NICK ELWOOD

‘ We bought our Rapide new in December 2011: Onyx Black with a Sandstorm and Obsidian Black leather interior. We have since done about 15,000 miles in it, mostly on long drives, including numerous trips to France and one with all the skiing gear on board as well!

‘ We were initially sceptical about the Rapide as a viable way to carry the family over a distance of more than 200 miles, so we considered some much bigger traditional saloons such as an S- class, but having lived with it for over four years, it was absolutely the right choice. We have a family of four with teenage sons and have managed numerous cross- continental journeys in absolute comfort. Provided you aren’t carrying much more than four mediumlarge bags the boot is well sized and will take everything needed for a week’s break – although that skiing gear was admittedly a squeeze!

‘ We mainly take the car out on weekends and for trips, so the majority of driving has been on open roads and motorways. It manages about 20- 22mpg, which seems quite reasonable for a 5.9- litre V12! The car has never gone wrong and so the main running costs are yearly servicing charges and extras such as winter tyres.

‘ However, the main reason we bought the car wasn’t to do with practicalities. It was after we heard it roar through 5000 revs, chucked it through a few corners and had enough time to soak up its utter beauty that we decided to take the plunge. I don’t know of another four- door that will sit equally happily on a track, concours or snow- lined mountain pass. It brings four smiles to the faces of the family every time we drive it and, as such, will definitely be a longterm keeper.’