Just a heads up that that there are two sets this month for which you can earn Double VIP Points. One is a brand new LEGO Technic set and the other is a LEGO City train. The uniqueness of this offer is that both sets include the new LEGO Powered Up components, so if you haven’t had a chance to give them a try, this is a good time to get them. We will talk about both sets a bit more below in case you are not familiar with them. The promotion expires at the end of the month, so you have some time to make a decision about them.
➡ #60197 LEGO CITY PASSENGER TRAIN: This set was released last year, along with the #60198 LEGO City Cargo Train. They are the first LEGO trains that include the new LEGO Powered Up components. It features a motorized engine with 10-speed Bluetooth remote control, opening nose cone, driver’s cabin with opening window, 2 cars with removable roofs, seats and tables, a full circular track with 16 curved and 4 straight rails, plus a buildable platform with 2 seats and train service map, train signal, and 4 minifigures. Basically, you get everything you need to run a powered LEGO train. Purchase the set at the LEGO City section of the Online LEGO Shop.
Electrical components include the motor, the battery box with Bluetooth receiver (hidden in the engine), and the remote. The train can be controlled either by the remote or the LEGO Powered Up app you can download to your phone or tablet. (Please note that the new LEGO Powered Up components are not compatible with previous LEGO Power Functions parts.) Other valuable elements are the specialized train bases, wheels, and magnetic couplers. Whether you want to run this specific train, or you want to build your own custom train, purchasing a full train kit is usually the best option. Once you understand the system, you can start building you can customize the train or even build your own models. The set is $159.99, and you will earn 1,400 points on it during the Double VIP Points period. We have talked about this set before (see links at the end of this post), and I’m including a full video-review below by JANGBRiCKS, so you can make an informed decision.
Remember that the LEGO VIP Program has been completely reworked, but the points’ value is still the same. With the old program, a $160 set with Double VIP Points would have earned you 320 points, which equaled $16 worth of points that you could use towards future purchases. With the new program, a $160 set with Double VIP Points earns you 2,080 points, which still equals $16 worth of points for future purchases, or you can also redeem your points for other rewards. We talked about the new VIP program in detail here and here. (Note that the Double VIP Points don’t show up on the product page, but you will see the extra points in your cart.)
➡ #42099 LEGO TECHNIC 4×4 X-TREME OFF-ROADER: This is a brand new set that was released just a few days ago. It is especially exciting because it is the first LEGO Technic set controlled by the just-released LEGO Technic Control+ app, and it also includes a LEGO Powered Up Smart Hub, 2 XL motors and 1 L motor. You can purchase the set at the LEGO Technic section of the Online LEGO Shop.
According to the set description, “the sophisticated app technology enables super-precise movement and functionality, while delivering endless authentic digital play combinations with authentic sound effects”. Users can choose from 3 different control screens to drive forward, reverse, steer, accelerate, brake and traverse obstacles. You can also get real-time feedback, such as a speed and tilt log or test out your skills in the app’s challenges and achievement section. You can download the app from the App Store or Google Play (just follow the links). And you can check to make sure your tablet or phone is compatible here.
The off-roader also comes with high-rise independent suspension, large wheels with chunky tires, and a fresh color scheme with intricate sticker detailing. Although it may not be obvious from the pictures, the LEGO Technic 4×4 X-treme Off-Roader is also pretty big, measuring over 7” (19cm) high, 12” (33cm) long and 8” (22cm) wide. The price is $249.99, which is not cheap, but Technic sets, especially motorized ones are the most complex and durable sets mainly meant for technically inclined advanced builders. As this set is very new, I’m including a detailed video-review of it by Sariel. He will show you all the features and functions of the set.
In summary, both of these sets are worth considering during the Double VIP Points period. The #60197 LEGO City Passenger Train is a solid starter set for those who are new to LEGO trains, and it is also a great addition for an already established train layout. The #42099 LEGO Technic 4×4 X-Treme Off-Roader is a pricy, but really interesting new set that gives us a chance to try out the new LEGO Technic Control+ app. And, of course, both sets gives us plenty of LEGO Powered Up elements to play and experiment with. Again, the Double VIP Points period for these sets will last until August 31st, and you can get them at official LEGO stores and the Online LEGO Shop.
What do you think? How do you like these LEGO City Powered Up sets? Do you have either of them already? Have you had a chance to try out the LEGO Technic Control+ app yet? And what do you think of the new Powered Up system in general? Feel free to share your thoughts and discuss in the comment section below!
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I wish they would put the powered stuff in some cheaper sets so we can try them out. I would love to own the Technic off-roader but it’s so expensive.
Well, a lot of the purely electronical components are quite expensive in themselves, more so than ordinary ABS Lego parts.
You can look at the Batmobile, which is cheaper and is rc. It’s not the control+ app, but still a good intro.
Ah, still quite expensive for the parts alone, but good idea.
The Off-Roader looks so good! I would love to get it, and I hope it will go on sale at some point.
The off-roader is something I would love to play with too, but sadly, it’s out of our budget. Maybe when the kids are all grown and I’m old, I will be able to get a set like this.
I love those big, chunky tires! I hope that the Lego store has this on display so we can try it out. I wouldn’t buy such an expensive set without having the chance to try.
Big, chunky tires would also be useful if one’d like to build a spacemobile, a space base on wheels or something…