GL-based Lagonda Concept confirms Aston Martin and Mercedes partnership

[keltanky]

Talk of Aston Martin and Mercedes Benz entering a partnership dates back almost two years but until last week’s Geneva Motor Show no evidence of such a deal existing had ever materialized. We bet you’re all scratching your heads and wondering what happened at last week’s Geneva event to suggest that the two carmakers were working together, but sitting center on Aston Martin’s stands was a concept car built on a Mercedes Benz platform.

No, we’re not talking about the One-77. We can gladly report that the stunning supercar is all Aston Martin. We're talking about the oddly-styled Lagonda Concept, a preview of Aston Martin’s planned foray into the world of SUVs and crossovers.

Speaking with Automotive News, Aston Martin design director Marek Reichman said the concept vehicle was based on a Mercedes Benz GL SUV platform and that it could be produced within the next 24 to 30 months if given the green light. However, don’t expect the Lagonda version of the GL to be manufactured at the same Alabama plant as the Mercedes. Reichman said production in the UK was more likely, which means prices would probably be pushed up to around the $200,000 mark.

Some of the key features of the vehicle include folding seats, a rear-lifting tailgate, AWD configuration and a V12 powertrain, as well as the possibility of flexfuel, low emission diesel and hybrid systems

It appears the scope for the Aston Martin and Mercedes partnership is much bigger than anticipated, with everything from engines, hybrids and new Lagonda models now in the works.

[Guest Sareve]

Congratulations Porsche! There's finally a new high end SUV that's - dare we say it - UGLIER than the Cayenne?! Not only does the front grill look like a Chrysler grill, the front intakes next to it look exactly like the ones on my RX-8 O_O

[Guest angela]

i think its a love it or hate it thing.. and i LOVE it!

its BEAUTIFUL! its like a tank on the road, theres NOTHING that will look like it at all! the space at the back, + the wide moon roof... its a dream come true!

BIG is the new BEAUTIFUL...

[Guest JGoh]

I'll have to agree that I find this Lagonda concept attractive (not necessarily 'beautiful'), in a counterpoint sort of way to the elegant Ian Callum inspired current crop of AMs.

Of course, concepts always exagerate (disproportionately) design directions and intentions, but production versions generally fall back to within 'tolerable' limits of the buying target market. However, the most glaring recent exception has to be BMW's previous 7 series introduction in 2001. Chris Bangle's gamble paid off (record sales) in terms of pushing a mass market's acceptance of bold unchartered designs, so much so that the coming crop of BMW new models seems timid and unadventurous (quite unBMW traits) in comparison.

[Guest angela]

I'll have to agree that I find this Lagonda concept attractive (not necessarily 'beautiful'), in a counterpoint sort of way to the elegant Ian Callum inspired current crop of AMs.

Of course, concepts always exagerate (disproportionately) design directions and intentions, but production versions generally fall back to within 'tolerable' limits of the buying target market. However, the most glaring recent exception has to be BMW's previous 7 series introduction in 2001. Chris Bangle's gamble paid off (record sales) in terms of pushing a mass market's acceptance of bold unchartered designs, so much so that the coming crop of BMW new models seems timid and unadventurous (quite unBMW traits) in comparison.

well said bro.