Lagonda Taraf review 2016 Aston Martin

Purchase emotional than rational, but for customers super-exclusive super-rich will have Lagonda Taraf, was just what they were looking for

Although production Taraf limited by the constraints of production and the price of the car surprisingly. Aston plans to eventually launch a broader range of Lagonda models.

The company has said it will not make more than 200 Tarifs, bought with 50 built and production will cease before the end of the year, the final total may be closer to 150. It will be one of the rarest on the planet saloons.

Initially limited sales to the Middle East, but late last year Aston extend the reservation to other markets. Both left and right-drive versions are available, with the ex-works price of £ 685,000 in the UK.

Without context it looks ridiculous price. For the same money you can buy either Rolls-Royce Phantom and Bentley Mulsanne plus a fully loaded Range Rover Autobiography SV beside. But this rarefied part of the market is not playing with the normal rules, and anyone in a fortunate position to be able to consider the Lagonda will be able to scratch any itch automotive they have ever had. What really offered here is unparalleled exclusivity.

At 5396mm long Taraf was great, although shorter than the S600 Maybach, Rolls-Royce Phantom or Bentley Mulsanne, and he exuded presence goes beyond even that given by his gigantic size.

Although the wear plates and Topaz Gold paint is more suitable for Dubai summer than winter Warwickshire, still have the arrogance of the world other than the concept car, the lines of muscles and swept-back styling that looks like it was designed for the film futuristic: it is car crime boss this will be driven in.

Below that is less complicated. Described it as the XL version of the existing Aston Martin Rapide S saloon is oversimplifying and one that trivialises a large number of design and engineering that went into it. But, whisper, it also revealed a fundamental truth here.

The Taraf sitting in stretched version of the bonded aluminum VH architecture of Aston familiar and supported by the development of long-serving V12 naturally aspirated 6.0-liter. Which, like the Rapide S, DB9 and Vanquish, shaft power back through an eight-speed rear mounted transaxle. wheelbase is 200mm longer than the Rapide S, but despite stretching the use of carbonfibre panels allow Aston claimed weight of 1995kg sidewalk identical for both cars.

Relatively few shoppers will experience the driver's seat Taraf before they got into the back, with a lot of buyers are expected not to pilot their own cars. But in front of the cabin similarity Rapide S outstanding, with two cars share the same dashboard, control layout and even the front door trim. The seating position further back, put the shoulder is very close to the big B-pillars, and high Glassline creates a driving position surprising coupé-like.

back is very different, and this is where an effort has been directed. Engineering team has done an impressive job of carving space out of what remains fundamental architecture of a sports car, and the car completely different from the strict Rapide S.

The Lagonda Aston loss chunky center console, although there is still a large lump on the transmission tunnel, and now also the view right out of the window. Almost all the wheelbase stretch have gone to extra leg room. The rear seats are comfortable but do not lie, and Taraf felt short when compared with rival toy obvious.

The Lagonda was still sitting on steel springs with dampers switchable charged with combining comfort and response, which contrasts with the famous soft air suspension from all rivals are obvious. This machine has the function of a quiet start in life without a blip snoring merrily Astons leave when they first run. throttle also has returned again to give an initial response is much more relaxed, with Taraf withdraw clean and happily trundling along at a gentle pace convoy.

also seems happier gearbox in manual mode than when he left in the drive, with the changes ordered by shift paddles delivered quickly and neatly. assisted hydraulic steering feels light but increased load chassis provides precise feedback, and Lagonda feels much smaller on the road than the dimensions suggest it should be. It soon was rushing along at a pace that will generate some complaints from any rear seat passengers, with Taraf shows every sign of enjoying may exercise the way back, especially with a strengthened chassis and throttle pedal in Sport mode.

What is lacking is much in the way of the blow. There was more road and wind noise than you would find in a rival clear, and although the springs and dampers do a good job dealing with a rough surface at a speed - and a longer wheelbase certainly helps to smooth things than the Rapide - the Taraf not experience the magic carpet that usually come as standard in this segment. It still feels like a sports car at heart, but one that does a decent impression of a limousine. Which, to be fair, it pretty much is.

Should I buy one?:

It's hard to make a rational case for Lagonda Taraf but it's easy to make an emotional one. This is a car that makes Rolls-Royce Phantom or Bentley Mulsanne looks positive mass-produced, and that will be the core of his appeal of the super-rich who want exclusivity over anything.

It is an interesting bit of toe-dipping and potentially the start of something much bigger. It is for that future.

Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf

Location Midlands; On sale now; The price of £ 685 000; V12, 5935 cc, gasoline; Power 540bhp at 6650 rpm; Torque of 465 lb ft at 5500rpm; Gearbox 8-spd automatic torque converter; 1995kg dry weight; Top speed 195mph-plus; 0-60mph in 4.4sec; Economic 21mpg (combined, est); CO2 / tax bands 300g / km, 37% (est)

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