Aston Martin has released the first official pictures of its new four-door supercar, the Rapide.

The Rapide is set to challenge the likes of the Porsche Panamera and the Maserati Quattroporte in the luxury tourer market and should be able to carry four adults in comfort.

It is expected to cost a lot more than its rivals, however, with pricing predicted to be around the £150,000 mark.

This is Aston Martin’s first foray into the four-door market since the Lagonda, but the Rapide sticks much closer to the Aston family look than the wedge shape of the Lagonda.

The result is a sleek-looking performance car that manages to combine elegance and performance with practicality.

The Rapide will come with a 6.0-litre V12 engine that offers 470bhp and takes the car to 60mph in 5.1 seconds and up to a predicted top speed of 188mph.

Aston Martin has also announced a full range of details on the Rapide, including some of the high-level technology that will be on offer.

It will come with a 301-litre boot space, which increases to 750 litres when the seats are folded.

There is no sign the back seats have been just added in as an afterthought and the rear passengers have been well looked after, with optional screens fitted into the front headrests.

The Rapide’s entertainment system also caters for rear passengers, as sensors on the seatbelts work out how many people are in the car and the stereo is redirected as a result.

A precise on-sale date has not been confirmed, but it will be heading to its first lucky owners from spring 2010.