Aston Martin Rapide S Review

In Malaysia's supercar market, purely four-door supercar options are not abundant—most models either sacrifice practicality for extreme performance or compromise driving pleasure in the name of luxury. The arrival of the 2015 Aston Martin Rapide S perfectly fills this gap: it can satisfy driving passion with the roar of its 5.9-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine while accommodating daily needs with its four-seat layout. This time, we got a test drive vehicle, and our core purpose is to verify whether it can truly balance the "soul of a supercar" with the "practicality of four doors."

As the four-door flagship of Aston Martin, the Rapide S continues the brand's classic GT style in its design. The front features a large trapezoidal grille paired with iconic LED headlights, offering high recognizability; four raised lines on the hood extend from the grille to the A-pillar, enhancing the muscular appearance while hinting at the V12 engine’s power reserves. The body side lines are smooth, with 20-inch multi-spoke wheels paired with wide 245/40 ZR20 front tires and 295/35 ZR20 rear tires, further emphasizing its sporty stance. The rear design is clean, with LED taillights arranged in a wraparound layout, and a quad-exhaust setup on either side boldly declares its performance credentials. Overall, the Rapide S doesn’t rely on overly dramatic aerodynamic kits but achieves the expected supercar aura through elegant proportions and meticulous detailing.

Stepping inside, you are greeted by extensive leather wrapping and Alcantara materials, with a driver-centric tilted center console. Every touchable surface is crafted with soft materials, exuding a strong sense of luxury. The steering wheel features a multifunctional design, with a relatively slim size that offers a snug grip; the standard keyless entry/start system and electric parking brake are very convenient for daily use. The center console is equipped with a 6.5-inch touchscreen where the interface design is simple—not as intelligent as newer-generation vehicles—but basic features such as navigation and Bluetooth connectivity are present. The seats are of a sporty design with decent support, and the front seats offer multi-directional electric adjustment. However, the rear seats provide only average space—a 175cm tall passenger would have about a fist's worth of legroom, but the headroom feels slightly cramped, which might become uncomfortable on long journeys. In terms of storage, door pockets and the central armrest storage are not very spacious. The trunk has enough room for two carry-on suitcases, which is adequate for short trips.

The powertrain is the highlight of the Rapide S. Its 5.9-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine produces 552 horsepower, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, achieving an official 0-100km/h acceleration in just 4.4 seconds. During actual driving, switching to Sport mode makes the throttle response extremely sensitive; even a light press unleashes strong thrust. Once the revs go above 3000 rpm, the V12’s roar becomes rich and layered, particularly vivid and potent during high-speed overtakes, with the transmission downshifting proactively and delivering power on demand—it completely meets expectations of a supercar. For daily commutes, Normal mode softens the power delivery significantly, and the transmission ensures smooth gear shifts without abrupt jerks, making the car feel more like a luxurious grand tourer.

In terms of handling, the Rapide S is equipped with front and rear double wishbone independent suspension, tuned for sportiness while retaining a certain level of comfort. The steering is precise, with minimal dead zones, and body roll is well-controlled during cornering. Coupled with the rear-wheel-drive layout, the dynamic response of the rear gives the driver enough confidence. When tackling speed bumps or bumpy roads in the city, the suspension filters out most of the fine vibrations, ensuring passengers do not feel discomfort. As for fuel consumption, our test under mixed road conditions showed an average of 14.2 liters per 100 kilometers, slightly higher than the official figure of 12.9 liters. Considering its power and weight, this performance is still reasonable. Noise control is well-handled, with wind and tire noise not being noticeable at high speeds. Only during hard acceleration does the V12’s exhaust note enter the cabin, which is neither intrusive nor disruptive but adds to the driving atmosphere.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2015 Aston Martin Rapide S are evident: it is one of the few vehicles that balances supercar performance with the practicality of a four-door design. The sound and performance of the naturally aspirated V12 engine are irreplaceable, while the luxurious interior and adequate space meet daily usage needs. Compared to its class rival, the Porsche Panamera Turbo, the Rapide S offers superior driving enjoyment and brand identity. However, it falls slightly behind in rear space and technology features.

This car is best suited for people who seek both driving passion and the occasional need to transport family or friends — for instance, successful entrepreneurs or performance car enthusiasts who enjoy weekend mountain drives and daily commuting. It is not a pure track machine nor a comfort-oriented luxury sedan; instead, it’s a four-door GT that allows you to freely switch between daily life and spirited driving.

In conclusion, the 2015 Aston Martin Rapide S proves with its elegant design, powerful performance, and practical four-door layout that supercars can also cater to daily life. If you are looking for a vehicle that satisfies your driving desires without compromising practicality, it is worth considering.