The 2010 Kia Rio—An Exercise in Automotive...
GL-based Lagonda Concept confirms Aston Martin and Mercedes partnership

GL-based Lagonda Concept confirms Aston Martin and Mercedes partnership

Kenneth Hall March 9th, 2009 Kenneth Hall By Kenneth Hall Author March 9th, 2009
  • Articles Contributed: 1031
  • Comments Posted: 0
  • Leaderboard Rank: N/A

December 31st, 1969 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.2009 Aston Martin Lagonda Concept
The GL-based Lagonda Concept is the first tangible evidence of the existence of a partnership between Mercedes and Aston Martin

The GL-based Lagonda Concept is the first tangible evidence of the existence of a partnership between Mercedes and Aston Martin

Enlarge Photo

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.
2009 Aston Martin Lagonda Concept
Gallery
  • 2009 aston martin lagonda concept 002
  • 2009 aston martin lagonda concept 003
  • 2009 aston martin lagonda concept 001
  • 2009 aston martin lagonda concept 004
  • 2009 aston martin lagonda concept 006
  • 2009 aston martin lagonda concept 005

Tags: Lagonda

Posted in: Mercedes Benz, Aston Martin, News, SUVs, GL Class


Comments (3 total)

Meet the top commenters on the Leaderboard

  1. ma_Mike avatar by Mike #1, Posted: 3/9/2009

    So that explains the ugliness! BTW, what V12 are they talking about, current Aston V12(Duratec), or are they talking Mercedes V12 since it's a Mercedes derived platform?

  2. ma_azlan avatar by azlan #2, Posted: 3/10/2009

    i would have rather seen another british company like jaguar(if they had the money) to partner with aston..... get a good balance between beauty and luxury. i would rather see the aston v12 in this... just because i dont want lagonda to become a german based product we have too many luxury german manufacturers give britain a good go! ha. even rolls royce is pretty much german now.... sheeesh

  3. ma_danDAN avatar by danDAN #3, Posted: 3/10/2009

    i would have rather seen another british company like jaguar(if they had the money) to partner with aston..... get a good balance between beauty and luxury. i would rather see the aston v12 in this... just because i dont want lagonda to become a german based product we have too many luxury german manufacturers give britain a good go! ha. even rolls royce is pretty much german now.... sheeesh

    yer but the Phantom is probably the best Rolls ever. It works amazingly and is designed impeccably.

    working with the Germans isn't a bad idea. Maybach seems to be down the drain, MB should cut the losses and just sell a personalised s class as a maybach and offer it extended rather than piss money away, so the ultra luxury market maybach had they could plug into Lagonda.

    Better than having what is another DB7 offspring turned into a 4x4

Post a Comment

Post anonymously
Sign In |
will stay private
your 'posted by' name will link to the URL

More from MotorAuthority

More from High Gear Media