I will get right to the punch: This is the best deluxe class figure of the line so far and I am certain it will be one of the main figures this line is remembered for.
Firstly, while this toy's robot mode is sized smaller than a deluxe, it definitely feels like a deluxe class toy in terms of paint applications, size of the alt mode, complexity, accessories, and heft. I don't feel in any way ripped off for paying a deluxe price and frankly, I feel I am getting more from this toy than any other deluxe in this line so far. Plus, him being smaller means we will be able to recreate Megatron trying to crush him when we get the Leader Megatron figure in hand.
We will start with the alt mode which baffles me a tiny bit with the fact that both the box and instructions make sure to highlight the Mercedez Benz licence. That's odd since there is no mention of the brand anywhere on the toy and Mercedez doesn't make scooters, at least none like this. This looks more like a Vespa with some changes done to avoid licensing. The Vespa inspirations are even more apparent on the CG art on the box where some recognisable Vespa traits are found in panels making up the robot. Even the colour is very Vespa like.
Ok aside from that oddity, the vehicle is great. I really like how part of the robot head pops out near a rear wheel well to help give shape to the wheel well. It seems to be part of the alt mode, what part I could not say, but it works. The other factor that might make you think this transforms is that there are two additional handle bars on the sides, which become the robot hands in robot mode. But these can be taken out if you want to complete the illusion. And they store in the cargo trailer. Speaking of which, both extra handlebars and interchangeable arms can fit in the back compartment in the red tool box. The only accessory that does not fit is the giant gun, but it can be attached to any peg along the alt mode. I really like how tight the connection with the cargo trailer is. It will never let go, and yet it being a ball joint means you can remove it by finding the right pressure point and not exerting yourself much. The whole alt mode balances very well and if you detach the cargo trailer, you have a stand to have the scooter stat upright.
Now onto cargo trailer. I do not know why, but it is almost entirely made of clear blue plastic. That colour is not used anywhere since the trailer is fully painted light blue, with some brown wash to show dirt. The wheels are clear blue plastic, but that doesn't really help explain anything. It does mean you end up with easily the most painted toy in the entire line so far.
The cargo trailer opens up to be a nice maintenance bay. This is easily the best looking maintenance bay I have ever seen on a transformer and a much better transformation than just opening Prime's trailer. You really lose track that this was once a cargo trailer. More paint inside, of course. And the tool box opens to give you all the hand options you may need.
Now those hands and arm need to go on a robot, so lets transform this bugger. The Transformation is not simple but not complicated and 100% refreshing. This is not a shellformer and it does one of those nice transformation moves where the plane of transformation shifts. Like what was horizontal now becomes vertical. Another fascinating bit is how this transformation is essentially trying to convey and go around some massive morphing that happens in the movies. Like how bits of the alt mode grow smaller or bigger to suit a purpose. With Sqweeks, his headlights should be his eyes, but that doesn't work due to the size difference and its impossible to achieve. The toy finds an ingenious way to have the alt mode headlights disappear while having the robot head appear to replace it, at the same spot. This really blew me away. When affixing the handles, unless you left them in alt mode, you will notice that he does end up with 4 handles. 2 forming his hands and 2 coming out of his neck. Now that is not as big a problem as I would have thought since in this mode, the handles coming out of his neck are made to represent the breaks that also come out of his neck in the film. So he still ends up with small alt mode pieces at the same spot, helping to give the look we see in the film, I have no problem with that.
In robot mode, you have a ton of options depending on how deadly you want to be. The giant gun can replace either of his hand(le)s. He also has a beefy right arm that you can swap out and that arm itself can hold the gun too (or another weapon you have handy, and you can keep the gun on the other hand). if you want even more firepower, you can take that cargo trailer we spoke about before and attach it to his back to give him some shoulder mounted missile packs. The backpack attaches really well here too.
So there you go. Lots of paint, a fun refreshing transformation unlike the usual movie kind, lots of play-ability and personality and looking good in both modes. This is usually all I need to be happy and right no I am very happy.
Oh and another thing, his glasses can flip up to give him that Millhouse look.