If you’ve ever tried to build one of the many LEGO wannabe sets out in the world, you’ll quickly discover that the Danish company is the preeminent building block legend for a reason. But now, another major player in the toy world has positioned itself to compete with the bricks brand, at least on paper.
Mattel has officially launched its new Brick Shop brand, kicking things off with a collection of Hot Wheels building sets that might just make the folks at LEGO turn their heads.
A New Player in the Brick Game
The toy giant isn’t exactly new to the construction toy space, having acquired MEGA (formerly Mega Bloks) nearly a decade ago. But this latest move represents something different, considering it’s a fresh brand built from the ground up specifically to challenge LEGO’s dominance. And while LEGO commands a staggering market share estimated at around 80% in the U.S., Mattel seems to have identified a sweet spot where car enthusiasts and brick builders overlap.
The timing feels right, too. While LEGO certainly still makes sets for the kiddos too, adult builders have been driving the market lately, with more and more sets coming out aimed at grown-ups with deeper pockets. We’re talking about models like the $1,500 Millennium Falcon and the $650 Titanic scale model, just to name a couple.
Tri-Level Lineup
The new Hot Wheels sets won’t be quite that steep in price, but they will range from $20 to $120, creating a diverse range based on the type of builder and collector making the purchase. Featuring seven sets in total, the inaugural Brick Shop lineup spans three distinct tiers, each targeting a different building complexity.
At the entry level, the Speed Series offers 1:32 scale models at $20 each, including a Cadillac Project GTP Hypercar, Maserati MC20, and a ’68 Camaro. These smaller kits contain between 236 and 289 pieces and provide an accessible entry point for casual builders and even younger gearheads.
The mid-tier Elite Series steps up to 1:16 scale with a $50 price tag, featuring models like the Corvette Grand Sport, 1990 Acura NSX, and a surf-ready ’62 Chevrolet Pickup. With part counts ranging from 858 to 918 pieces, these models add complexity while incorporating functional elements like steering and opening doors.
At the top, however, is the flagship Premium Series, which launches with just one model right now, and it’s a stunner. Priced at $120, the 1:12 scale Mercedes-Benz 300 SL includes functioning gullwing doors and meticulously recreated upholstery details on the interior. Lest we forget, this is a far more sophisticated construction, consisting of a whopping 1,600 pieces. Considering what’s included, this price point is highly competitive with what LEGO has to offer, although the jury regarding quality will still be out until these finally arrive this summer.
Also, each set incorporates customization options with swappable wheels, extra parts, and licensed decals, all tapping directly into car culture’s obsession with personalization. The NSX, for instance, features functioning pop-up headlights and can be built as either an Acura or Honda variant depending on which badge you prefer. Likewise, the ’62 Chevy includes a surfboard and adjustable suspension.
Metal Makes the Difference
What separates these builds from traditional LEGO sets is the inclusion of actual metal parts. This hybrid approach blends the satisfaction of brick building with authentic automotive materials. At the end of the day, LEGO models still look like LEGOs. Mattel is apparently willing to create more custom-shaped pieces. While this might annoy purists who appreciate LEGO’s approach of creating complex shapes from simpler bricks, it allows for more accurate automotive proportions and details. We should also mention that, with Mattel’s builds, every model also comes with a matching 1:64 scale die-cast Hot Wheels car that’s exclusive to the set.
Spec Sheet
Models: 7 sets across 3 tiers (Speed, Elite, Premium)
Scale: 1:32 (Speed), 1:16 (Elite), 1:12 (Premium)
Piece Count: 236+ (Speed), 858+ (Elite), 1,600 (Premium)
Price Range: $20 to $120
Release Date: Summer 2025
Pricing & Availability
All seven Mattel Brick Shop Hot Wheels sets are available for pre-order now at select retailers, with wider availability coming this summer. The initial pre-order allocations appear to have already sold out from Mattel’s website but should be popping up on retailers’ sites as well.
Recap
Mattel Brick Shop x Hot Wheels
Mattel positions itself as a major LEGO competitor with its new Hot Wheels brick builds, using metal components and realistic construction elements.
