Aston Martin Rapide

Luxury automakers often face a problem when you get past the $100,000 and up super-sedans from the likes of Mercedes-Benz and BMW because most exotic car manufacturers have made their reputation on coupes and 2+2 configurations. How do you manage the four doors required to make the car more usable while managing to maintain the flowing lines that befit the company image?

Take one look at the Rapide, and I guarantee that the first image you see will be of a beautiful car, provoking maybe the slightest bit of salivation. If you notice the four doors before the lucky owner’s tykes pop out the rear seating area, you’re a better man than I.

Unlike the Porsche Panamera, the Rapide has been designed to not look balky or awkward, which is good because they aren’t words that you’re supposed to use when talking about a car that will require $366,280 to make it out of the door. If you can afford to be in that range of models, however, the Aston is well worth a very close look.

Engineers and reviewers have agreed that the Rapide isn’t the fastest, most manoeverable, or even the most spacious of the four-door saloons. And yet, the car that was designed as a tourer manages a veritable witches’ brew of the three that brought a smile to this reviewer’s face.

Let’s start with the 350kW engine, with torque coming in at 600Nm. The power band is such that each depression of the accelerator pedal brings a steady stream of power without the streakiness you can sometimes find in more “driver-oriented” models. It’s a calmer piece of engineering, and that extends to the paddle-shifted transmission with inputs on the driving wheels; occasionally downshifting requires a bit of a pause before gear changes are made.

Back to the Panamera, which will likely be the Rapide’s chief competition when it is finally unveiled in Australia this July. The Panamera fits larger people more comfortably in the rear than the Rapide, which is best used as a four-seater for shorter excursions. It also handles slightly better, although the Aston can effortlessly carve corners with the best of them.

Like we said, the Rapide is a tourer, so it is more relaxed as it enters the apex of a turn, reminding the driver to relax and enjoy the feel of the interior, of the engine that provides for all but the highest-speed needs. In spite of that, the steering feels taut enough, and you won’t find yourself wondering about the berm to the outside of the turn even in slick conditions.

We could say so much about the car and a lot of it would end up being nonsensical because the Aston simply does not stand up well to quantitative analysis. Getting behind the wheel and taking it out is a delight, and the ability to bring a growing family in such a powerful and understated sedan is an underrated joy, enough that you may forget when they’re joining you and when you have both the Rapide and the road to yourself.

You’ll either like the styling and the choice to make it a driver’s car, not a race car, or you won’t. But it can only be said that if you have the funds for it to be an option, you owe it to yourself to check out this magnificent car.

Specifications:
Engine: 5,935cc QOHV eight-cylinder (32 valve)
Power: 350kW @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 600Nm @ 5,000rpm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic, paddle-shifter
Driven Wheels: Rear (with LSD)
Brakes: Discs with ABS, EBA & EBD
Top Speed: 303km/h (Claimed)
0-100km/h: 5.3 seconds (Claimed)
Airbags: Front & Side
Safety: DSC with Traction Control