2015 Aston Martin Rapide S Review

In the supercar market in Malaysia, four-seater supercars that balance everyday practicality with performance passion have always been a niche yet critical segment. Most supercars focus on two-seat designs, but the Aston Martin Rapide S enters the market with a four-seater layout, offering GT-level comfort, the robust power of a 5.9L naturally aspirated V12 engine, and the distinctive luxury feel of a British brand. In this test drive, we will verify whether it can truly strike a balance between "practicality" and "performance," providing the most direct reference for potential buyers.

In terms of appearance, the Rapide S maintains Aston Martin's signature design, with smooth and aggressive lines throughout. The blacked-out front grille combined with the sharp LED headlights enhances its recognizability; the long wheelbase on the side does not appear bulky, and the waistline running from the front fender to the rear creates a diving stance. At the rear, the dual exhaust with four outlets and the sleek LED taillight cluster emphasize its performance attributes. The lighting system adopts all-LED sources, providing sufficient brightness at night, and the dynamic effects of the turn signals align with its luxury positioning.

Entering the interior, the sense of luxury is primarily showcased through the choice of materials. A large amount of genuine leather covers the seats, steering wheel, and dashboard, providing a delicate touch; the steering wheel features a multi-functional design with clearly laid-out buttons and moderate damping for operation. The central control area is equipped with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, which has a simple interface, although its response speed is not particularly fast by today's standards; however, it meets basic needs for navigation and multimedia functions. The standard keyless entry/start system offers high convenience for daily use. As a four-seater model, both the front and rear seats support multi-directional adjustment with excellent wrapping. Even during long hours of sitting, there is no noticeable discomfort.

In terms of space, the Rapide S has body dimensions of 5020mm×2140mm×1360mm and a wheelbase of 2989mm, making it spacious for a supercar. The front row offers ample space, with more than a fist's margin for a 180cm-tall occupant's head and legroom; the rear row, though designed as a two-seat layout, provides enough legroom for adults over short distances, though the coupe-like sloping roof slightly limits headroom. For storage capacity, the front storage compartment is relatively small and can only accommodate a personal backpack, while the rear trunk is suitable for short trips, capable of holding two carry-on suitcases. Both the front and rear rows are equipped with air conditioning vents and power outlets, demonstrating thoughtful attention to details.

In the power department, the Rapide S is equipped with a 5.9L naturally aspirated V12 engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 552PS, paired with an automatic transmission. During real-world driving, the power output is smooth at startup, but once the accelerator is pressed down, the roar of the V12 engine quickly makes itself heard, delivering a strong sense of push-back. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time of 4.4 seconds is fully evident in the driving experience. The transmission responds eagerly in sport mode, while in comfort mode, it leans towards smoothness, making it suitable for daily commuting.

The front and rear double-wishbone independent suspension is tuned towards sportiness while retaining a certain level of comfort. When driving on urban roads, the suspension effectively absorbs minor bumps; during high-speed cornering, body roll is well controlled, and the steering is precise, giving drivers sufficient confidence. However, due to the vehicle's weight of 1990kg, the inertia of the body can be felt during consecutive turns, making it less agile compared to lightweight two-seater supercars.

In terms of fuel consumption, as a large-displacement naturally aspirated supercar, the official combined fuel consumption is 12.9L/100km. In real driving scenarios, fuel consumption can rise to 15-18L/100km in urban conditions, while on highways it can be maintained at 10-12L/100km. This is considered normal for a car in this category. The braking performance is excellent, with front and rear disc brakes combined with superb tire grip. The vehicle remains stable during emergency braking, and stopping distances are relatively short.

In terms of driving comfort, noise control is well-handled. Wind noise and tire noise remain within acceptable levels at high speed, and the sound of the V12 engine is not overly intrusive during normal driving. Only when the accelerator is pressed hard does the engine unleash its rich roar. The seat padding is moderately firm and soft, providing both support and wrap-around comfort, ensuring reduced fatigue during long drives.

Overall, the core highlight of the Rapide S lies in its positioning as a "four-seater supercar"—capable of meeting the practicality needed for daily commute while offering the performance experience of a V12 engine. Additionally, its luxurious British interior texture gives it an advantage in the same class. Compared to similarly priced models like the Porsche Panamera Turbo, the Rapide S is more distinctive in brand character and the driving sensation of a naturally aspirated engine, although it is slightly inferior in technology features.

This car is suitable for those who pursue supercar performance and occasionally need to accommodate family or friends, such as quality-of-life-focused entrepreneurs or performance enthusiasts who enjoy long-distance driving. It is not a model purely designed for extreme track performance but rather a luxurious GT supercar that balances daily usability with driving pleasure.

In summary, the Aston Martin Rapide S is a "versatile" supercar choice. It uses V12 power to meet performance demands, a four-seat layout to address practicality issues, and combines these with the brand's luxurious texture, making it a strong competitor in a niche market segment.