Before the Lagonda-branded vehicles are ready, Aston Martin is offering the Rapide E, the brand’s first and most likely, the last all-electric model. Not too long ago, we read some details about the car, including its development partners. Now though, it’s time for a full reveal.
To a casual eye, the Rapide E looks like any other Aston Martin Rapide or a Rapide AMR, but for a keen observer, the blue accents and aerodynamic wheels are a giveaway that this one doesn’t pack a V12 under the hood. The honeycomb front grille and lower air vents are functional and help cool down the electric powertrain.
A re-designed underfloor streamlines airflow from the front splitter right through to Rapide E’s new larger rear diffuser. The model’s forged aluminum wheels are shod with bespoke low rolling-resistance Pirelli P-Zero tyres. Overall, the Rapide E’s aerodynamic package has an 8% improvement over the previous internal combustion model, Aston Martin said.
The interiors too are differentiated with blue accents and contrast stitching. Replacing the analogue dials is a 10-inch digital instrument display providing key information including the battery’s state of charge, current motor power levels, regenerative performance and a real-time energy consumption meter.
There is also a dedicated app that allows key information from the car to be remotely monitored. The car’s parking spot can also be seen via the app, with walking directions provided to help re-locate in busy locations.
The Rapide E is powered by an 800-volt electrical architecture battery — encased in carbon fibre and Kevlar casing — with a 65 kWh capacity using over 5,600 lithium-ion 18650 format cylindrical cells. This bespoke battery pack lies where the original 6.0-litre V12, gearbox and fuel tank were located. This battery system powers two rear-mounted electric motors producing a combined output of just over 610 PS and an impressive 950 Nm of torque.
Aston Martin claims a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h), with a sub-4.0 second 0-60 mph (96.5 km/h) time and a 50-70 mph time of just 1.5 seconds. The Rapide E can drive a full lap of Nürburgring with no performance derating of the battery or the motors, apparently.
The driver gets three driving modes — GT, Sport and Sport+, which are for both the powertrain and handling. The rear-wheel-drive Rapide E’s twin electric motors drive through a Limited-Slip Differential, which combined with a revised spring and damper rates, ensures the pure handling characteristics of the petrol-powered Rapide AMR, the company said.
The Rapide E’s range is claimed to be over 200 miles (320+ km) under the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP), while the model is capable of charging at a rate of 185 miles of range per hour using a typical 400-volt 50 kW charger.
However, the car’s 800-volt high-voltage battery system enables fast charging of 310 miles of range per hour, using an 800-volt outlet delivering 100 kW or higher. For destination charging, the car also features a high-power AC onboard charger capable of recharging the battery in as little as 3 hours, the company said.
The Rapide E has been developed in collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE). As you might know already, only 155 units will be built.
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