GL-based Lagonda Concept confirms Aston Martin and Mercedes partnership

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.