2012 & 2013 Aston Martin Sedan Reviews & Ratings

Although British car manufacturer Aston is usually known for its coupe and roadster models, the company has also had some very successful sedan models. Currently, Aston Martin offers the 2012 Aston Martin Rapide sedan, which was first introduced as a concept in 2006 as the Aston Martin Lagonda's replacement. The Lagonda was produced in England from 1974-1990 in 645 units, and its name was a product of the Lagonda brand that Aston Martin bought out in 1947. There were two versions of the Lago... (full review continues below)

Although British car manufacturer Aston is usually known for its coupe and roadster models, the company has also had some very successful sedan models. Currently, Aston Martin offers the 2012 Aston Martin Rapide sedan, which was first introduced as a concept in 2006 as the Aston Martin Lagonda's replacement. The Lagonda was produced in England from 1974-1990 in 645 units, and its name was a product of the Lagonda brand that Aston Martin bought out in 1947. There were two versions of the Lagonda, a 1974, short-lived saloon (sedan) modeled after the Aston Martin V8 and the incredibly modern Lagonda, which was produced from 1976-90. The car went through several serial numbers: Series 1-4, the last three of which were the more modern Lagonda variant.

The Aston Martin Rapide is a 4-door sedan (or saloon, as its often called) with high performance power. It was first introduced at the North America (Detroit) Auto Show in 2006 as a concept car and was first produced in early 2010. The Rapide's name is a reference to the Lagonda Rapide, which, at stated, the Aston Martin company now owns, and is based on the Aston Martin DB9.There are two variants of the 2012 Rapide: the standard base model and a new 2012 Rapide Luxe Edition. Starting MSRP for the base model is around $207,895, and the Luxe version's MSRP starts around $226,850. Both models get 13 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway and compete with such vehicles as the BMW Continental Flying Spur and the VMW Alpina B7.

Standard features for the Aston Martin Rapide include a 6.0-liter V-12 engine with a six-speed Touchtronic automatic transmission and a capability of 470 hp, 20-inch alloy wheels, seating for four passengers, 31.3 cu. feet of cargo, a 36-month unlimited warranty, leather-clad heated and cooled front and rear seats with a memory function, front and rear parking sensors, an intelligent, adaptive suspension system, bi-xenon headlamps with accompanying LED side lights, a thousand-watt-producing Olufsen BeoSound audio system, USB connection, automatic rear and front climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, a reversing camera, stability and traction control, performance tires, privacy glass, and in-dash navigation and satellite radio.

This year's Luxe trim for the Aston Martin Rapide adds cooled rear and front seats, a larger variety of luxurious wheel, paint, and wood trims, shiny alloy wheels, a rear seat DVD player and entertainment system, and a standard 6-piece luggage set.

There are rumors of a special Aston Martin Rapide S that will go on sale in late 2012. The "Sport" variant will add a lot more power to the vehicle. (Think around 40 more horsepower and the same engine used in the Aston Martin DBS). This should give the S variant 510 horsepower and a sportier, more aggressive front and rear grille, a more stand-out boot lip spoiler, and a fresh and re-profiled back bumper, along with a lower front bumper featuring more air intake and deep scoops. The S should be price around $325,000.