Crossover Redefined: Lagonda concept based on Mercedes GL
by Noah Joseph on Mar 9th 2009 at 3:56PM 
Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Lagonda concept
It's been a while since we heard anything about the long-time-coming partnership between Mercedes-Benz and Aston Martin. But while we got a good look at what's inside Aston's new One-77 supercar, reports indicate that if we'd taken a peek under the Lagonda concept's skirt we would have seen the familiar parts of the Mercedes GL-Class sport-ute.
According to Aston CEO Ulrich Bez, the company tested a wide variety of luxury SUVs and found the Mercedes the most suitable. Only the wheelbase and A-pillar positioning are said to have carried over, with everything else having changed. The engine, however, is Aston's own. If they decide to build the Lagonda – a decision on which the mixed reaction in Geneva will undoubtedly be a factor – it could be ready in three to five years, but production would likely take place at Aston's own facilities in the UK rather than Mercedes' plant in Alabama.
Gallery: Lagonda Concept
[Source: Automotive News Europe - sub. req'd]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Sektor 4:03PM (3/09/2009)
Oh noes, the SUV version of the Chrysler concept!
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Phil Perman 4:04PM (3/09/2009)
While I was with everyone else when I first say it saying it was ugly, the Lagonda has really grown on me, enough to say I actually quite like it.
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superman211 5:14PM (3/09/2009)
Only the front of it though. The back is all 45-50s crap
Serge 4:08PM (3/09/2009)
I personally like cars like this and the SRX a lot better than SUVs and Mini-Vans... with the notable exception of the R-class, because it looks, drives and has the interior arrangement / seating position of a minivan.
The raised stationwagon architecture provides better handling than a traditional tall square SUV and has enough space for a a lot of people to comfortably co-exist for an extended period of time, all without looking like your wife makes the vehicle buying decisions in the house...
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dukeisduke 4:22PM (3/09/2009)
In other news, it's still hideous.
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Jonathan 4:23PM (3/09/2009)
It's growing on me, actually. Doing an SUV without a D-pillar IS tricky. Its an X6 competitor in the sense it not a conventional 4-pillar SUV. IMO this looks better than the blacked out D-pillar of the old SRX and new Equinox. It looks odd on the concept, but if they make a production version I think it will look very good. It looks aggressive like the Cayenne, but without be ugly.
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Chriss Cazayoux 4:26PM (3/09/2009)
An SUV really, that is the heritage of this epic mark. While I do not hate this vehicle, i do protest it as a lagonda. Although MB brought back the Maybach and doesn't want to compete with their sole product.
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Mobius_1 4:26PM (3/09/2009)
Aston, try again.
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aj121489 6:24PM (3/09/2009)
No, don't try again, just drop this and stick with what's left lol
Milos 4:33PM (3/09/2009)
so what do we have here - car that looks like a product of one memorable night, too many gin-vodkas and BMW,Chrysler and Alfa Romeo...
front shape, even though it has Aston's trademark grill is too tall so it looks like it has been taken straight from Chrysler 300c. Lights look too much like something that Chris Bangle has probably designed for 5-series BMW and back end is 90% copy of back end of Alfa Romeo GT - http://www.autovia.com/extras/wallpaper/Alfa_Romeo_GT_Coupe/Alfa_Romeo_GT_Coupe_7.jpg
I'm not criticizing the fact that too many elements look like copies of parts of some other cars. After 100+ years of automotive industry it's almost impossible to be totally innovative, but i'm criticizing the combination of those elements. This SUV, even if it's in GL size class, looks too heavy, too cumbersome, and therefore very un-sporty unless you only count straight line performance, which may be ok for Mercedes GL, but it's not ok for Aston Martin brand
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Carlos 4:41PM (3/09/2009)
Who cars what it's based off of, it still looks like butt.
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Taglane 5:51PM (3/09/2009)
You mean ass? Butt is an understatement.
big J 6:37PM (3/09/2009)
it looks butt-ass.
dmoneycivicsi 4:53PM (3/09/2009)
Still the worst looking Aston Martin EVER. You can't argue that point.
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PJ 5:19PM (3/09/2009)
A Lagonda based on a Mercedes-Benz? Don't mention the war...
This concept's vulgarity is pretty much consistent with the history of the marque. Every Lagonda conceived since the 3-Litre (after Aston Martin took over the company), starting with the DB5-based Rapide, has been characterized as an indulgent pet project with overwrought, overly complex, under-performing results. Remember the 1976 model? This is its post-SUV-craze equivalent.
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Other Man 6:23PM (3/09/2009)
I doubt they'll build it. Part of me wants them to, but I REALLY doubt it.
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henryenriquez 5:37PM (3/09/2009)
Kinda looks like the LRX concept from a couple of years back, doesn't it?
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Taglane 5:52PM (3/09/2009)
Except this one clashed with some sort of rare species of Alligator.
catchmyshadow 6:33PM (3/09/2009)
Aston are going to dethrone the Fiat Multipla as the ugliest thing on 4 wheels, who would have ever thought it, disgusting lol
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sitruc 6:51PM (3/09/2009)
The horrible background and lighting almost make me second guess how bad the design of the vehicle is.
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