LEGO Technic sets have become increasingly popular, attracting builders of all kinds with their detailed designs and precise mechanical features. Catering to different ages and interests, these sets vary from simpler models for younger enthusiasts to highly complex builds for seasoned adults, with prices reflecting this spectrum of complexity and detail. The latest addition to this lineup is the LEGO Technic Volvo FMX Truck & EC230 Electric Excavator (42175), an engaging set inspired by real-life heavy-duty construction vehicles.
Set Details
With its 2,274 pieces, this model measures over 26.5 inches (68 cm) long and 5 inches (13 cm) wide, making it a substantial and impressive addition to any LEGO collection. The LEGO® Technic Volvo FMX Truck & EC230 Electric Excavator is a must-have for construction vehicle enthusiasts and LEGO fans alike, providing hours of engaging and educational LEGO building fun.
LEGO builders can open the truck’s doors and tilt the operator’s cabin to reveal its 6-cylinder moving piston engine. They can then steer the LEGO truck into place, detach the trailer, and lower the ramp to roll off the excavator. The excavator features opening doors and a variety of functional elements. It can rotate 360 degrees on its tracks and uses a pneumatic pump to lift and lower the scoop.
At Investabrick, we believe this LEGO Technic set offers both enjoyable and engaging play, making it a great value for its price.
| Model Name | Volvo FMX Truck & EC230 Electric Excavator |
| Model Number | 42175 |
| Theme | Technic |
| Sub Themes | Licensed |
| Pieces | 2274 |
| RRP | $200 / £170 / €200 |
| Price per Piece | 9c / 8p / 9c |
| Minifigures | N/A |
| Minifigures Value | N/A |
| Launch Date | August 2024 |
| Current Status | Available |
| Retirement Date | December 2026 |
Investment Potential
In a raft of LEGO Technic launches this August LEGO 42175 stands out having 2 LEGO models within the one set. With over 2000 pieces and price per brick of 9c / 8p this looks a great set to build but how does it perform as a likely LEGO investment?
| Projected 5 Yr Value | $260 / £206 / €247 |
| % Increase ($) | 30% |
| Projected Future Annual Growth | 8% |
| Theme Growth | 6% |
| Sub-Theme Growth | 8% |
Theme Analysis
The LEGO Technic theme has shown great lasting ability and solid investment performance (6% average annualised growth) across a very large sample and a long time period, with there now being over 500 sets and we’re approaching the 50th anniversary of the LEGO Technic theme which was first seen in 1977!
We have taken a look at some sets within the LEGO Technic theme including LEGO Mobile Crane (8421) which has nearly tripled in value since retiring in 2007 (7% annualised growth), LEGO Car Transporter (42098) which has seen over 50% growth since retiring in 2020 (14% annualised growth) and LEGO Logging Truck (9397) which has more than doubled in value since retiring in 2013 (8% annualised growth).
| Set Number | Set Name | Retired Date | RRP | Current Value | Total Growth | Annualised Growth |
| 8421 | Mobile Crane | December 2007 | $150 | $443 | 195% | 7% |
| 42098 | Car Transporter | December 2020 | $180 | $283 | 57% | 14% |
| 9397 | Logging Truck | December 2013 | $140 | $300 | 114% | 8% |
| 42025 | Cargo Plane | December 2015 | $140 | $214 | 53% | 5% |
Comparable Set Analysis
Looking more specifically at the LEGO Technic Volvo sets that have retired we see quite a mixed performance but on average they are pretty much in line with the overall LEGO Technic theme delivering average annualised growth of 5%. Looking at the sample set there are 2 that have performed fairly well and two that have performed poorly since retiring.
The two LEGO Volvo sets that have done well are LEGO Volvo EW160E (42053) which retired in 2017 with a $120 RRP and is now valued at $195 a total of 63% growth representing average LEGO investment returns of 8% a year. LEGO Volvo L350F Wheel Loader (42030) retired in 2016 with a $250 RRP and is now valued just over $400 representing 61% total growth equating to average LEGO investment returns of 7% a year.
The other two LEGO Technic Volvo sets which have seen prices remain broadly in line with their RRP post-retirement are LEGO Volvo Concept wheel Loader ZEUX (42081) and LEGO 6×6 Volvo Articulated Hauler (42114).
| Set Number | Set Name | Retired Date | RRP | Current Value | Total Growth | Annualised Growth |
| 42053 | Volvo EW160E | December 2017 | $120 | $195 | 63% | 8% |
| 42081 | Volvo Concept Wheel Loader ZEUX | December 2019 | $140 | $148 | 6% | 1% |
| 42030 | Volvo L350F Wheel Loader | December 2016 | $250 | $403 | 61% | 7% |
| 42114 | 6×6 Volvo Articulated Hauler | December 2021 | $250 | $257 | 3% | 1% |
Conclusion
Whilst a great looking set and one that will be popular within its target market for builders, this is not a set at Investabrick that we see as being a strong investment, definitely not now as its just being released and unlikely to be so even once close to it’s retirement date in the future. At this price point we think there are far better LEGO investment sets and the relatively poor performance of previous LEGO Volvo sets marks this down as one to avoid from a LEGO investing perspective. That said we think it will be a great set to build and can be ordered from LEGO now.
