Coachman Laser 575 Xcel 2021

Coachman’s twin-axle Laser range has been through some changes in the past few seasons. First, it was merged with the VIP; it was later unmerged. Then last season, we saw the arrival of the 8ft-wide Laser Xcels. This year, there’s yet another change, with the introduction of the Coachman Laser 575 Xcel, the first single-axle in the line-up.

According to Coachman, this is designed to appeal to people who want to move up a grade from the VIP, and like the extra width, but don’t have the funds t go for a full-blown Laser Xcel (at £30,995 OTR, the 575 is almost £5500 cheaper than the Laser 875 Xcel, which has the same layout). Does such an offer work?

Pitch and set up

At 155kg, the payload is only 5kg less than it would be with the 875. And as for towing, the 575, like all Coachman models this year, comes with Al-Ko’s Automatic Adjustment Premium Brake. This should give you extra reassurance – it is designed to shorten the van’s overall stopping distance, and widely used on the Continent. Coachman has it on a 12-month exclusivity contract in the UK for the 2021 season.

You don’t get the E&P self-levelling system that is standard on the other Laser Xcels here, it’s a £3050 optional extra. Perhaps that’s one way the 575 is set apart.

Lounge

You’ll notice the increased sense of space as you walk into the 575, thanks to its open layout, which puts the washroom beyond the transverse island bed.

The large sunroof at the front helps, as does ambient lighting behind the lockers, and four spotlights. The lounge is adequate for four, but perhaps a squeeze for more.

Coachman has redesigned the front chest with a pull-out flap that is easier to use, so if there are just two of you having a snack, this would probably be all you need. The foldaway table is stowed by the door. There is a mains socket in one corner, but the only USBs are by the sockets for the TV.

Kitchen

Apart from the extra space, one other thing that helps to brighten up the centre of this van is the shiny Corian worktop.

With an extension flap and two mains sockets, there is a huge work area here, especially as the same material is used for the sink cover.

Underneath the four-burner, dual-fuel hob, there is a large cupboard housing a couple of storage baskets and a drawer.

In the middle are three large drawers, with a pan locker under the separate oven and grill. Above are two lockers, one with a crockery rack, and a microwave. You also get a Dometic Series 10 two-way opening fridge, with a small pan locker below.

Washroom

An opaque window stops the end washroom feeling too gloomy, while the Alde towel radiator by the circular toilet adds a touch of cosiness. The salad-bowl-style handbasin has a swan-neck tap and there’s a double (unshelved) cupboard below, with a smaller cupboard overhead.

The roomy shower cubicle has a swing door and plenty of shelving, but there’s only one roof light and vent in the whole washroom.

Beds

The rear transverse island bed retracts, to leave space you can walk around in the daytime. At the headboard are two spots and USBs, and a shelf on each side. There’s a second set of TV sockets above a dresser in the front nearside corner.

As the front settees are only 1.5m long, they are only really suitable as single beds for children. But with the help of slats (some might have expected platforms at this price), they turn into a useful double.

Storage

External locker doors give you access to the large clear space under the bed and the nearside settee. There is no internal access to the latter, except by lifting the base cushions, although there is a boot locker right by the door. The wardrobes either side of the bed are a good size, and you also get three overhead lockers and smaller cupboards beneath the wardrobes.

Those sleeping in the front might possibly feel a bit short-changed, with just one large overhead locker each side and a corner locker, but the front chest is bigger this season and there is also a handy locker beneath the slats for less essential items.

Verdict

Producing all of the space provided in this caravan on a single axle seems a wise idea, and on the whole, the new design has been beautifully executed.

The 575’s MTPLM of 1734kg does mean that you’ll need a fairly hefty car to tow it, however, this is certainly a caravan well worth considering if you already own such a vehicle.

If you liked this… READ THESE:

Buccaneer Bermuda

Knaus Starclass 565

If you’ve enjoyed reading this article, why not get the latest news, reviews and features delivered direct to your door or inbox every month. Take advantage of our brilliant Practical Caravan magazine SUBSCRIBERS’ OFFER and SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER for regular weekly updates on all things caravan related.