London expects to be crowned the world’s most popular city this year, for the fifth time in only seven years. A staggering 18.82 million visitors from overseas will have travelled to the UK’s capital by the end of 2015, putting it ahead of Paris and Bangkok as the world’s favourite destination. London is also my favourite city and I'm fortunate to have my very own VIP tour in a chauffeur-driven Lagonda Taraf.

The golden sheen of the Lagonda Taraf in the heart of the City of London

My journey starts outside Euston Station, when I see the breathtaking Lagonda Taraf for the first time. It is finished in shimmering Topaz Gold, a colour that changes in sunlight like a chameleon as the car glides through the streets of London. The colour is unique to the Lagonda Taraf and merely adds to the aura and rarity of the car, which instantly attracts a crowd, all eager to find out as much as they can about London’ s newest attraction.

I had only seen pictures of the Lagonda, but seeing it in the metal you truly appreciate the striking proportions and the sumptuous detail of its sculptured lines. It makes every other super saloon look somewhat bloated and obese.

As my driver opens the sweeping rear door and I ease into the luxury of the world’s most exclusive super saloon, I am cocooned in an oasis of calm serenity that immediately erases the usual stresses of driving through London’s overburdened streets. The cabin is bathed in a sea of hand-stitched beige Luxmill leather with a pearlescent top coat that accentuates the sculpted, flowing interior surfaces, while the fascia and door trim are finished in a Tamo Ash bamboo with its own distinctive grain that’s unlike anything else. It’s a lavish combination that you constantly feel the need to touch and the whole cabin has a rich, warm opulence and individuality that befits the Lagonda name.

The Lagonda adopts a silver hue amid the slick skyscrapers of London’s Canary Wharf business district

When the 6-litre V12 engine starts, I’m surprised by the silence of the Lagonda— there is none of the bark that erupts from an Aston Martin, only a pleasant low rumble as we ease into the traffic. Very quickly, as I start to take in London’s glorious vista of iconic buildings, past and present, I realise that the Lagonda and London are a perfect fit; the car, like the city, has a magic that captures the imagination of everyone who sees it.

Our first port of call is Waterloo Bridge early in the morning, where the Lagonda shows its ability to blend perfectly and yet stand out from every backdrop, historic or modern. As we head through London’s financial district, we stop alongside Norman Foster’s 30 St Mary Axe, otherwise known as “The Gherkin”. At 591ft tall it dwarfs the Lagonda, but the car feels every inch as imposing as the landmark and is the automotive equivalent in modern design.

The Lagonda is very much the transport for the elite of city tycoons, the rear seats not only giving the leg room of a limousine but are fitted with iPads to ensure the wheels of industry don’t stop turning as you travel.

The sumptuous, clean lines of the new car

A fridge tucked into the middle of the rear seats provides the chance for passengers to enjoy their favourite champagne, while the chauffeur takes care of the driving.

Our next destination is the stately Bank of England Museum building in Threadneedle Street, with its regal pillars a throwback in time, yet once again the Lagonda looks to be in its natural habitat. Accelerating away from traffic lights en route to Canary Wharf’s skyline of high-rise buildings gives a glimpse of the acceleration capabilities of the Lagonda. It’s a timely reminder that this is a super saloon with the DNA and performance of a sports car, capable of 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 195 mph. It is quite literally two cars in one.

Exquisite interiors are the hallmark of the new super saloon

Our drive takes in the endlessly contrasting landmarks of London, from the working hub that is Smithfield Market to the Tate Modern art gallery on the South Bank of the Thames, home to the UK’s finest collection of modern and contemporary art from 1900 to the present day.

The Lagonda is a motoring work of art in its own right, worthy of a place beside other priceless exhibits in the Tate, a point underlined by the countless pictures taken and admiring glances given during our London tour.

The Lagonda name clearly brings a new dimension of glamour, grandeur and exclusivity, even to the Aston Martin portfolio. Lagonda carries an extra layer of opulence, together with the mystique of a name that has the ability to turn heads like few other cars in the world.

The Lagonda on Waterloo Bridge is able to blend perfectly yet stand out from every backdrop

The Taraf was initially destined only for owners in the Middle East, where the Lagonda is revered like few other cars, but such was the demand from interested buyers that it has now been opened up to the UK, Europe and China. Still, only 200 will be built and no price has been given to join this exclusive club.

My memorable day with the car was irrefutable evidence of how right Aston Martin was to bring back one of the most iconic and revered names in motoring. If the reaction to the Taraf in London is any indication, there is once again a Lagonda that is set to make its mark, and one most definitely worthy of the famous badge.

AM MAGAZINE
This article has been taken
from the Summer 2015 issue
of Aston Martin's official
AM Magazine.
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