One of the busiest stands at this week’s Geneva motor show is definitely Aston Martin’s, which as well as debuting two mid-engined cars also reveals a new concept by luxury arm Lagonda.
The car is named the All-Terrain concept, and demonstrates exactly where Lagonda believes luxury SUVs are headed in the future.
The all-electric SUV – as Lagonda has committed to being an all-electric brand – builds on the design of the brand’s first concept, the Vision, that debuted at last year’s Geneva show. While that car was a low-slung saloon, the All-Terrain is a high-riding SUV.
Design cues have been taken from super yachts – most visible in the car’s bulbous rear, which hangs considerably over the wheelbase with a strong beltline running around the middle of the panel.
Full autonomy is expected, so the Lagonda All-Terrain features a similar four-seat layout to the Vision concept – where the driver and passenger seats can turn around to form a luxurious, four-seater lounge while the vehicle is driving itself.
Rear-hinged coach doors and opening roof panels to aid access are further nods to the Vision concept, and are able to be included thanks to the inherent stiffness of the car’s electric chassis.
Other interesting features include the rear lights, which are virtually invisible when not lit. Instead of showing the LEDs directly, they’re hidden up in the bodywork, and shine downwards and reflect out.
There is also a remarkable floating key. Electromagnets in the centre console take hold of the key and leave it levitating in place between the front seats.
The rear of the car also features a retractable shelf, which slides out to offer occupants somewhere to sit when the car is parked – something akin to the lower tailgate of a Range Rover.
The Lagonda All-Terrain concept is expected to preview a production model that will arrive in 2022, but it’s reasonable to assume some of its excesses will be toned down before launch.
