Aston Martin Rapide S
The Aston Martin Rapide S, introduced in 2013 as the enhanced version of the original Rapide, represented the most luxurious and practical car in the Aston Martin range. Powered by a naturally aspirated 5.9-litre V12 producing 552 horsepower, it offered supercar performance in a four-door body that could genuinely accommodate four adults.
The Rapide's design, penned by Marek Reichman, stretched the proportions of the DB9 to create a four-door coupe of remarkable beauty. The long bonnet, sweeping roofline, and distinctive rear-end treatment created proportions that many considered even more elegant than the two-door models. The rear-hinged 'swan doors' at the back added a theatrical touch to entry and exit.
The 5.9-litre naturally aspirated V12 was one of the last of its kind — a large-displacement, high-revving twelve-cylinder engine without forced induction. It produced 552 horsepower and delivered its power with a linear, naturally aspirated character accompanied by a magnificent exhaust note that was one of the finest in the automotive world.
The ZF eight-speed Touchtronic III automatic was a significant upgrade over the original Rapide's six-speed unit, providing smoother shifts, better fuel economy, and a wider spread of ratios. In Sport mode, the transmission held gears longer and delivered faster shifts, transforming the Rapide S's character from refined touring car to genuine sporting machine.
The interior offered four individual seats, each with generous accommodation. The rear seats, while not as spacious as a traditional sedan, provided adequate space for adults on journeys of moderate length. Materials were impeccable, with hand-stitched leather, real wood or carbon fiber trim, and a glass key that served as the ignition switch.
Dynamic qualities were impressive for a car of its size and weight. The double-wishbone suspension at all four corners, combined with adaptive dampers, provided a supple ride without sacrificing body control. The steering was well-weighted and communicative, and the car's balance was neutral and predictable.
The Rapide S competed in a niche occupied by the Porsche Panamera Turbo and Ferrari FF/GTC4Lusso, offering a distinctly British alternative that prioritized style and character over outright technology. Total production across both Rapide and Rapide S was approximately 4,250 units before the model was discontinued in 2020.
The naturally aspirated V12 is generally reliable but expensive to service. Check for oil leaks and ensure the timing chains have been maintained. The ZF 8-speed gearbox is more reliable than the earlier 6-speed. Adaptive damper failures can be expensive. The aluminum body structure is corrosion-resistant but collision repairs are costly. Check all four doors and their mechanisms for proper operation. Low-mileage examples with full dealer service history are strongly preferred.
The original Rapide was initially built by Magna Steyr in Austria before production transferred to Gaydon for the Rapide S. The AMR variant introduced in 2019 offered 580hp. An all-electric Rapide E was planned but never reached production. The Rapide was discontinued in 2020 without a direct successor.