Aston Martin Rapide S Review

When you think of Aston Martin, I’ll bet you a hundred bucks that the first thing that comes into your head is James Bond. From the iconic DB5 in Goldfinger to the DBS V12 in Casino Royale and the bespoke DB10 to be featured in Spectre, the Aston Martin mixes British refinement with speed, resulting in iconic vehicle after iconic vehicle. What probably doesn’t come to mind is a 4-door saloon, but the Aston Martin Rapide for sale is just that, and it maintains that famous mixture to a wonderful degree. Facing rivals from around the world, including the Maserati Quattroporte for sale and the Mercedes CL65 AMG, it holds its own as well as Bond himself.

Aston Martin Rapide

The most recent model, the Rapide S, comes equipped with a huge 5.9L V12, generating 552bhp, and capable of reaching 190 mph, hitting 62 mph in just 4.4 seconds, making it 0.5 seconds faster, and 2bhp more powerful, than pre-2014 models. This outmuscles the Quattroporte’s V8 by 29bhp, and makes it to 60 0.2 seconds faster than its Italian rival.

The Rapide’s family tree is obvious from the outset – it’d be easy to mistake it for a DB9 (albeit one that’s gained a few pounds), and there’s a very good reason for that: it’s not really that far removed from it’s more sporty cousin. The car is based on the same VH-platform that’s underpinned all recent Astons, except for the super-limited One-77 and the (somewhat bizarre) Cygnet, Aston’s attempt at a city car.

Aston Martin Rapide

Step inside the Rapide and you’ll find sky-high levels of refinement. From the hand-stitched leather interior to the Bang and Olufsen sound system, which has been handcrafted for the car, and boasts 16 speakers. You’ll also find other accoutrements, such as screens in the back of the front seat headrests. The car was specifically designed to accommodate 4, with the only limitation being the somewhat tight headroom in the back.

Driving is just as good as you’d expect from an Aston – the car rides very comfortably when you simply want to waft along, but when you want to put the hammer down, you won’t be disappointed. Push down hard on the accelerator and the V12 will growl like an angry panther, and you’ll be pushed back into your seat – combine this with responsive steering and a fantastic 8-speed gearbox, and you’ve got a car that can be both refined and calm, and can turn on a dime to being fast, furious, and adrenalizing.

Aston Martin Rapide

The Rapide S is on the market with a base price of $198,250 – but you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck. The Aston Martin name practically guarantees class, speed, and elegance, and we’re happy to say that this beast delivers.

Aston Martin For Sale By Owner

Aston Martin For Sale