Aston Martin and Mercedes tie-up over Lagonda

Probably the biggest surprise of the Geneva Motor Show was the arrival of the Lagonda Concept. Although the revival of the Lagonda Marque had been much speculated upon, particularly with Lagonda celebrating its 100 year car making anniversary this year (an all the marketing opportunities that offers) no one had seen a super-luxo SUV on the horizon.

Lagonda Concept - Based on the Mercedes Benz GL

Most car journos attending, us included, did react fairly negatively. And we stand by much of what we said. But it does grow on you – a little. But we still think that Aston Martin would have been better pushing ahead with the Lagonda at the top end – perhaps starting with the Aston Martin Rapide – rather than attempting to go left-field. And if they’d wanted to go left-field then why not use another name that is still probably at their disposal – Tickford?

Anyway, Aston Martin obviously are going this direction. And when we saw the Lagonda we did wonder if it was a development of Aston’s standard platform that is used on the rest of the range. If so, Concept to Production could be achieved pretty quickly. But the reality is a bit of a surprise.

It seems that the new Lagonda Concept is actually based on the Mercedes GL, which could explain its gargantuan dimensions. But it also means that the Lagonda could be put in to production – if it gets the go ahead – in a couple of years.

We have heard rumours for a couple of years that Aston Martin and Mercedes were looking for collaboration opportunities. Looks like they’ve found one!

Source: Motor Authority via Automotive News