A little dated now (I think this is a re-release of an early review?), but it's probably the best balanced review of the Rapide on UA-cam. It recognises the compromises in design, but explains why they are there, and highlights the features that make this a very unique and special Aston. An Aston which up until very recently had fallen out of view, almost forgotten and definitely under-rated. Because it has (in the S at 550HP, which is what I have), the most powerful version of the V12 6L NA engine short of the Vamquish, AML, and DBS. It handles as well (some say better) than the DB9. It's Road presence is sensational with the elegance given by the stretched wheelbase, and while it is very definitely more GT than Sports car, it reveals its sports car origins when in full Sport modes and using the paddle shifters. Opinion is definitely divided on the grille design, gaping S vs non-S divided, but at least the larger grille is distinctive and immediately identifies the car as the S. It is notable that the Zagato and newer DBS Superleggera also carry on the large grille theme - a tip of the cap to the Rapide S :). There's a hint of more interest in the Rapide now, reflected in the recent video from Bamford Rose, and I am certain that as time goes on will gain even more recognition and collectible status. Here's a walkaround mine on my other channel, a 2013 Rapide S in Skyfall Silver with exterior carbon pack, 10 spoke silver wheels and piano black interior. ua-cam.com/video/aT5BnSY4kcA/v-deo.html
Well said Greg, it’s when you watch videos of the time you remember and appreciate how amazing and unique this car is, I can’t really say the same for any current Aston model. It’s used values clearly show that it’s been forgotten and that the majority of the market doesn’t believe a sports car can have 4 doors. So most miss the point of the car altogether, but that allows the very few who understand the car to really enjoy it for how amazing it really is being safe in the knowledge that in the garage we own one of the rarest production models of any prestige marquee this century! Anyone in the know knows this is the most underrated of all Aston’s. If I had a £1 for every time someone said that about the Rapide, I could afford another one!
@@aaronmuir8082 I completely agree, after 9 years happily owning a DB9, I am very pleased with my Rapide S. Besides the infotainment system, it's perfect. By far the most beautiful 4 doors cars ever produced.
Every car review this channel does; they absolutely nail it!!!
Appreciate that!
Excellent review
Glad you enjoyed it
A little dated now (I think this is a re-release of an early review?), but it's probably the best balanced review of the Rapide on UA-cam. It recognises the compromises in design, but explains why they are there, and highlights the features that make this a very unique and special Aston. An Aston which up until very recently had fallen out of view, almost forgotten and definitely under-rated. Because it has (in the S at 550HP, which is what I have), the most powerful version of the V12 6L NA engine short of the Vamquish, AML, and DBS. It handles as well (some say better) than the DB9. It's Road presence is sensational with the elegance given by the stretched wheelbase, and while it is very definitely more GT than Sports car, it reveals its sports car origins when in full Sport modes and using the paddle shifters.
Opinion is definitely divided on the grille design, gaping S vs non-S divided, but at least the larger grille is distinctive and immediately identifies the car as the S. It is notable that the Zagato and newer DBS Superleggera also carry on the large grille theme - a tip of the cap to the Rapide S :).
There's a hint of more interest in the Rapide now, reflected in the recent video from Bamford Rose, and I am certain that as time goes on will gain even more recognition and collectible status.
Here's a walkaround mine on my other channel, a 2013 Rapide S in Skyfall Silver with exterior carbon pack, 10 spoke silver wheels and piano black interior. ua-cam.com/video/aT5BnSY4kcA/v-deo.html
Appreciate your feedback!
Well said Greg, it’s when you watch videos of the time you remember and appreciate how amazing and unique this car is, I can’t really say the same for any current Aston model. It’s used values clearly show that it’s been forgotten and that the majority of the market doesn’t believe a sports car can have 4 doors. So most miss the point of the car altogether, but that allows the very few who understand the car to really enjoy it for how amazing it really is being safe in the knowledge that in the garage we own one of the rarest production models of any prestige marquee this century!
Anyone in the know knows this is the most underrated of all Aston’s. If I had a £1 for every time someone said that about the Rapide, I could afford another one!
@@aaronmuir8082 I just got a 2015 Rapide S. Couldn't agree more!
@@aaronmuir8082 I completely agree, after 9 years happily owning a DB9, I am very pleased with my Rapide S. Besides the infotainment system, it's perfect. By far the most beautiful 4 doors cars ever produced.