The article was originally produced on October 11, 2012, some facts and prices may have changed since then.

Aston Martin Rapide

Even in James Bond's life, a family will find a place one fine day when all world crises and villains are resolved and behind bars. Then the Aston Martin Rapied is the obvious choice as a car in the role of family man.

The fact that a four-door luxury coupe is coming from the factory in Gaydon is nothing new. The last time it happened was through a sister brand to Aston Martin called Lagonda. An angular eighties model with shared appreciation from the public. 

Most luxury car brands have understood the importance of having a wide model range. Aston Martin is no exception and the launch of the Rapid model feels obvious. Among the main competitors we find Maserati Quattroporte, Porsche Panamera Turbo to name a few. Rapid beats these two by horse lengths if you only look at the exterior. The Rapid has the same seductive grill with the classic Aston Martin shapes as its coupe siblings. An unbeatable beautiful front! The biggest difference from its siblings DB9 and Vantage is the length, the Rapid measures just over five meters. 

Also on the engine side, the number of cylinders speaks in the Rapid's favor over the Maserati and Porsche. With four less than the Rapid, which has a six-liter V12 engine with 477 horsepower. So enough power to cope with most everyday situations to and from kindergarten. The power is delivered via a six-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels. Compared to new dual-clutch gearboxes, the conventional automatic gearbox in the Rapid feels a bit tired. But for comfortable, relaxed driving, the somewhat sleepy demeanor is quickly forgiven. The lovely song from the twelve cylinders which are led out through two exhaust pipes at the end of the car also helps to ignore the behavior of the gearbox. 

When you step into the passenger compartment, the heart continues to keep the same pulse as it did during the close contact with the Rapid's beautiful forms. The detail and leather work is absolutely top class. All details are in real metal, no chromed plastic like in many other cars. Despite displays from Volvo both in the center console and in the dashboards, this is a driver's environment to love. The speed and tachometer in metal finish are perhaps the best looking ever made in a car context. A keyless start system, on the other hand, could have been desired on such a luxurious model. Unlike other cars, the gauges in the Rapid move towards each other instead of in the same direction, nice effect! 

Rapid is a large car with the intention of transporting its passengers in the most comfortable way. Despite this, this five-meter wagon offers exceptional driving characteristics even when the road starts to turn. An adaptive damping system that was introduced with Aston Martin's worst model DBS and also James Bond's company car is also in the Rapid. You can choose between Normal or Sport, and in Sport the whole car stiffens the suspension noticeably. Even the brakes with discs measuring 390 millimeters at the front and 360 at the rear are well sized. Much needed to safely stop this crew when needed. The weight of the Rapid is up to 2,000 kilos.

The rear doors open just like the front doors on the Aston Martin manner without steps and slightly slanted upwards. The door handles are also very tastefully recessed into the doors with LEDs. Just like in the front seat, the rear passengers are treated to an exquisite environment. Rapid is strictly a four-seater, which means extraordinary comfort for those who ride along. The two rear passengers are offered their own separate seat like those in the front. On the back of the front seats are screens for entertainment for the rear passengers when the journeys are long. To entertain all passengers, there is a good-sounding 1000 W sound system from Bang & Olufsen. Aston Martin also has an exclusive child seat in its accessory program. With simple ISOFIX mounts, even the smallest sit securely when going fast. Comparing the Aston Martin Rapid against a Volvo station wagon would be nonsense. You won't fit the whole family's ski equipment plus a little more in the Rapid. A collapsible stroller and a few grocery bags, however, are no problem. The rear seats can be folded and contribute if needed.

If we go back to the comparison with the Porsche Panamera as the main competitor and the Rapid, the Rapid is emotionally stronger. If we take a closer look at driving characteristics and performance, it looks a little different. With its twin-turbocharged V8 and a super-quick dual-clutch gearbox and all-wheel drive, the Rapid doesn't have much to say against the Panamera. So for a family in our country, the Porsche might be the more sensible option. If, on the other hand, you let your heart and reasons speak for which car you choose, the Rapid is the obvious choice. No family car in the world is as beautiful as the Rapid and the only given choice for James Bond as a duty family man.