LEGO News: Technic’s Volvo L120 Electric Wheel Loader (42209) Launching June 1st
Published: 3 months ago
Last Updated: 3 months ago
Technic’s New Electric Wheel Loader Brings Sustainable Engineering to Your Shelf
LEGO Technic continues to blur the line between buildable toys and intricate engineering models, and the upcoming Volvo L120 Electric Wheel Loader (42209) is no exception. Launching on 1st June 2025 at an RRP of £89.99 / $119.99 / €99.99, this set brings together modern design cues and mechanical realism in a build that’s geared more toward thoughtful engineering than playful gimmicks — making it a potentially appealing piece for adult collectors and long-term LEGO investors alike.
Spotlight on Technic’s Volvo L120: Specifications & Highlights
With 973 pieces, the set is a brick-built tribute to Volvo’s real-life electric loader, combining classic Technic functions with a contemporary green-energy concept. The model features articulated steering, a movable shovel that can be raised, lowered, and tilted via a top-mounted control knob, and an opening engine cover that reveals a working set of three spinning gears. While this model isn’t motorized, its tactile play features provide a satisfying analogue experience for those who appreciate mechanical builds.
Despite LEGO positioning this as a set for builders aged 9+, its refined aesthetic and branding — not to mention the realistic design — suggest crossover appeal for AFOLs, especially fans of licensed construction vehicles and Technic mechanics. The inclusion of a pretend charging station reinforces the eco-conscious theme without complicating the build, while the overall structure gives off serious display-shelf presence. Measuring over 35cm long and 14cm high, it’s a substantial model for the price point and part count.
LEGO Technic Theme Analysis
Approaching 50 years and over 500 LEGO sets, LEGO Technic has long been a sought after LEGO theme and has seen some amazing sets and vast development from its early days. As a LEGO investment theme, it is solid if unspectacular, which feels quite apt, with the retired LEGO producing an average annualised growth of 5%.
That said there has been some hugely successful construction vehicle styled LEGO sets within the theme; LEGO Motorised Bulldozer (8275) retired in 2009 with an RRP of $150 and is now worth well over $500 (10% annualised growth) and LEGO Technic Heavy duty Excavator retired at the end of 2022 and has already more than doubled in value from its $40 RRP (42% annualised growth) are great examples.
The pick of previous LEGO Technic Volvo models have been LEGO Volvo EW160E (42053) which has seen 65% growth since retiring in 2017 (7% annualised growth) and LEGO Volvo L350F Wheel Loader (42030) which has seen 62% growth since retiring in 2016 (6% annualised growth).
Conclusion
The LEGO Technic Volvo L120 Electric Wheel Loader (42209) blends functionality and sustainability in a compact but satisfying build. With its working mechanical features, thoughtful design, and strong branding, this is one Technic release that deserves a closer look — especially for those who favour realistic engineering models with long-term shelf potential.
While it may not make immediate waves in the investment scene, its strong Volvo license and eco-minded design could lift its aftermarket profile over time, particularly if it enjoys a short retail lifespan. It’s not flashy, but it is smart — and that’s often where the sleeper Technic winners come from.
LEGO 42209 is available from LEGO on 1st June 2025.
For LEGO Technic construction vehicle fans, also keep an eye out for LEGO Volvo EC500 Hybrid Excavator which will be released on 1st August but is already available for pre-orders now. Investabrick’s detailed article on this will be out soon!
