2012 Aston Martin Rapide Total Car Score Analysis

The 2012 Aston Martin Rapide doesn't have enough ratings to earn a valid Total Car Score. 
 
Building what most people consider the world's most beautiful sedan isn't easy, but Aston Martin has pulled off the accomplishment quite well. Thankfully, the automaker's four-place sedan delivers handling on par with its appearance — without question, the Rapide is a family-man's substitute for the automaker's own DB9.  
 
On the downside, the concentrated focus on styling has left the Rapide's rear seats dismally small, and its cargo capacity is much lower than that in other competitive sedans. Despite its aluminum construction, the sedan's acceleration is slow when compared to its peers, and its ergonomics are purely British (read that as "challenged"). Lastly, the pop-up navigation system is embarrassingly outdated.  
 
First introduced two years ago, the Aston Martin Rapide has changed very little over the years. Last year, the range-topping Luxe model was added. The sedan enters the 2012 model year as a carryover. 

2012 Aston Martin Rapide Model Line-Up

The 2012 Aston Martin Rapide is offered in one five-door sedan body style. The automaker sells two models: Rapide and Rapide Luxe. 
 
Shoehorned under the hood of the aluminum-bodied Rapide is a naturally-aspirated 5.9-liter V12 sending 477 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque to a standard rear mid-mounted Touchtronic 2 six-speed automatic gearbox. The Aston Martin sedan will sprint to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds, and it won't run out of steam until 183 mph. All Rapide models are rear-wheel drive.  
 
The list of standard equipment includes high-grade leather upholstery slathered throughout the cabin, full power accessories, bi-xenon headlamps, front and rear parking sensors, multi-zone automatic climate control, heated front and rear seats and a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system with AUX/iPod inputs. The Rapide Luxe is upgraded with unique wheels, ventilated front and rear seats, unique glass switchgear, a rear-seat entertainment system and custom-fitted leather luggage. Nearly all of the Luxe equipment is offered as an option on the standard Rapide sedan.  
 
In addition to the extensive list of standard and optional equipment, Aston Martin will custom-tailor your Rapide to your exact specifications, whether that means unique contrasting stitching in the leather or paint-matched wheels — it is all part of the company's bespoke program. 
 
The EPA rates the fuel economy of the 2012 Aston Martin Rapide at 13 mpg city, 19 mpg highway and 15 mpg combined. 

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