This was a really fair review. I bought one of these (S version) about a year ago and this is exactly the review I would have done of it too. The car gets some criticism; much, I think, unfairly, but some is justified. You've rightly pointed out all the good and bad aspects but more crucially (IMO) noted which ones really matter and which don't. I've watched every review of Rapide S that I can find - both before and since purchasing one - and never heard anyone else say that this thing is very sedate, soft and easy when it's not in sport mode. Totally agree with that observation, and also that it's a good thing. Cruise like a comfy E class or 5-series, or press sport and feel the wild animal kick in. Love it.
Great review, nailed all the right points. My partner and I are 5ft 6in so the rear seats very usable, and can even take a full-size child's seat. The car has astonishing handling for a near 2 tonne 5m long vehicle, thanks to 51:49 weight distribution, double wishbone suspension all AROUND, adaptive dampers, hydraulic steering and LSD.
I absolutely love mine. I have a 13 plate Rapide and even I considered an S it’s my daily driver so felt I didn’t need the extra horses. My only gripe are the niggles. I sometimes have a few things that need replacing like door struts or seals as they perish over time but mechanically it’s been excellent. I bought mine on finance with a limit on annual mileage but I’ve already gone over as I love driving it so much. It’ll be a sad day when it goes back.
A great review for a really underrated super car. I absolutely agree with you and you will hardly believe that I am probably the only one in Europe who drives 2 Rapides. An S and an AMR. Exactly for the reasons you mentioned. The practicality combined with this incredible elegance is unique. My children are still of an age to sit comfortably in the rear seats. The standard Rapide with the split grill is just as elegant and great as the S version. Rear visibility is quite limited and I recommend using memory position 3 for the side mirrors to monitor the rear rims when parking. 😄
Congratulations on your decision. I am driving a Rapide S since 2014 and would never give it up if I don't have to. After so many years, it's still such a great feeling when I take a seat in my Rapide and insert the glass key, surrounded by that distinctive odor of leather only Astons have. It's a Super Car that is respected for its class and not for being provocative. Enjoy!
I was at my mechanics yesterday, and I see his , I have never heard of this model but I’m not in a position to buy one either lol , all I know he said it’s a 2015 rapide, but I don’t know which model , I told him my mates got the last year made of the v12 vanquish, and my mechanic said his was a v12 as well , that’s all I know, but I bet it’s a lovely car , hope your happy with yours
Fantastic Aston all the practicality you could ask for a grand tourer..with the looks and performance of a Supercar. These things handle really for such a heavy car.
I’ve been considering this car for the past few years, and despite all of its compromises and faults (interior space packaging, infotainment/tech, etc.), it has two traits that are so enticing: 1) one of the best looking sedans ever made, IMHO and 2) one of the best sounding engine noises I have ever heard, thanks to that sweet NA V12. I hope I can live with everything else, or find workarounds (e.g. infotainment upgrades are now available). Am considering this, Flying Spur W12 or current gen Panamera (all pre-owned, of course). To me, though, the Rapide has the most timeless design (especially original model with split grille) and could be a future classic. Where I live (Dubai), Rapides trade at $45-65K approx; how much cheaper can they really go? I’m just going to keep an eye on cars for sale and especially color and trim. At this price it’s almost stupid not to buy one. Let’s see…
@@HSGAutomotive very true. I also like the current gen Panamera. More rational and usable for sure. Even RS7 or S8 could be tempting. I have a first gen S8 and a previous gen Lexus LS and they are still going strong. My Lexus is like new after 15 years of light duties. Still, Rapide is a siren song
I love this car so much. And, like you, I prefer the older Rapide, There is something so classicaly elegant about it's design, Need to find a way to import one to my country lol
My favourite Aston Martin is the original V8 Vantage. I really like cars that have two sides to them. My XKR is like that to. Drives like a normal car when cruising but when you put your foot to the floor it changes everything.
Maybe it is all because of windtunnel desigsn nowadays .... but how many key features copied Tesla of an Aston? The whole line of the Tesla S seems to be from the bonnet although shorter to the roof 'almost (which is the key word) ' seems a 1:1 copy of the Aston especially the Rapide. Even the chroom lines along the windows that can be found on many of them.
Yeah I can see what you're getting at there. I used to like the Model S quite a bit, but I've found their design language gets old fast. The original Tesla Roadster is probably my favourite of theirs
![ASTON MARTIN Rapide V12 REVIEW on AUTOBAHN [NO SPEED LIMIT] by AutoTopNL](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Ts152ZMbnk8/mqdefault.jpg)
Take a peek through the catalogue of other cars which I've featured in Beards 'n Cars: th-cam.com/play/PLli-l3TTlwDO_6yAJuczuC7IDDcTr6L9m.html
This was a really fair review. I bought one of these (S version) about a year ago and this is exactly the review I would have done of it too. The car gets some criticism; much, I think, unfairly, but some is justified. You've rightly pointed out all the good and bad aspects but more crucially (IMO) noted which ones really matter and which don't. I've watched every review of Rapide S that I can find - both before and since purchasing one - and never heard anyone else say that this thing is very sedate, soft and easy when it's not in sport mode. Totally agree with that observation, and also that it's a good thing. Cruise like a comfy E class or 5-series, or press sport and feel the wild animal kick in. Love it.
Cheers, glad you enjoyed it!
You got to the heart of the point. I feel the same way!
Great review, nailed all the right points. My partner and I are 5ft 6in so the rear seats very usable, and can even take a full-size child's seat. The car has astonishing handling for a near 2 tonne 5m long vehicle, thanks to 51:49 weight distribution, double wishbone suspension all AROUND, adaptive dampers, hydraulic steering and LSD.
I absolutely love mine. I have a 13 plate Rapide and even I considered an S it’s my daily driver so felt I didn’t need the extra horses. My only gripe are the niggles. I sometimes have a few things that need replacing like door struts or seals as they perish over time but mechanically it’s been excellent. I bought mine on finance with a limit on annual mileage but I’ve already gone over as I love driving it so much. It’ll be a sad day when it goes back.
A great review for a really underrated super car. I absolutely agree with you and you will hardly believe that I am probably the only one in Europe who drives 2 Rapides. An S and an AMR. Exactly for the reasons you mentioned. The practicality combined with this incredible elegance is unique. My children are still of an age to sit comfortably in the rear seats. The standard Rapide with the split grill is just as elegant and great as the S version. Rear visibility is quite limited and I recommend using memory position 3 for the side mirrors to monitor the rear rims when parking. 😄
Awesome cars
what do u work as?
Love the variety of content on your channel!
Thanks bud, I like to combine real cars and virtual stuff, with so few creators doing both, especially under one roof
Great review! I just ordered my 2015 Rapide S. Taking delivery tomorrow. I can’t wait!.
Awesome, enjoy!
Congratulations on your decision. I am driving a Rapide S since 2014 and would never give it up if I don't have to. After so many years, it's still such a great feeling when I take a seat in my Rapide and insert the glass key, surrounded by that distinctive odor of leather only Astons have. It's a Super Car that is respected for its class and not for being provocative. Enjoy!
I was at my mechanics yesterday, and I see his , I have never heard of this model but I’m not in a position to buy one either lol , all I know he said it’s a 2015 rapide, but I don’t know which model , I told him my mates got the last year made of the v12 vanquish, and my mechanic said his was a v12 as well , that’s all I know, but I bet it’s a lovely car , hope your happy with yours
Fantastic Aston all the practicality you could ask for a grand tourer..with the looks and performance of a Supercar.
These things handle really for such a heavy car.
I’ve been considering this car for the past few years, and despite all of its compromises and faults (interior space packaging, infotainment/tech, etc.), it has two traits that are so enticing: 1) one of the best looking sedans ever made, IMHO and 2) one of the best sounding engine noises I have ever heard, thanks to that sweet NA V12. I hope I can live with everything else, or find workarounds (e.g. infotainment upgrades are now available). Am considering this, Flying Spur W12 or current gen Panamera (all pre-owned, of course). To me, though, the Rapide has the most timeless design (especially original model with split grille) and could be a future classic.
Where I live (Dubai), Rapides trade at $45-65K approx; how much cheaper can they really go? I’m just going to keep an eye on cars for sale and especially color and trim. At this price it’s almost stupid not to buy one. Let’s see…
I'd say go for it for sure. This and the Panamera are probably the best all round four door cars I've driven. The Porsche is head, the Aston is heart
@@HSGAutomotive very true. I also like the current gen Panamera. More rational and usable for sure. Even RS7 or S8 could be tempting. I have a first gen S8 and a previous gen Lexus LS and they are still going strong. My Lexus is like new after 15 years of light duties. Still, Rapide is a siren song
I love this car so much. And, like you, I prefer the older Rapide, There is something so classicaly elegant about it's design, Need to find a way to import one to my country lol
Excellent review! You are a natural. Kudos!
Cheers! Glad you enjoyed it
I love it! & with Aston about to offer a EV version of this I cannot wait to put my name upon their waiting list.
😍
My favourite Aston Martin is the original V8 Vantage. I really like cars that have two sides to them. My XKR is like that to. Drives like a normal car when cruising but when you put your foot to the floor it changes everything.
Maybe it is all because of windtunnel desigsn nowadays .... but how many key features copied Tesla of an Aston? The whole line of the Tesla S seems to be from the bonnet although shorter to the roof 'almost (which is the key word) ' seems a 1:1 copy of the Aston especially the Rapide. Even the chroom lines along the windows that can be found on many of them.
Yeah I can see what you're getting at there. I used to like the Model S quite a bit, but I've found their design language gets old fast. The original Tesla Roadster is probably my favourite of theirs
Likely the sexiest sedan there is. Thanks for the review.
Absolutely agree
Yes would definitely be on the short list for me too! 👍
It looks like a dbs and I love it
I'm a bug fan.🎉
Nice 👌