“I’ve had the privilege to join the Aston Martin engineering team at various stages of the car’s development and the performance that’s on offer in Rapide E really is incredible,” said Darren Turner. “The car has the kind of torque and punch that you’d expect from an EV, but they’ve really worked hard to retain the dynamic characteristics of what makes an Aston Martin special. Today feels like a real milestone in this company’s history and for me to be the first person to drive an all-electric Aston Martin publicly is an absolute honour, particularly here in Monaco”.

The Rapide E is the most powerful Rapide available and is powered by twin rear-mounted electric motors delivering a combined output of 604 hp and 700 lb-ft of torque. All of that power and torque is sent to the rear wheels and will launch the car from 0-60 mph in under 4 seconds and 0-100 km/h in just over 4 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155 mph (250 km/h). Production of the Rapide E will commence in Q4 2019 at Aston Martin Lagonda’s new production facility in St Athan, Wales.

“Rapide E is a defining product in Aston Martin Lagonda’s history,” said Dr Andy Palmer, Aston Martin’s President and Group CEO. “We have set out a bold strategy for the electrification and hybridisation across the Group and this product demonstrates that we have the capability to deliver an EV of exceptional performance, while still delivering the qualities demanded of not just Aston Martin customers, but the wider luxury market. As the world’s first all-electric luxury brand, Lagonda will directly benefit from the technologies and experience derived from the Rapide E program. Darren (Turner) is very lucky to have had the chance to demonstrate what Rapide E can do and I firmly believe that those who have already placed their name down for this special model, will be able to take pride in seeing the car run in anger for the first time”.