What’s the best vehicle for driving fast around the world with a sack of toys?

Let’s say you have to set off on a big journey this week. You need to drive everywhere in the world and you need to do it all in just one night. And you need a vehicle that’s big enough to carry the largest sack of toys possible. We have some thoughts on what we would drive for such a challenge:

Mark Richardson

First choice: Lamborghini LM002

I’m guessing that “unique style” is an important part of the vehicle and the Lamborghini LM002 is definitely one of a kind. It’s often called the “Rambo Lambo” because Sylvester Stallone, who played Rambo in the movie franchise, owned one. Which doesn’t mean all owners need to be macho like Stallone. They just have to appreciate an SUV that’s powered by a V12 Countach engine.

Lamborghini ended production of the LM002 in 1993, so you’ll need to go to an auction to find one of the 300 units it built. It was priced at around $150,000 when new but it’ll probably cost at least twice that now. Don’t get too excited by the promised range of its 165-litre fuel tank – it’ll consume around 40 litres every hundred kilometres, so you’ll need to refuel every 400 kilometres or so, just like most other cars. Its quirkiness includes tiny rear-view mirrors – who cares what’s behind you? – and all kinds of weird, rubberized buttons and switches and, perhaps very useful, a lever in the cabin that turns off the battery for prolonged periods of non-use, such as from Christmas Day to the following Christmas Eve.

A 1990 Lamborghini LM002 on display at the 2023 Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto.Jordan Chittley/The Globe and Mail

Honorary mention: Ford F-150 Lightning

The all-electric Lightning pick-up truck is extremely fast, dashing from zero to 100 kilometres an hour between chimneys in just four seconds or so. Half the world will be warm, where you might get a range of up to 500 kilometres, but the rest is cold, where that range could be cut almost in half. But it won’t be an issue if you can modify some elvish ingenuity, to dash through lightning storms for an instant recharge. That must be why Ford gave the Lightning its name, right?

2022 Ford F-150 LightningMark Richardson/The Globe and Mail

Miranda Lightstone

First choice: Mansory Mercedes-AMG G63 6x6

Let’s be real: eight reindeer aren’t cutting it for modern rooftop logistics. What’s needed is a Mansory Mercedes-AMG G63 6x6, a beast that makes Rudolf look like a hatchback. We’re talking about a twin-turbo V8 pushing 840 horsepower and enough torque (737 lb-ft) to tow a literal mountain of coal. And because an evening of toy delivery means traversing varied terrain (for example, slippery, snow-covered slate roofs), this rig has six driven wheels and portal axles giving you 45 centimetres of ground clearance. You won’t just clear the chimney – you’ll drive over it.

Inside, it’s not just a truck; it’s a workshop. There’s custom diamond-stitched leather and a carbon-fibre dash that feels more North Pole CEO than jolly elf. The cargo bed is lined in bamboo – classy, sustainable and tough enough for the heavy stuff. Sure, it’s a nightmare to park in a suburban driveway, but who cares? You park on the roof. It will be well worth searching for a used 2015 edition or commissioning a brand new version from Mansory, the Gronos 6x6 based on the G-Wagen. Used or new, it will cost well over a million dollars. Ditch the sleigh, keep the beard and get yourself a 6x6.

Mansory Mercedes-AMG G63 6x6Courtesy of manufacturer

Honorary mention: Cadillac Escalade ESV

Think of the Cadillac Escalade ESV as the responsible choice that still knows how to party. Because there’s a lot of ground to cover (literally the whole world), the ESV’s Super Cruise is a game-changer – it’s hands-free driving on compatible highways, meaning you can actually check your list twice while the Caddy handles the steering. It has a cavernous 4,020 litres of cargo space (great for the overflow toys) and the massaging front seats will save your back after sliding down a few million chimneys. Plus, with the 36-speaker AKG sound system, “Jingle Bell Rock” is going to sound legendary. It’s big, it’s brash and it’s comfy enough to nap when crossing oceans.

Using the Lyriq EV as inspiration, the designers have incorporated vertical LED light strips in the bumper and pencil-thin daytime running lights above them.Courtesy of manufacturer

Kunal D’souza

First choice: Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster

The Ineos Grenadier is a new car that looks and feels like it could have arrived 40 years ago and no one would have known the difference.

Part BMW and part Land Rover Discovery, the Grenadier is the exact vehicle you’d want to drive around the world. Rugged and versatile, there’s 282 horsepower from a tried-and-true BMW inline-six cylinder engine under the hood.

For true off-road capability, the Quartermaster has 10.5 inches of ground clearance and can ford water up to 31.5 inches in depth. It gets solid front and rear axles, a two-speed transfer case and a centre locking differential, but you’d probably want to option the front and rear axle lockers too, minimizing any chances of getting stuck in the middle of a delivery.

Inside, there are toggle switches and military-esque knobs, space for five passengers and a horn that can toot. The Quartermaster gets a spacious cargo bay that should be perfect for an extra-large sack of toys and it can tow up to 3,500 kilograms. Prices start at $96,695.

Ineos Grenadier QuartermasterAlberto Cervetti/Courtesy of manufacturer

Honorary mention: Lexus LX

Because travelling around the world in one night should also be comfortable, the Lexus LX will hold the toys and get you anywhere you need to go in pampering comfort. It’s also one of the most reliable vehicles you can buy, so this one is always going to make it back home.