The Best of Britain Is Back
The Aston Martin Vantage is a car that really needs no introduction. Cut the cliche though, as it’s technically more of a re-introduction. That’s because the legendary nameplate is making its return to the Aston Martin line-up for the 2025 model year, which comes at the conclusion of a 5-year hiatus.
Notwithstanding models of a more hyper-persuasion, the new 2025 Vantage reclaims its spot atop Aston Martin’s production car hierarchy, particularly as it pertains to its storied and culturally significant roster of front-engined British luxury grand tourers. Fit to play a leading role in the next Bond film, this latest rendition of the Vantage combines modern supercar wisdom with traditional UK verve and fashion sense.
Blank-ish Canvas
Given its half-decade absence, there was always going to be much less of an obligation or opportunity for Aston Martin to copy-and-paste aspects of the new third-gen Vantage from its predecessor, and subsequently leave up for debate how much or little has changed over a year. On the customer side of this equation, well, distance makes the heart grow fonder, doesn’t it?
In many ways, Aston Martin had a clean slate to do as they pleased during the resurrection process, ensuring that the new Vantage would boast the latest and greatest when it comes to performance, innovation and design—and that they did. Yet, there was also a duty of responsibility to see that the new Vantage would remain quintessential to its roots. In my opinion, they nailed that too, in what is not an easy balancing act at the best of times.
Performance & Handling
V12 Epitomized
At the zenith of all the is good about the new 2025 Aston Martin Vanquish, is its remarkable 5.2L twin-turbocharged V12 engine which produces a whopping 823 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque. The power unit redlines at 7,000 rpm and generates peak torque at just 2,500 rpm. Aston Martin has claimed a resulting 0-62 mph time of 3.3 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 214 mph. Highly impressive, if not perhaps a bit overkill, for a grand tourer—but I digress.
Compared to the previously most powerful second-gen Aston Martin Vanquish S, that’s quite a massive jump from its 580 hp, to say the least. I suppose a proper 5-year sabbatical will do that, given the rate at which performance technology moves forward these days. Purists will be pleased to hear that there’s no electric augmentation playing a factor here, given that the impressive specs might suggest something else could be at play in concert with the internal combustion unit. Characteristically speaking, there’s still no direct fuel injection system either, allowing the new Vantage to retain its quintessential and unique engine and exhaust note—an optional titanium exhaust system is available for those who desire even more aural delight.
Mated to the V12 is an 8-speed automatic transmission which sends power exclusively to the rear axle. Given its decidedly enormous power output, a sophisticated electronically controlled limited-slip differential is tasked with putting it all down on the pavement in an efficient way. Tire performance is more likely to be the limiting factor when it comes to off-the-line traction, as there’s only so much that street legal tires can accommodate on an 800+ hp missile of a sports car.
Advanced Chassis
At the center of the new 2025 Aston Martin Vantage’s display of driving dynamism is an adaptive suspension system which provides a number of driving modes suited for every occasion between city cruiser and weekend track warrior. This is complimented by an intricate traction control system which provides various degrees of intervention based on the driver’s preference and selected driving mode.
Carbon ceramic brakes come as standard fare on the new Vantage, and are responsible for tethering the grand tourer’s not-so-dainty 4,210 lbs athletic frame. Similarly, a set of staggered 21-inch wheels—wrapped in Pirelli P Zero tires—is also part of the base package. Initial test drives noted the new Aston Martin Vantage’s balanced handling character and thrilling acceleration, though as mentioned earlier, some right-footed discretion is required in order to manage the grip levels of the OEM street tires.
Design & Interior
Exterior
The new 2025 Aston Martin Vantage retains the unmistakable silhouette which has become an essential component of its identity as an ultra-luxury British grand tourer. Elongated and elegant, the Vantage measures over 16-feet long bumper-to-bumper despite its 2-door-2-seater configuration—much of which is used up by its twin-turbocharged V12 heart. In appropriate proportions, it’s just as wide, measuring at close to 7-feet across. Overall, these dimensions provide the low-slung coupé with an imposing footprint and athletic stance.
Aesthetically, the design language consists of a wonderful blend of sleek minimalism and hints of showmanship. Venting on the front bumper, bonnet and fenders suggest something special lurking within, while adding an aggressive contrast to an otherwise purposefully understated appearance. While its rear haunches certainly boast its performance pedigree, there are no aggressive aero bits—i.e. no large rear wing of any kind—that would undermine the intended philosophy of the Aston Martin Vantage nameplate. All that being said, the Vanquish can be configured with a plethora of body color options, resulting in an almost endless quantity of permutations in which the car can be customized.
Cabin
Inside, the car is as lavish and plush as you would expect from a range-topping Aston Martin super grand tourer, with finishes such as cashmere available as an option. The power seats—which are 16-way adjustable—are a perfect hybrid of luxury and sportiness, providing the driver and passenger with a snug, but comfortable fit. Standard materials include semi-aniline leather and faux-suede. Like the exterior, the interior offers a number of options and upgrades to provide customers with more ways to make their Vantage bespoke and one-of-a-kind.
Extra consideration was given to the car’s everyday usability, and as a result, cargo space is very generous despite the conventional limitations of the Vantage’s body style. There’s room in the trunk to fit enough luggage for a week-long out-of-town trip, or two sets of golf bags with more to spare. Customers can also option a set of custom-fit luggage in the theme of their car’s spec, which will also help use up the space more efficiently. At the core of the new Vantage’s infotainment system are two 10.3-inch displays integrated into the front dash. One of the displays serves as a digital gauge cluster, and the second—a centrally located touchscreen display—provides access to the car’s media system, navigation, and more. Other features such as Apple CarPlay and onboard Wi-Fi are also available as standard fare.
Pricing & Availability
There won’t be any issues with the new Aston Martin Vanquish maintaining any reasonable level of exclusivity, given its price and production numbers. The former, which starts at an MSRP of $434,000 USD, does a pretty good job of that on its own. For the 2025 model year, Aston Martin has told us that they will only be producing 1,000 units, with only about a third of those designated for North American shores. Though not officially announced just yet, a future Volante (convertible) variant will likely be released within the next year or so, opening up more options and allocations to those in the market for the very peak of British super-grand-touring.
Verdict
supercars.net: 4.5/5
“Living up to its name, and then some, the new 2025 Aston Martin Vanquish returns with an absolute banger, rightfully reclaiming its place once more at the pinnacle of the automaker’s legendary grand touring roster. At the heart of it all, is a remarkable twin-turbocharged V12 engine which is sure to rival other European/exotic contemporaries in the ultra-luxury segment. Yet, the Vantage still manages to be greater than the sum of its parts, boasting balanced driving dynamics and checking off many of the “daily driver” boxes.
Alas, it’s a car that the overwhelming majority of us will have to admire from afar—and even fewer are likely to ever see one in person, given the low production numbers predicated by its sufficiently eye-watering price. But admire we will, because, what a car it is.”
What Other Experts Are Saying
Car and Driver: 5/5
Top Gear: 9/10
Looks superb – especially in profile, very fast, surprisingly delicate… a proper Hyper GT.
