Lagonda at Geneva

New Lagonda model makes its debut at Geneva

Super luxurious 4x4 Lagonda concept arrives at Geneva Motor Show

Take a look at the biggest surprise of the Geneva Motor Show. This imposing concept car ressurects the legendary luxury marque, Lagonda – and it's certainly been turning some heads at the Swiss expo.

Conceived by Aston Martin to enter completely new markets for the luxury firm, the 4x4 four-seater Rolls-Royce rival is very much a concept at the moment, but the finished article could go on sale as soon as 2012 – and spawn a fresh range of Lagonda-badged models.

See official pictures of the new Lagonda.

The car you see here ushers in a new look for the badge, but at the same time harks back to famous Lagondas like the 1937 LG6 – a car which was silhouetted behind the newcomer on Aston Martin's show stand.

It shares cues such as the vast chrome front grille, pillar box-style rear window and long bonnet.
At the back is a distinctive kicked-up C-pillar and raised boot, while the headlights and air intakes get LEDs with integrated indicators. With its bluff front, stretched bonnet and vast tail, it's a bit like a Rolls-Royce Phantom – although the jacked-up stance gives it a different look entirely.

The reason for the raised ride height, 22-inch wheels and four-wheel-drive system is not so that owners can go off-road, though. Aston Martin points out that the Lagonda is categorically not an SUV, and the extra ground clearance is designed to be of benefit in emerging markets where road networks are currently poor – such as Russia, India, China and South America.

The concept car sits on a platform from the Mercedes GL off-roader but it's been built and designed at Gaydon by small Aston Martin team. In future, there's likely to be plenty of cross-over with Mercedes, though – there are rumours of a tie-up that will see Lagonda use the Maybach 62 platform.

For now, the concept uses Aston Martin's 6.0-litre V12 engine hooked up to a six-speed automatic gearbox, but in future it will feature hybrid, biofuel and diesel powerplants – and it's these that could be developed with Mercedes.

Inside there's ample seating for four occupants, with sumptuous leather upholstery, fake fur around the headrests and a chunky, muscular feel to the controls. The driving experience will be very different to an Aston Martin: "Lagonda will have separate character," a spokesman explained. "It will offer driver enjoyment but the idea is to put all four occupants in a state of luxury. It will be very comfortable indeed."

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