The 2016 Lagonda Taraf

I know what you’re thinking – it looks like an Aston Martin, it sounds like an Aston Martin, and it probably even smells like an Aston Martin. But an Aston Martin, it isn’t (at least in a technical sense). No, the sexy four-door you see here is in fact called a Lagonda, specifically the Taraf. But your instincts weren’t far off – it’s built by AM, and it’s based on the Rapide, with power sourced from an easily recognizable 5.9-liter V-12. However, the wheelbase was stretched by nearly 8 inches, and there are enough unique bits added to supposedly justify a seven-figure price tag. But is it really worth it? Motor Trend paid a visit to the U.K. to find out.

If you’re unaware, the Lagonda name is over a century old, bearing a history of high-end performance and luxury cars. Now, Aston is bringing it back to help make a splash in the tippy-top-shelf sedan market. Originally only offered in the Middle East, it was recently decided that the new Lagonda would also be offered in the U.S. and in England, but with production limited to just 200 units total, odds are you won’t be running into one any time soon.

Just a few of the interesting features on this thing include an all carbon-fiber body, 540 horsepower, fully adjustable suspension, a new ZF eight-speed transmission, and a wheelbase over 125 inches in length.