Aston's Most Elegant Four-Door Saloon Ever

The Aston Martin "Rapide" was a model that proposed a new category of four-door luxury sports car at the 2006 Detroit Motor Show.RapideThe concept car, which skillfully incorporated the design of Aston Martin's lineup such as the "V8 Vantage" and "DB9," was unveiled to the press gathered at the venue with great impact.V8 VantageandDB9and "DB9" into a beautifully realized four-door, made a significant impact on the press in attendance. The "Swan Wing" doors, unique to Aston Martin and opening upwards at a 14-degree angle, were also present, and its elegant yet sporty form was unmistakably Aston Martin to anyone who saw it. The production model's debut was met with great anticipation, a memory that feels like yesterday. Such was the powerful impact of the Rapide's arrival.

The production model was officially announced three years later, at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.



Delivery began the following year, in 2010.2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.Delivery began in 2010..

Following the Rapide's introduction, attractive four-door coupes such as the Porsche Panamera and BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe were successively unveiled, rapidly elevating this category to mainstream status. The sporty, coupe-like form likely appealed to users who found ordinary luxury sedans unsatisfying and desired "style." It's no wonder that the elegant form and the +2 doors, which a typical two-door coupe lacks, were so appealing.Panameraand BMW's6 Series Gran Coupeand other attractive four-door coupes were successively unveiled, rapidly elevating this category to mainstream status. The sporty, coupe-like form likely appealed to users who found ordinary luxury sedans unsatisfying and desired "style." It's no wonder that the elegant form and the +2 doors, which a typical two-door coupe lacks, were so appealing.

Sticking to the Coupe Concept, Even with Four Doors

Meanwhile, three years after its 2010 launch, the Rapide has evolved into its second generation. The evolved version newly carries the designation "S," and is referred to as the "Rapide S" to distinguish it from the previous model.Rapide SThe main changes are in styling, engine, and suspension. The concept of a four-door coupe, the front-midship FR powertrain structure with a V12 engine, and the VH platform developed by Aston Martin are fundamentally carried over.



The interior is unified in the familiar Aston Martin design language. Users accustomed to the brand should understand the UI (User Interface) without any hesitation. Both front and rear seats are semi-bucket type, upholstered in leather.

The rear seats offer a slightly elevated seating position and are designed as a separate unit, clearly divided into two sections. Honestly, considering the body size, legroom is minimal, and the seatback angle is quite upright. However, for a sports car with a front-midship V12 and transaxle, this is perhaps forgivable. After all, users considering purchasing a Rapide S are unlikely to do so with the primary intention of regularly using the rear seats, making this compromise understandable. The rear seatbacks can be folded forward to create a nearly flat cargo area (though the bucket shape of the seatbacks will still create some unevenness), expanding its capacity.



While it may not be ideal for "long-distance comfort," the Rapide S is perfectly suited for a usage scenario where it's primarily treated as a two-seater coupe, with the occasional short trips for four. Users who can afford a Rapide S likely own other vehicles, so rear-seat accommodation is unlikely to be a major drawback. The concept remains that of a coupe with four doors.

However, individual monitors for the rear passengers are integrated into the back of the front seats, allowing enjoyment of in-car entertainment systems like video and audio via wireless headphones and a remote control. The audio system is a standard 1,000W Bang & Olufsen BeoSound system, providing a luxurious environment.

Nothing But a Sports Car

The engine is a naturally aspirated 6-liter V12. Peak output has been increased by 60kW (81ps) from the previous 350kW (477ps)/6,000rpm to 410kW (558ps)/6,750rpm, and maximum torque has also improved by 20Nm (2.0kgm) from 600Nm (61.2kgm) to 620Nm (63.2kgm)/5,500rpm. This is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission that allows manual operation.

Operation involves selecting 'D' using the push-button switches on the center console, a familiar Aston Martin feature. Gear changes are made using the paddles located behind the steering wheel.

Despite a curb weight approaching two tons, the Rapide S offers a surprisingly agile ride. There's no discernible decrease in body rigidity due to the four-door configuration. You can drive with a steering response as sharp as that of a "DB9." Even with its larger size, the Aston Martin character remains undiminished. The sporty steering feel and the quick, dynamic throttle response are unmistakably Aston Martin.



Considering it as a luxury model with four doors, the ride comfort isn't exactly plush, but as a sports car, it's certainly commendable.

As speed increases, the ride flattens out, and the steering provides ample feedback from the road, reminding the driver that this is undeniably a sports car. Given the ultra-large tires – 245/40ZR20 at the front and 295/35ZR20 at the rear – it's impressive how well road noise has been suppressed while balancing ride comfort and sporty handling. Aston Martin's development teams always deliver meticulous and refined work.

Switching from the "Normal" suspension mode to "Sport" mode transforms the driving experience from something akin to a DB9 to a character reminiscent of the "V8 Vantage." While it naturally lacks the agility of the V8 Vantage, the steering becomes even more direct, and the sense of unity between driver and car is heightened, with reduced pitching.

The design change, which lowered the engine mounts by 19mm, likely contributes significantly to this. If you forget its body shape, it is nothing short of a sports car. It reaffirms that Aston Martin has consistently been a brand that has only built sports cars.

Unchanged Aston Martin Character

I actually experienced a long-distance drive in the rear seats for the first time this time. Although the seatbacks are somewhat upright, the seating position is surprisingly comfortable, and apart from the limited legroom, I confirmed that it's perfectly feasible for a trip from Tokyo to Gotemba.

However, what impressed me more than the seating space was the exhaust sound heard from the rear seats. Aston Martin has a dedicated team for tuning exhaust sounds (and they are Japanese!), meticulously crafting the sensual, Aston Martin-esque sound profile.



Even with more doors or a larger body, what is expressed is the spirit of a sports car that Aston Martin has long been dedicated to. Despite having four doors, it possesses a captivating coupe-like form, a sensual sound, and a sporty drive that anyone gripping the steering wheel will feel. This is a distinct "Aston Martin" flavor, uniquely different from the German trio of Mercedes, BMW, and Audi, as well as Porsche and Bentley, another British luxury brand. It is an inimitable individuality.

Aston Martin Rapide S
Body Size | Length 5,020 x Width 1,930 x Height 1,350mm
Wheelbase | 2,990 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,590 / 1,615 mm
Minimum Ground Clearance | 14.5cm
Turning Radius | 6.23 meters
Weight | 2,040 kg
Engine | 5,935cc V12 DOHC
Compression Ratio | 10.9:1
Max. Output | 410kW (558ps) / 6,750 rpm
Max. Torque | 620Nm / 5,500 rpm
Transmission | 6-speed Automatic (Touchtronic 2)
Drivetrain | FR
Suspension Front | Double Wishbone
Suspension Rear | Double Wishbone
Tires Front/Rear | 245/40ZR20 / 295/35ZR20
0-100km/h Acceleration | 4.9 seconds
Top Speed | 296 km/h
Fuel Economy (NEDC) | 19.9 L/100km
CO2 Emissions | 332 g/km
Price (incl. tax) | ¥23,717,270