The new Aston Martin Rapide S: A supercar with killer combo of speed & elegance

There’s a reason why the world comes to a halt when an Aston Martin passes by. A Ferrari or a Lamborghini could so easily shock you with their looks and performance, but the Aston Martin Rapide S is a bit more subtle. A bit more grown-up.

And believes in having polite conversation with you through its steering wheel and exhaust note rather than scream in your ear. This is a 16-feet-long car that offers something rare — supercar performance in body with four doors, four seats and a boot.

You’ll soon realise the Rapide is rebelling against the idea of having rear seats in what’s traditionally been a two-door smaller sportscar. But it’s got this blend of fine craftsmanship, scintillating road manners and killer looks. The interior is a delight and a pain.

It’s blatantly form over function. First-time passengers will struggle to open the doors from inside because Aston has merged the door handle so seamlessly with the rest of the door that you can’t find it.

When you take this Rapide around a bend, you will forget you are wringing the neck of a super-long machine that weighs two tonnes. The Rapide S sticks to corners like a wet saree on the waist of an actress in a Bollywood rain-dance sequence.

And when you aren’t pushing the Rapide, it’s as quiet, comfortable and refined as a movie star who has been ruling the box office for decades and has zero insecurity issues.

Aston Martin Rapide S Price: Rs 5.5 crore (fully-loaded, on-road, Mumbai) Engine: 5,935cc, V12 petrol Power: 550bhp at 6,750rpm

Text & Pictures Courtesy: BBC TopGear India; topgear.com/india