With a storied history spanning over a century, Aston Martin has consistently crafted vehicles that epitomise the pinnacle of British luxury and driving pleasure. Among their illustrious lineup, the Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf stands as a symbol of elegance, sophistication, and unrivalled craftsmanship.
Taken from the Arabic word for ‘ultimate luxury’, the name of the Lagonda Taraf gives a strong hint as to the essence of this limited-edition masterpiece. Originally designed exclusively for a discerning, Middle Eastern clientele, it represents the rare convergence of opulent grand touring and unbridled performance.
From the moment you set eyes on it, the Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf presents itself as no ordinary luxury sedan. But what makes it so special?
In this article, we will take a closer look at why the few people who are lucky enough to own one cherish it so much.
Heritage
The history of the car can be traced back to the iconic Lagonda brand, which has deep roots in the automotive world. Lagonda, founded in 1906 by Wilbur Gunn, was known for producing luxury vehicles renowned for their elegance and engineering prowess. Aston Martin acquired Lagonda in 1947, combining the two prestigious marques under one roof.
Fast forward to the 21st century, and Aston Martin embarked on a mission to revive the Lagonda nameplate and create an ultra-luxury sedan that would captivate the world. The result was the Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf, unveiled at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. Initially intended exclusively for the Middle Eastern market, the Taraf represented a limited production run of only 120 units, ensuring its exclusivity and desirability.
The car was not just a continuation of the Lagonda lineage but a bold statement of Aston Martin’s commitment to pushing boundaries and redefining automotive luxury. As with all Aston Martin vehicles, the Lagonda Taraf showcased the brand’s relentless pursuit of perfection. From its sleek and elongated exterior design to its meticulously crafted interior, the Taraf radiated sophistication and exclusivity.
When it was launched, the Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf carved a niche for itself in the world of luxury sedans, capturing the imagination of automotive enthusiasts and collectors alike. Its limited production numbers and exclusivity made it a symbol of prestige, while its fusion of performance and luxury set new standards in the segment.
Sadly, the production run of the Lagonda Taraf has long since passed. But, suffice it to say, its legacy lives on.
Design and Styling
With its delightful blend of timeless elegance and contemporary sophistication, the design of the Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf ensures it has a commanding presence.
The Taraf’s exterior is a harmonious composition of flowing lines, sculpted surfaces, and refined details, creating a seductive and aerodynamic silhouette.
Front on, the Lagonda Taraf displays Aston Martin’s signature grille, which features a bold and imposing presence. Flanked by sleek LED headlights, the grille provides a modern touch while maintaining a sense of classic refinement. The low-slung hood, with its subtle contours, adds to the Taraf’s purposeful and athletic stance.
On its sides, the Taraf’s elongated profile accentuates its grand touring characteristics. The clean and uninterrupted lines flow gracefully from the front fenders to the rear, enhancing the car’s aerodynamic efficiency. The absence of superfluous adornments allows the car’s inherent beauty to take centre stage, while the discreetly integrated door handles add to the Taraf’s sleek and uncluttered aesthetics.
At its rear, the Lagonda Taraf showcases a distinctive and bold design language. The signature Aston Martin taillights, with their distinctive LED light elements, wrap around the rear quarters, emphasising the car’s width and providing a visual link to the brand’s lineage. The subtle lip spoiler integrated into the trunk lid adds a touch of sportiness, complementing the Taraf’s performance capabilities. Twin exhaust outlets elegantly integrated into the rear diffuser round off the rear design, hinting at the power and performance that lies within.
Inside the cabin of the Lagonda Taraf, every detail has been meticulously crafted to create an atmosphere of pure luxury. Fine hand-stitched leather upholstery wraps around the seats, dashboard, and door panels, providing a sumptuous touch. While wood veneers, meticulously selected for their grain and texture, adorn the interior surfaces, adding warmth and a sense of timeless sophistication.
The centre console houses a modern infotainment system seamlessly integrated into the overall design. Within it, the instrument cluster features clear and legible dials, providing the driver with essential information in an elegant and uncluttered manner. The rear cabin space also provides ample legroom, ensuring that occupants are treated to a comfortable and indulgent experience befitting a luxury sedan of this calibre.
Performance and Powertrain
The Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf is not only a symbol of luxury and elegance but also a powerhouse of performance. Underneath its elegant exterior lies a formidable powertrain and a carefully tuned chassis that delivers an exhilarating driving experience.
Powering the Taraf is a hand-built, V12 6.0-litre engine. This naturally aspirated powerplant is a testament to Aston Martin’s commitment to the tradition of high-performance engines. With a mighty roar, the V12 generates a thrilling 540 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. The engine’s power delivery is smooth and refined, allowing the Taraf to accelerate with authority while maintaining a sense of composure.
The car’s performance is further enhanced by a rear-wheel-drive system that ensures power is effectively transmitted to the road. The V12 engine is mated to a responsive and smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission, providing seamless gear changes and contributing to the overall driving experience.
The Taraf’s performance capabilities are not limited to straight-line acceleration. Aston Martin engineers have meticulously crafted the chassis and suspension to deliver exceptional handling dynamics. The car’s balance and agility are a result of careful tuning and the use of lightweight materials. The aluminium body structure helps keep the Taraf’s weight in check, contributing to its nimbleness and responsiveness.
To provide precise and confident handling, the Taraf features advanced suspension components, including adaptive damping and electronically controlled shock absorbers. These systems work together to adapt to varying road conditions and driver preferences, ensuring a smooth and composed ride while still offering sharp and engaging dynamics when the driver desires.
Braking performance is equally impressive, with the Taraf equipped with a high-performance braking system that delivers strong and consistent stopping power. The large diameter brake discs and powerful calipers enable the car to come to a halt quickly and safely when needed.
Interior Comfort and Features
The interior of the Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf is about as luxurious as it can get. Every detail has been meticulously designed and executed to create an environment that indulges both the driver and passengers, ensuring a journey of unparalleled refinement.
The use of premium materials, such as supple hand-stitched leather, plush Alcantara, and meticulously crafted wood veneers, creates an atmosphere of timeless luxury. Its attention to detail is evident on every surface, where fine stitching and precise panel gaps showcase Aston Martin’s commitment to craftsmanship.
Sumptuously upholstered, the seats in the Taraf provide excellent support and comfort for long journeys. The front seats can be adjusted in multiple ways, allowing occupants to find their ideal seating position. At the same time, the rear cabin space is generous, providing ample legroom for passengers to stretch out.
To enhance the comfort and convenience of occupants, the Lagonda Taraf is equipped with a range of advanced features. Dual-zone automatic climate control allows individual temperature settings for both the driver and front passenger, ensuring optimal comfort for everyone on board. Additional comfort features, such as heated and ventilated seats, along with optional massage functions, further illustrate the Taraf’s deluxe design.
The infotainment system in the Taraf provides seamless connectivity and entertainment. A centrally mounted display screen provides access to various features, including navigation, audio controls, and smartphone integration. Aston Martin has ensured that the system is intuitive and user-friendly, allowing occupants to effortlessly control various functions.
In terms of safety features, the sedan has a suite of measures, from advanced driver assistance systems, such as blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors, to multiple airbags strategically placed throughout the cabin that prioritise the well-being of its occupants.
Driving Experience and Handling
The Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf delivers a driving experience that seamlessly combines power, agility, and refinement. As soon as you take the wheel, it won’t take you long to realise this luxury sedan has been engineered to provide an engaging and dynamic performance while ensuring a smooth and composed ride.
The Taraf’s performance capabilities are driven by its powerful engine, which delivers an exhilarating surge of power. With 540 horsepower at your disposal, acceleration is swift and seamless. The engine’s linear power delivery and abundant torque provide a thrilling driving experience, allowing the Taraf to surge forward with a mighty roar.
However, handling is where the vehicle truly shines. Aston Martin has meticulously crafted the suspension and chassis to deliver precise and responsive handling characteristics. The car feels planted and composed through corners, with minimal body roll and excellent stability. The well-tuned steering provides excellent feedback, allowing the driver to navigate winding roads with precision and confidence.
Likewise, the Taraf’s chassis, constructed using lightweight materials such as aluminium, contributes to its nimbleness and agility. The car feels balanced and agile, responding eagerly to driver inputs. So regardless of whether you are taking on sweeping bends or tight corners, it delivers an engaging and rewarding driving experience that sets it apart from others in the luxury sedan segment.
To further enhance your driving experience, the Taraf features advanced technologies such as adaptive damping and electronically controlled shock absorbers. These systems continuously adjust the suspension settings based on road conditions and driver preferences, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride while maintaining excellent body control.
Braking performance in the Taraf is also exceptional, with a high-performance braking system that delivers strong and consistent stopping power. The large diameter brake discs and powerful calipers inspire confidence, allowing for precise and controlled deceleration when needed.
Conclusion
The Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf stands as a remarkable testament to the art of automotive craftsmanship and luxury. From its timeless and elegant design to its powerful performance and refined handling, the Taraf embodies the epitome of a grand touring sedan.
In the world of luxury automobiles, it stands as a shining star, captivating the hearts of enthusiasts and collectors not just in the Middle East, but around the world.
A true statement of elegance and an expression of power, the car is a testament to the enduring legacy of Aston Martin. With the Lagonda Taraf, the company has undoubtedly created a masterpiece that will be remembered for years to come.
