Finally driving my favourite Aston of them all - Aston Martin Rapide - Beards n Cars

The beautiful Rapide has consistently been my favourite Aston Martin model for years now, and I have of course previously reviewed the more powerful 'Rapide S' version in a previous episode of Beards 'n Cars. So now that I have finally gotten my hands on my absolute favourite version of it - the original 470 bhp 'base model' in its purest and most elegant form - does it live up to my hopes? And more importantly, is the faster 'S' version worth paying the extra premium for on used prices?
On top of that there is also the question of how this variant compares to its excellent rivals from Porsche and Maserati - the Panamera and Quattroporte...
So let's head out for a road test in this Rapide, which is also currently for sale, to give my thoughts on what is in my opinion the most beautiful modern four door car you can buy, and answer those very questions...
Let's review the Aston Martin Rapide!
Special thanks to Affordable Prestige Cars - Check them out HERE: affordprestigecars.co.uk/
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#AstonMartinRapide #BEARDSnCARS #CarReview #beardsandcars #HSGAutomotive #Aston #AstonMartin #Rapide #AstonRapide #AstonMartinRapideS #AstonMartinRapideAMRPro #AMRPro #AMR
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[@TommTooTone]

I put Aston in the muscle car category. Massive hood, raunchy exhaust and a ton of weight. I love that they haven't destroyed the original body design with too many changes. Love it

[@papagen00]

i have only seen 1 Rapide on the road and it was a memorable sight amidst common sightings of Maseratis, Bentleys, Mercs, Porsches, and even Jags.

[@Roddy_Zeh]

Love the Rapide. Always have. Although...I remember how the concept was more similar to the DB9 than the production version. The Rapide got an original headlight design, it looked different than its coupe sibling. Also at the rear. The concept had a slightly longer bootlid, more traditional coupe. The production version had a shorter piece, more like a liftback hatch. I always preferred the concept. But if I had the money, I'd definitely buy one. And if I had a boatload of money, I'd commission Aston Martin's own "Q" division to tune the V12 to V12 Vantage RS spec, so 600 hp...along with a manual transmission conversion. 🍷🗿

[@yeezyszn7208]

Such a gorgeous looking car especially with that cream interior too. Genuinely one of the best looking Aston’s ever made.

[@lordmegatron65]

Such an awesome Aston! Wish it was more well known! Its a beauty! 😊👍

[@angusrevis1486]

This car does appear in Driver SF!

[@DJSALA]

Great review (loved your first one of the S) and either Rapide model is amazing in its own way. Super rare (I still can’t find the exact total number of Rapide and Rapide S produced) and hopefully will appreciate in value in the near future as more people discover what an amazing car this is.

[@HSGAutomotive]

Cheers, and I believe it was around or under 2 thousand cars if I remember correctly

[@mnmn1665]

Excellent review. Love the car. Maintaining and repairing it puts me off.

[@HSGAutomotive]

Maintenance on Astons, Maseratis etc is paramount for sure

[@lynpendry]

This is my fav Aston ever since that Top Gear 4door challenge (tied with the same era Vanquish)

[@paulburns6110]

While I am extremely pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable my recently purchased $12kUSD quattroporte S (4.7 with ZF) is and how special it feels I’m looking forward to getting into the Rapide for exactly the same reasons you convey. Though I’d even rank the Maserati above my previous charming Jaguar X358 Xjr. So I agree that the Rapide sits at the top of the tree and is even more desirable (to me) than a Bentley because of its prettier looks and rarity. Thanks and God bless.

[@HSGAutomotive]

All cars in my wheelhouse for sure. Obviously as a former QP owner as well, but also the X358 R is probably the single most enjoyable Jag to drive of them all for my taste

[@lynp9996]

wow jag estate in the background.

[@arinb.756]

I prefer the DB7 styling oddly enough. The silhouette felt a lot more low-slung. The DB9 and its stablemates are undoubtedly incredibly beautiful though. Cars I thouroughly enjoyed in TDU.

[@ironbru1986]

My God this car is absolutely stunning, it doesn't look very big inside though (not that I care because just look at the car!) as you looked very... snug inside the car, though if I remember correctly from other videos you are over 6 foot tall so that comes with the territory I guess. What do we have to do to let them loan you the Ferrari 360 for a review they have in the showroom in this video? It's another stunning car IMO and easily one of my favourite Ferraris.

[@HSGAutomotive]

It is a stunner for sure, great colour for it too inside and out. And yeah the cabin is 'snug' by nature because of its shape, headroom is thankfully good enough though. And yeah I do hope to review the 360, but needs to be on a good weather day...

[@ironbru1986]

Considering the storms we've been having in the UK recently that will unfortunately probably be a while.@@HSGAutomotive

[@911TVR]

How is this compared to the XKR for drivers room?

[@dchollyoak]

Would you really take the Rapide over the DBS Mike?

[@HSGAutomotive]

Yeah 100%. I like the DBS but never been a favourite of mine

[@dchollyoak]

So I assume a deposit has been put down on the Rapide then 😝

[@HSGAutomotive]

Haha not this time around. Still enjoying the Escalade. Maybe eventually I'll get one. Although for the 35k region one of my peak bucket list cars is the Saleen S331 Supercab tbh

[@dchollyoak]

@HSGAutomotive I've seen that big brute of a truck that's another to add to your bucket list for the future happy choosing 😀

[@bumblebeeisfree]

It feels classic because as another KZbinr put it. Car design is dying.

[@HSGAutomotive]

For sure, and one of the things which really bugs me about electric cars in particular (which I do actually like in some cases) is that the tech allows you to design the shape in almost any way you want, and yet they mostly end up looking more boring than normal cars.

[@bumblebeeisfree]

@HSGAutomotive yeah makes you wonder why is it that even though we do have the manufacturing and technological ability. Makers still decide with these ugly looking things. I call them things because they look more like a bug than an actual car. When I look at a rapide for example. It gives me a great sense of balance between performance and class. When I look at the bmw concept it gives me the sense of some rich guys kid stroking his own ego.