Unimog is a popular truck, but despite that, there has only ever been one LEGO Technic set. That was back in 2011. I had the 8110, btw. I sold it because I needed the space and the money. It was a great Technic set, marred only by the finicky pneumatics. Anyhoo, a decade and a half later, the Unimog has made a return. This time, it is a smaller set based on the U 5023.
Folks, meet the LEGO Technic Mercedes-Benz Unimog U 5023 with Crane (42242). Designed with kids aged 11 and up in mind, it uses 1,189 elements to recreate a detailed U 5023 with features like working steering, functional outriggers, and a pneumatic system to power the crane. By the power of air, you can lift and lower the knuckle-boom crane, guiding it into position and getting it ready to lift and transport the buildable pallet.
Beyond the attention-grabbing crane (pun not intended), the model boasts realistic features including a four-wheel-drive system, a six-cylinder piston engine, suspended axles, an opening hood, and opening doors. It is a model that has both display and play covered.
When completed, the model measures 31 cm (12 inches) long, 13 cm (5 inches) wide, and 18 cm (7 inches) tall.
If you are down, do keep a lookout for it when it drops on June 1, 2026, for US$129.99.
Images: LEGO.