Blue Tongue Overland XR vs Lexus LC500

What's the difference?

The camping world is so mad for forward-fold campers that it often forgets that, for a long time, the rear-fold, hard-floor camper were considered the 'In' thing.

That rings true for Sydney-based camper-trailer firm, Blue Tongue Campers, whose three hallmark campers are based on the forward-folding concept with an internal lounge. But it's the rear-fold, which quietly ticks along, almost in the background, which is still the most versatile, has the best storage and the best kitchen of the hard-floor campers. The Series 2 version has just been released so we took it out to see what's changed.

Being a true Jack of all trades in the car world is rare. 

Generally speaking, a vehicle is either capable or comfortable. Attractive or aerodynamic. Practical or performance orientated. And problems arise when cars try to do all those things well, all at the same time.

Which make the Lexus LC 500 Convertible such an interesting proposition. Because it is, without doubt, stylish, and lavishly equipped. It’s also rather large and rather heavy. All of which is perfect for cruising the Bondi foreshore.

But it’s also equipped with a thumping V8 engine and a throaty exhaust that sounds like bricks in a blender on the overrun. It’s stiffer than the LFA supercar, and plenty powerful, which should deliver one of Lexus’ sportiest-ever drives. 

So can the LC 500 really do it all? Let’s find out.