Aston Martin has long grappled with its identity, torn between a historic past of luxury and their more sporting inspirations. This can be seen most prominently in the coverage of their latest model, the DBX, an SUV with a relaxing interior and a personality split that is powered by the large V8 underneath the car’s bonnet. Auto Express and Motor Authority are focusing on this split now more than ever as a V12 test mule has been spotted a DBX S.

With the new Vantage, DBS, and Valkyrie filling Aston Martin’s line up focusing on sports cars, it looks like Aston Martin may be stepping aside to allow other British car companies like Bentley and Rolls-Royce step into the for and deliver true luxury cars to the market. This is where Aston Martin’s sub-brand, Lagonda comes in. The more astute may know that Aston Martin is called Aston Martin Lagonda and their headquarters is called Lagonda.

But Lagonda was a car brand that, according to Aston Martin they acquired in 1947, they’d seen success even winning Le Mans in 1935. The name has appeared on only the most luxurious of vehicles that Aston Martin have produced. Most notably the four-door saloon, Lagonda and a few limited production cars based on contemporary Aston Martins. Lagonda recently unveiled the All-terrain Concept, the press release can be found on their website which also reveals that production is set to begin in St Athan in 2022.

But the most recent Lagonda is the Taraf, the world’s most expensive saloon and with it comes plenty to talk about.

RELATED: Battle Of The Supercars: Aston Martin Vantage Vs Porsche 911 Turbo S

The Aston Martin Taraf Has A Beautiful Exterior

Aston-Martin-Lagonda-Taraf
via imaginelifestyles

Aston Martin had recently made the Rapide, a continuation of an old Aston Martin nameplate it was the four-door version of the Aston Martin DB9. Upon introduction in 2010 Auto Car referred to the car as “beautifully styled and brilliantly accomplished”. Costing more than a well-specified Porsche Panamera the Aston Martin fell behind with the same infotainment technology as the then outdated DB9, but it still saw some success. 2015 came around Aston Martin were keen to make a dent proving they could still produce a car to rival the Rolls-Royce Ghost.

They unveiled the Taraf, a limited number saloon to end all saloons. Aston Martin’s legendary 5.9 litres V12 was used producing 540 horsepower and 645-pound foot of torque and propelling the car to sixty miles per hour 4.4 seconds. According to Auto Guide, the original Aston Martin Lagonda Saloon only had 645 units produced over its 14-year long run with 2,200 hours spent on each example, this new Lagonda had to live up to this. The Lagonda Tarif began by continuing the design style of the predecessor, the long nose is distinctly Aston Martin and the boot is more box-like than a conventional Aston, evoking the old design language of early computer designed cars.

The Taraf also maintains the previous car’s narrow lights. It’s safe to say that the Taraf is a unique looking car, elegant and graceful but with a hint of the brutish nature under the bonnet coming through from the bonnet vents which are carried over from its Rapide sibling. Auto Guide writes that the Taraf shares the VH platform which Aston Martin used across their entire lineup after the DB9 launched to reduce costs and increase reliability, this meant for the Taraf that it cast aside Aston Martin’s less than reputable reputation for reliability.

RELATED: Here's Why The Aston Martin DB11 Is Worth Every Penny

The Aston Martin Taraf Comes With A Lavish Interior

Via Top Speed

On H.R. Owen the Lagonda Taraf is listed as a £685,000 car with production being limited to 200 it certainly looks rare and with that price tag, the car has plenty to offer. Used Tarafs have sold for even more. Listed on the specification list is a 1000 watt- Bang and Olufsen speaker Beosound with iPhone and iPad connectivity and Lagonda badging in either Rose Gold, Solid Silver or 18 carat Gold. According to Doug DeMuro, the Taraf’s main market was the Middle East where there was a demand for such options. One of the most opulent options is leathers, which is available in several pearlescent colour schemes.

The lavish luxury which surrounds the driver and passengers doesn’t hint at the sheer speed and engineering of the vehicle, to keep weight down carbon fibre has been used to reinforce the body panels as well. According to Motor1, the Tarif weighs the same as the Rapide which is impressive considering its wheelbase extension of 200 millimetres and lists those who can afford one of these vehicles, which includes oligarchs, dictators, otherwise known as the owners of full-size luxury saloons.

The Taraf like the Rapide is rear-wheel driven which ensures that the car is a dynamic driving experience but also that the car retains the large dividing centre console instead of a compromised fifth-seat, in this area, the rear passengers are trusted with things like climate controls and even a cool box for all their champagne.

Taraf is translated from Urdu, literally meaning aspect but synonyms come out as air, appearance and attitude. These three words are the best descriptors of the Taraf. Those inside the car comfortably waft along the road whilst appearing successful due to the car’s stature. The front fascia of the car propels it forward with attitude. The Taraf is the most expensive saloon ever made, it has the looks and poise of a true luxury car whilst also being impressive.