LEGO vs. BlueBrixx Enterprise-D: The Ultimate Comparison 2026

When LEGO announced the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D, it was a pop culture moment for many: Star Trek had long been "the big license that LEGO never had". At the same time, many people in Germany immediately thought: wait – the Enterprise-D as a large display model already existed. Namely from BlueBrixx, since 2022, also officially licensed at the time.

Important context: in the LEGO online shop the set is currently on back-order and will ship on January 29, 2026 – effectively the next broad availability for new orders.

The Starting Point: Why There Are Two Enterprise-Ds

BlueBrixx held an official Star Trek license for several years and was therefore able to realize a whole range of ships and sets. The Enterprise-D was a flagship: large, very "showcase-worthy", strongly resolved through prints. This license expired – and shortly afterwards it was clear that LEGO is now officially bringing Star Trek into its own portfolio.

The result is the LEGO Icons set 10356, currently listed for new buyers with a shipping date of January 29, 2026.

LEGO 10356: The Premium Icons Set

Available from January 29, 2026

LEGO positions the Enterprise-D as an adult display set: large, elaborately built, with a collector's presentation (stand + plaque) and a clear premium claim. The model brings a very LEGO-typical strength: construction and stability are visibly prioritized.

The Core Function: Detachable Saucer Section

Here LEGO plays out a Star Trek core function that immediately picks fans up: The saucer section is detachable. This makes the model not just a display piece but also a functional franchise statement.

Minifigures of the TNG Crew

The second major difference from BlueBrixx is for many the actual reason to buy: LEGO delivers 9 minifigures of the TNG crew. This makes the set a franchise statement and not "just" a spaceship model. Picard, Riker, Data, Worf and co. simply belong.

The Sticking Point: Stickers

With a set in this price range (€379.99), many expect more printed parts – especially because BlueBrixx scored extremely strongly with printed parts on its Enterprise-D. The stickers are the most frequent point of criticism in online discussions.

BlueBrixx 104184: The Trekkie Approach

Prints Instead of Stickers

The BlueBrixx Enterprise-D (2022) was loved by many Star Trek fans because it shone exactly where display fans are particularly sensitive: surface, lettering, studio model look. BlueBrixx very consistently focused on smooth surfaces and many printed elements, which makes the model feel "finished" without having to align stickers.

Construction and Stability

The construction is overall more classic and not as "over-engineered" on presentation as LEGO: The stand looks visually more elegant but needs an additional support because the saucer is structurally demanding.

Availability Today

The BlueBrixx version today is usually more on the secondary market/leftover stock side, because the Star Trek line could not be continued after the license ended. That makes acquisition significantly more difficult.

Direct Comparison: Facts at a Glance

Where the Models Really Differ

On the spec sheet, LEGO automatically seems "superior": more pieces, larger, figures, features. In practice, it's more of a style and priorities comparison.

LEGO: Technically Complex and Robust

The LEGO Enterprise is a technically complex building project that makes organic shapes look very smooth and high-quality through clever building techniques. It is also designed to stand securely and be moved without you having to constantly fear for sensitive transitions.

BlueBrixx: Clean Showcase Model

The BlueBrixx Enterprise looks more like a very clean showcase model: smoother, more printed details, less "LEGO texture". For some, that is closer to the series look. The price was historically more attractive – but availability is the biggest problem today.

What Are Fans Saying Online?

Discussions usually run along the same lines:

LEGO is celebrated for:

• "Finally Star Trek at LEGO"
• The TNG minifigures
• Stability and construction
• The detach function of the saucer

LEGO is criticized for:

• Stickers instead of prints
• High price (€379.99)

BlueBrixx is praised for:

• Prints and clean look
• Studio model look
• Original price (€199.95)

BlueBrixx is criticized for:

• Build experience not at LEGO level
• Stability at the stand
• Hardly available today

Conclusion: Which Enterprise-D Suits You?

Choose LEGO if...

• You want a stable premium display set that feels like a modern LEGO Icons model
• The TNG minifigures are important to you
• You want to use the detach function of the saucer
• You want to buy the set regularly (availability from January 29, 2026)

Choose BlueBrixx if...

• You love the Enterprise primarily as a clean exhibition model without stickers
• Prints are more important to you than functions
• You are willing to search through secondary market/leftover stock
• The lower price (€199.95 back then) was decisive for you

On reBricker you'll find both sets and can compare prices – new and used. Get the best deal for your Enterprise-D!