Review: LEGO Technic 42160 Audi RS Q e-tron

Today we take a quick tour of the content of the LEGO Technic set 42160 Audi RS Q e-tron, a box of 914 pieces which will be available at the retail price of €169.99 from August 1, 2023 via the official online store and in LEGO Stores.

Don't get too carried away on the product inventory, there are still more than 400 pins to use during the assembly of this interpretation of the vehicle in addition to the large handful of various and varied black panels. On the other hand, there are several elements of the CONTROL+ ecosystem in the box with 3 L motors and a Hub Powered Up which also serves as batterybox, their mere presence probably explains the relatively high price of this set. The model owes its successful finish only to the two huge sheets of stickers which bring together 47 stickers, it is difficult to do without these stickers if you want to obtain a machine with an aggressive and successful look.

The design of the LEGO version of the vehicle seems pretty decent to me, it was delusional anyway to hope for better, especially since it is a motorized model intended to bump into the living room baseboards and no a model with perfectly interpreted angles. This version, for example, ignores almost the entire front bumper with its air intakes and headlights, which are embodied here by a single large sticker. However, we recognize the reference Audi RS Q e-tron and that is the main thing.

The assembly of the 37 cm long by 19 cm wide and 15 cm high model is quickly dispatched starting with a first section which involves two of the three motors, with a first motor to drive the wheels which take advantage of new hubs, red rims and new tires and a second that manages the direction of the vehicle. The instructions are explicit enough not to be mistaken in the passages of cables and connections.

The second section then connects to the first via two large Technic frames, it uses the third motor to drive the rear wheels. The Bluetooth Hub with its new cover with four screws is installed on the way and I advise you at this stage to test all the functions of the vehicle to ensure that nothing has been incorrectly installed or incorrectly connected. You will thus avoid having to remove the various bodywork elements, the installation of which is sometimes a bit complex to rectify the situation.

The installation of the various body elements could have been entertaining if it weren't punctuated by the placement of numerous stickers. Not a pad-printed Audi logo on the horizon, it's a sticker fair and you quickly get tired of trying to line up the different patterns. One might wonder why a machine presented on the packaging as capable of hurtling down dunes and therefore of being used mainly outdoors is covered with stickers, but make no mistake, this is a simple indoor toy.

The vehicle weighing more than 1.20 kg is rather comfortable on the living room floor, but things get a bit tricky as often happens outside: the slightest obstacle can become a problem despite the generous wheel arches, the very soft independent suspensions and the sufficient ground clearance, the movements of the machine are a little more laborious depending on the terrain, it lacks torque and the turning radius is very limited. This is the case for most of the motorized vehicles offered by LEGO, they are above all children's toys, certainly motorized, but which above all offer various and varied challenges intended to occupy the youngest for a few hours via the dedicated application.

The Audi RS Q e-tron being an electric buggy specialized in rally-raid, it is not moreover a machine designed to offer the best crossing capacities, there are other references in the LEGO range for that like the LEGO Technic set 42129 4x4 Mercedes-Benz Zetros Trial Truck.

The CONTROL+ application available on iOS and Android will obviously be updated by the time this product is marketed and I was able to use a perfectly functional beta version. The interface that allows you to steer the vehicle is pretty, the controls are simple and accessible and you can have fun immediately without going through a laborious phase of acclimatization which would be a little discouraging. One joystick for steering, the other for forwards or backwards, it's simple and effective.

As usual, I tested two types of rechargeable batteries: classic Panasonic Eneloop Ni-Mh 1.2V 1900 mAh batteries and Ansmann NiZn 1.6V 1600 mAh batteries and the result is clear: Ansmann batteries offer more power and the machine moves noticeably faster and stumbles less on certain small obstacles. If you plan to really play with this type of product, do not hesitate to buy this type of battery and the essential charger compatible with the NiZn standard.

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ANSMANN NiZn AA Rechargeable Batteries 2500 mWh 1,6V

19.99 € 15.46 €

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ANSMANN Nickel-Zinc Battery Charger (1 PCE) – Ch

44.99 € 29.99 €

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I have to say that for once I am globally won over by the look of this modern buggy with its aggressive lines, and I did not expect to obtain a vehicle with breathtaking performance anyway. I have had many machines powered by LEGO in my hands and I now know that we should not rely too much on the promises made on the packaging of these different products. This Audi RS Q e-tron offers a good compromise which should satisfy all those who have understood that this is not a classic radio-controlled vehicle.

This children's toy is therefore in my opinion not the worst of what LEGO has produced on the same theme over the years, far from it, but you will still have to wait to find it for less than the 170 € requested. The youngest will have fun for long hours thanks to the various activities offered in the application and they will discover some interesting assembly techniques in terms of motorization, differential, suspension and steering, adults will perhaps see a nice show model of a modern vehicle with a very original look.

Note: The product shown here, provided by LEGO, is as usual involved. Deadline fixed at July 12, 2023 next at 23:59 p.m. Just post a comment under the article to participate. Your participation is taken into account regardless of your opinion. 

Update : The winner was drawn and notified by email, his nickname is indicated below.