pinnacle: long gear racks spanning the chassis enable synchronized 90-degree rotation mimicking Koenigsegg's iconic upward swing. However, structural concerns manifest during final assembly stages. Reviewers consistently report windscreen borders feeling "pretty loose" with connectors disconnected from the roof, while the center bar assembly "tends to come loose pretty easily." The rear section connects at single points, creating concerning flexibility that undermines overall rigidity.

Design and Accuracy

Measuring 8cm high, 28cm long, and 13cm wide, the model achieves reasonable proportions for its scale, though accuracy suffers from necessary simplifications. The grey colorway—chosen over the simultaneous white release—creates what reviewers called a "quite drab" appearance despite attempting to capture the Absolut's menacing presence. Orange accent placement feels arbitrary rather than authentic, missing opportunities for visual interest. The signature dihedral doors successfully replicate the real car's dramatic opening motion, representing the design's strongest achievement. However, shape accuracy disappoints: the streamlined profile essential for 500 km/h capability appears blocky, while the distinctive wraparound windscreen lacks proper curvature. Multiple reviewers noted "large open gaps" throughout, particularly where "the whole back half of the top is only connected at one point," severely compromising aesthetic cohesion.

Play Features

Functional elements prioritize playability over display, aligning with the budget-friendly positioning. The V8 engine's pistons pump convincingly when rolling, visible through the opening rear hood that reveals mechanical details. Front hood access provides luggage storage space—a quirky nod to the real car's surprising practicality. Steering operates via detachable roof-mounted knob, enabling single-handed control during play—though initial assembly requires correction as "steering is built crooked at first." The differential ensures smooth rolling dynamics essential for swooshing play patterns. However, the celebrated doors "don't quite feel stable when closed," leaving "uneven gaps with the base," while overall construction feels "kinda floppy" with parts threatening detachment during handling. These structural compromises significantly impact play satisfaction, transforming exciting features into frustration sources.

Value Analysis & Market Performance

At $49.99 for 801 pieces ($0.062/piece), initial pricing appears competitive within Technic's range. However, secondary market data reveals concerning depreciation: current values average $35.00, representing 30% decline from retail—unusual for recently-released sets. European markets show slight stability at €49.30, while used sets plummet to €26.65. Remarkably, parted-out value reaches €123.04, nearly triple the sealed price—suggesting greater worth in pieces than complete set. The 5,958 reviews maintain moderate ratings despite structural criticisms, indicating split reception. Scheduled retirement in December 2025 provides potential appreciation runway, though current trajectory suggests limited investment potential. Comparison with the white variant (42184) shows identical pricing and reception, making color preference the sole differentiator rather than value proposition.

Editor's Verdict