Coachman Laser Xcel 875 twin-axle caravan
Description
An eight-foot-wide, twin-axle, top-spec tourer that levels itself at the touch of a button
Key Features
Full Review
Words: Val Chapman Photography: John Chapman
The Coachman Laser Xcel 875
Coachman’s design team are masters at creating caravans of sophistication. Throughout this manufacturer’s five ranges, fine-detail luxury is evident; that’s what Coachman has built its reputation on.
All have Alde heating (Coachman is the only manufacturer to install Alde systems throughout its portfolio). All are made for discerning buyers.
And there is now at least one eight-foot-wide caravan in each of Coachman’s ranges, making a total of nine.
Laser is one of the best-selling ranges for Coachman (the marque was launched in the late 1990s) – and, now, there is an additional Laser Xcel range, in response to the growing demand for wider caravans.
The four Laser Xcel models are eight feet wide. All have the E&P self-levelling system that levels the caravan at the touch of a button, by means of two giant axle supports for lateral levelling, plus heavy-duty corner steadies.
Three layouts have beds at the rear and shower rooms amidships. (Layout variations include L-shaped lounges and beds positioned against the rear wall or transversely.) And one, the 875, has the shower room at the rear with a bedroom forward of it.
We spent a day exploring the finer points of the 875 at Campbells Caravans near Preston.
The kitchen
We started in the kitchen, where the standout feature (literally) is the L-shape of the units, jutting out into the centre of caravan but, because of the eight-foot width, not impinging on corridor space at all.
Surface space is generous, at 1.03m, and there’s a 59cm by 30cm extension to hinge up into position when you need it. When that is in place, the total length of the kitchen, including the hob, is 1.33m. A kitchen capable of hosting culinary creativity, then.
Kitchen storage is also up with the best. The drawers are 59cm wide, and the 38cm-wide cabinet that occupies the L-shaped section of the kitchen is massively deep, at 68cm. It contains two metal drawers and one wooden drawer, that glide out on runners.
Opposite, beside the fridge, is a cabinet that’s 41cm wide and stows away the dining table alongside two metal basket-style drawers on runners. The top surface of this cabinet (ideal for a television and more) measures 45cm by 67cm.
The fridge is the 153-litre capacity Dometic model that can be opened from either the left or the right side. And there is a locker above it.
Refinements include a light inside the oven, a cast iron pan rest, and touch-sensitive lighting under the top lockers.
An extractor fan is mounted – and almost concealed – below the (beautifully mirror-doored) microwave. The top locker alongside the microwave is a huge 1m wide.
Kitchen décor is superb. The splashback wall is clad in grey and white rock effect. The surface is pure white with subtle flecks of grey and pale fawn. The top locker is finished in gloss cream, while the sink is rimlessly recessed into the surface; very refined.
And bright lights stream from between each of the three drawers and from under the worktop. So, a great kitchen with loads of storage capacity and good surface space.
The lounge
The lounge is plush and comfortable as you’d expect, with six cushions to ensure cosiness, and lovely subtle-pattern curtains with a zigzag design in different textures and shades of fawn.
There’s a phone charging pad built into the windowsill – and plenty of space here for mugs, glasses and plates at snack times.
The slide-out table gives you a 38cm by 66cm surface; more than adequate for most meals for two.
The bedroom
While the lounge is lovely and spacious, it’s in the bedroom where you very much notice the extra width. There is no need to push the bed back to its daytime retracted position; the corridor at its foot is plenty wide enough.
The dressing table has two doors opening to a spacious cabinet.
The forward wardrobe is 40cm wide and the aft one is 30cm. Both have drawers and cabinets beneath. Small shelves, perfect for mugs, are at the base of each wardrobe.
There are three overbed lockers; the centre one has a shelf. And on each side of the bed are nice refinements: three leather-effect pockets, perfectly sized for phones, and just about large enough for small books.
The washroom
The shower room is a design dream. The same swirling marble effect as the kitchen splashback wall is used, not just for the area by the washbasin, but also for a floor-to-ceiling panel in the shower cubicle.
Lighting is concealed both above and below the large mirror. The cabinet beneath the stylish oval, fawn basin is sculpted to create a slightly traditional look.
A tall towel warmer, finished in white, is alongside the toilet; there’s a towel loop and hook by the entrance to the shower cubicle.
Our Verdict
<p>At this price level you’d expect luxury looks as well as high spec and the Xcel 875 delivers superbly. The sofas are super comfortable, with deep knee rolls, armrests at each end and six cushions. The bedroom and shower room are ultra-stylish and delightfully boutique. Every inch screams quality.</p>
<p>Kitchen surface and storage excel, too. And the extractor fan above the hob adds to the super-spec appeal of this caravan. It’s a quality tourer designed for buyers for whom comfort and high spec are paramount considerations.</p>
