Practically 25 years in the past, a bit boy in Melbourne unlocked a digital model of the first-generation Aston Martin Vanquish that may instantly develop into his favorite automotive of all time.
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2001 Aston Martin V12 Vanquish -
2013 Aston Martin Vanquish
Its timeless design, penned by Ian Callum, is arguably one of the crucial achingly lovely of any automotive ever produced. Add to that its singing 5.9-litre V12 engine and leather-lined cabin, and it’s definitely one of many all-time greats.
The Vanquish was additionally a pivotal mannequin for the Aston Martin model, boasting superior applied sciences for the time in its chassis development and suspension programs; in addition to reaching for brand new efficiency heights to tackle the likes of Ferrari within the efficiency GT house.
Higher but, the first-generation Vanquish was the automotive of alternative for Agent 007 himself. It featured because the hero automotive within the 2002 movie Die One other Day, with ‘co-star’ Pierce Brosnan within the driver’s seat.
As with many car-obsessed children that begin their fanatic journey with video video games and films, I spent 20 years dreaming of in the future having the ability to get behind the wheel of an actual Aston Martin Vanquish – and fortunate for me, that dream simply got here true.
The third-generation 2025 Aston Martin Vanquish was revealed earlier this yr retaining the front-engined V12 method laid down by its forefathers.
It’s a really completely different beast to the 2019 Imaginative and prescient Vanquish idea, which might have seen a wholesale change to a mid-engined twin-turbo V6 and a design extra focused on the likes of the McLaren 720S.
However that’s to not say it’s old-school in any method apart from maybe idea, as a result of this new Vanquish is a correct halo mannequin for the Stroll-owned period of Aston Martin.
A considerably reworked model of the outgoing DBS Superleggera’s 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 lives below the bonnet, which Aston Martin says is definitely ‘all-new’ given not a lot is shared with the outdated engine bar the bore and stroke.
It has been massaged to ship probably the most energy out of any of Aston’s core V12 sports activities automobiles at 614kW (835PS), and it makes extra energy per litre than even the Valkyrie hypercar at 160PS/117.6kW per litre.
Additional, its 345km/h claimed high pace is the quickest of any manufacturing automotive within the marque’s 111-year historical past.
So how is it? I travelled to the Italian island of Sardinia to get a primary drive of Aston’s new hero at its worldwide media launch.
How does the Aston Martin Vanquish evaluate?
View an in depth breakdown of the Aston Martin Vanquish in opposition to equally sized autos.
Aston Martin
Vanquish
How a lot does the Aston Martin Vanquish price?
So much. Base pricing for the 2025 Aston Martin Vanquish is $737,000 plus on-road prices and choices in Australia.
| Mannequin | Worth earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2025 Aston Martin Vanquish | $737,000 |
Clients are anticipated to shell out much more to tailor their grand tourers as properly. Based on the model, 65 per cent of Vanquish orders to date – albeit globally – have some type of bespoke specification by means of the Q by Aston Martin personalisation service.
So, when you order your dream V12 Aston Martin after which make it your individual, you’re simply round $1 million by the point its in your storage. However, has $1 million ever appeared this good?
To see how the Aston Martin Vanquish traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability software
What’s the Aston Martin Vanquish like on the within?
Not like the DBS, which was successfully a spruced up DB11, the Vanquish will get its personal bespoke inside design.
Having not too long ago stepped out of a DB12 Volante (evaluation coming quickly), there have been fairly substantial adjustments to the cockpit to create the Vanquish – nonetheless utilising the marque’s newest electrical and software program arcthitecture.
Twin 10.25-inch HD shows function the motive force’s instrument cluster and central touchscreen, working Aston Martin’s personal bespoke interface as an alternative of the previous-generation vary’s repurposed Mercedes-Benz software program.
It brings Aston Martin into the fashionable age as rival marques and nameplates proceed to push the machine interface envelope, impressed by the most recent gadgetry utilized in high-end luxurious automobiles in addition to motorsport.
Whereas Aston’s structure is a bit more typical, and the software program not all the time fairly as responsive as the most effective programs available in the market – no matter extremely luxurious or not – all of it feels modern and consistent with the tastes of right this moment.
The usual Bowers and Wilkins ‘Halo’ sound system affords 15 audio system and a 1200W output. Whereas I’m certain it’s a cracking unit, I used to be too busy listening to the singing V12 to essentially try it out – are you able to blame me?
And whereas the software program experiences is a giant speaking level over the DBS, in a automotive like this that stuff form of feels irrelevant save for the usual inclusion of wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
It’s the detailing that basically took me right here, due to swathes of semi-aniline leather-based lining seemingly each floor possible within the cabin, the metallic and carbon-fibre accents and trim inserts of the autos we drove – noting the infinite customisation accessible through Q by Aston Martin – and the meticulous consideration to element.
Take a second to take a look at a few of the lovely specs on present within the press pictures, headlined by the wild Cote d’Azure Blue leather-based upholstery of the Neutron White automotive. It’s giving Ford GT90 vibes – if you already know, you already know.
The starter button is glass, and housed in a metallic ring that doubles because the drive mode selector. It’s chunky and has a really heavy motion, one thing of a throwback to extra analogue instances.
And keep in mind that, in contrast to its predecessors, the third-generation Vanquish is strictly a two-seater solely.
In lieu of any rear emergency seats, there’s prolonged adjustability for the entrance seats – I rode shotgun for the primary leg and the seat was to date again it was virtually like a business-class airline seat. Take into account the Vanquish has a further 80mm of wheelbase over the DB12 (2885mm).
There’s additionally heaps of room for storing baggage and the like behind the seats. Aston Martin will even promote you a tailor-made baggage set that completely matches behind the entrance seats as an choice – pictured above.
Talking of the seats, the usual Sports activities Plus seats are immensely comfy, and embrace 16-way adjustment along with being heated and ventilated.
My time with these seats was very constructive, as whereas they’re very comfy in addition they provide loads of bolstering to maintain you centred and properly supported when cornering.
In the event that they’re a bit ‘smooth’ for you although, and also you’re wanting to avoid wasting weight or hit the observe frequently, Aston Martin additionally affords a Carbon Fibre Efficiency Seat with six-way adjustment and heating, which actually appears prefer it’s come straight out of the Valkyrie hypercar.
You can too choose out of the usual mounted panoramic roof for a carbon-fibre one, which then brings a full leather-based headliner. We observed that our glass roof-equipped Supernova Crimson car bought a bit sizzling within the Sardinian solar, so in Australia this is perhaps one thing to contemplate.
Whereas we’re speaking about choices, a fast take a look at the configurator reveals an unlimited quantity of various trims and choices accessible to tailor your Vanquish to your preferences.
As you may see from the picture gallery, the press autos have been fitted with a collection of interiors together with the aforementioned Cote d’Azure Blue, Centenary Saddle Tan, Onyx Black, and Forest Inexperienced.
You’ll be able to select between an array of trim inserts, together with gloss and satin carbon-fibre, in addition to a collection of woods and ‘inside jewelry’.
The Vanquish affords a quoted 248 litres of cargo quantity below its bootlid.
| Dimensions | Aston Martin Vanquish |
|---|---|
| Size | 4850mm |
| Width | 2044mm – mirrors folded |
| Top | 1290mm |
| Wheelbase | 2885mm |
| Cargo capability | 248 litres |
To see how the Aston Martin Vanquish traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability software
What’s below the bonnet?
A stonking 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 that is likely one of the strongest engines within the marque’s historical past.
| Specs | Aston Martin Vanquish |
|---|---|
| Engine | 5.2L V12 twin-turbo |
| Energy | 614kW @ 6500rpm |
| Torque | 1000Nm @ 2500-5000rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed auto |
| Pushed wheels | Rear |
| Weight | 1774kg – dry |
| 0-100km/h | 3.3 seconds – claimed |
| Prime pace | 345km/h |
| Gasoline financial system – claimed | N/A |
| Gasoline tank capability | 82 litres |
| CO2 emissions | 312g/km – WLTP |
To see how the Aston Martin Vanquish traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability software
How does the Aston Martin Vanquish drive?
Now, the half we’ve all been ready for… particularly me.
I took the primary leg as a passenger and totally loved the co-pilot expertise, however was nervous getting behind the wheel of this $700,000-plus tremendous GT out of the country and on the facet of the car I’m not used to.
However, after adjusting my mirrors and taking a deep breath, I set off from our picturesque lunch cease within the Sardinian hills and commenced the 2 hour-plus route again in direction of the beautiful Resort Cala di Volpe on Costa Smeralda – which, thoughts you, was the place elements of 007: The Spy Who Beloved Me have been filmed.
To start with I drove the usual GT mode with the transmission in D to get my bearings, respecting the 1000Nm that have been very available below my foot.
Within the GT setting, torque is formed (not restricted) to be extra well mannered for regular driving, with earlier shift factors prioritised for effectivity and refinement. It typically modified cogs across the 2000rpm level, and at one level we have been doing 70km/h in eighth.
The Billstein DTX adaptive dampers have fairly noticeable adjustments between modes, with the GT setting being fairly compliant and virtually wafty, whereas it actually stiffens up in Sport and Sport+ – it’s by no means uncomfortable, although.
After my preliminary ‘break-in’ interval behind the wheel, I flicked the Vanquish into Sport and pressed the ‘MANUAL’ button, permitting me to alter gears myself through the stunning steering-mounted paddles, that are normal from actual metallic.
Letting the 5.2-litre V12 rev out, whether or not it’s at city speeds or out on the open highway, offers you loads of that brassy, clean soundtrack that these engines are lauded for.
It’s maybe not fairly as shouty as Astons previous – the first- and second-generation Vanquishes have been positively wonderful – however in right this moment’s world of downsizing, de-cylinderising and electrification, the Aston feels like a actual supercar.
Because the roads opened up and threaded by means of the hills like spaghetti, I gave the Vanquish a bit extra beans to check out how manageable its efficiency is on winding B-roads, in addition to how eager it’s to carve corners.
Surprisingly, it’s a really fast and eager steerer, and manages to place down its energy fairly properly regardless of having a lot grunt going solely to the rear axle. Then once more, I think about if I used to be on observe in Sport+ with the traction management wound down, it will have in all probability tried to buck me.
Peak torque is available in at 2500rpm, however the Vanquish’s energy and torque curves have been tuned to ship the form of rev-happy but linear behaviour that was a signature of its outdated naturally aspirated engines.
The brand new Vanquish doesn’t really feel significantly boosty, however the best way it crescendos right into a monstrous orchestral climax sounds ungodly, and the best way it pulls onerous all the best way to the redline is simply spectacular.
Get sufficient straight highway forward and the Vanquish will rocket you in direction of the horizon faster than you may say “pip pip tally-ho”, whilst you’re cocooned in its luxurious semi-aniline leather-based cockpit.
Aston quotes a 0-100km/h time of three.3 seconds and a high pace of 345km/h – giving the Vanquish the very best high pace of any collection manufacturing Aston Martin, ever.
Testing these claims wasn’t potential on the general public roads of the Italian island, however imagine me: this British coupe is imply when it accelerates. Correctly imply.
It simply doesn’t cease pulling and continues to get stronger as you surge in direction of its 7000rpm redline. Even higher, the V12 actually begins singing by means of the mid vary, a good distance earlier than it reaches its limiter.
Whereas the Vanquish shares a variety of frequent componentry with the most recent Vantage and DB12, Aston Martin has given its new flagship GT loads of particular consideration to make sure it’s not merely a ‘DB12 Plus’.
The slick-shifting eight-speed ZF automated, for instance, has been tailor-made for the extra torque the Vanquish affords over its siblings. It has additionally been optimised for high pace and, just like the Vantage and DB12, the digital limited-slip differential is constructed into the transmission unit.
Then there’s the tyres. The Vanquish will get bespoke Pirelli P Zero rubber with ‘AML’ designation, incorporating a novel compound unique to Aston Martin. Not solely are they extraordinarily grippy, however these tyres even have what’s known as the Pirelli Noise Cancelling System to cut back highway noise.
Whereas I’d in all probability want to check them back-to-back with non noise-cancelling tyres to find out simply how a lot of a distinction they make, I can vouch for the truth that on some Sardinian highways with a little bit of coarse-chip blacktop, the Vanquish was impressively refined for a supercar carrying 21-inch wheels and high-performance tyres.
Now you’d suppose a automotive this large and weighing almost 1.8 tonnes would possibly collapse within the corners, however whereas the Vanquish is not any Porsche 911, it’s surprisingly adept at tearing up a winding B-road at first rate clip.
You’ll be able to definitely really feel its width – not a lot its weight – and whereas the steering is on the lighter facet, it’s fairly fast and linear, making it very straightforward to level this large GT by means of an apex after which blast out the opposite finish. Price noting is the Vanquish’s 51:49 entrance:rear weight distribution, based on Aston Martin.
The usual carbon ceramic brakes, with 410mm entrance and 360mm rear discs, provide good stopping energy and declare to save lots of 27kg over equal cast-iron items. Aston Martin additionally claims these stoppers will higher scale back fade at temperatures as much as 800 levels C.
Whereas we didn’t take the Vanquish on observe to essentially give these brakes a red-hot go, we discovered they did a superb job at pulling up the 1774kg GT, albeit with an preliminary numbness to the pedal response. Carbon ceramic brakes may also get a bit squeaky in regular driving, as we discovered when driving by means of some smaller cities enroute to our vacation spot.
When you’re cruising on the freeway, the Vanquish can take a few of the load off long-distance touring courtesy of the model’s newest suite of driver help programs.
Adaptive cruise management with cease/go perform, lane departure warning, lane hold help, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are all belongings you’d anticipate from a contemporary luxurious automotive, and all of them labored properly throughout our time with the Vanquish on Sardinian highways.
Even higher, the usual surround-view digital camera system ensures good imaginative and prescient if the mirrors don’t present sufficient viewing angle, and will imply there’s no excuse for scraped carbon splitters or kerbed alloy wheels.
To see how the Aston Martin Vanquish traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability software
What do you get?
Whereas most Aston Martins are extremely bespoke, there’s nonetheless a robust baseline normal specification for the Vanquish.
Tools highlights embrace:
Exterior
- Matrix LED headlights
- Decrease Physique Bundle – Gloss Black
- Higher Physique Bundle – Physique Color
- Prolonged Physique Bundle – Physique Color
- 21-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels – Liquid Silver
- Grille in Satin Chrome
- Brake calipers – Black
- Carbon ceramic brakes
- Tail-lights – clear
- Panoramic glass sunroof
- Chrome steel exhaust system
Inside
- 10.25-inch HD digital instrument cluster
- 10.25-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- Aston Martin app connectivity
- Satellite tv for pc navigation incl. real-time visitors
- Alcantara and Semi Aniline leather-based upholstery
- Sports activities Plus Seat
- Heated
- 16-way energy adjustable
- Black Alcantara headliner
- Black carpet
- Vivid Brushed Metallic trim inlays
- Satin Chrome inside jewelry
- Sports activities steering wheel with paddles
- Bowers and Wilkins audio
As you may see from the various vary of specs pictured all through this evaluation, nearly each side of the Aston Martin Vanquish is customisable by means of the Q by Aston Martin bespoke program, and even earlier than that there are many manufacturing unit choices and equipment.
There’s an array of exterior paints, inside upholsteries, trims accents and the wish to wade by means of. You’ll be able to go for monotone or multitone inside colourways; completely different colored stitchwork; exterior liveries; a titanium exhaust system; and you may even change the end of the rear panel below the bootlid to gloss, satin carbon-fibre or physique color.
You’ll be able to choose from quite a lot of base alloy wheel designs too, all with completely different finishes accessible. The alternatives actually are infinite, and in case you undergo the bespoke route Aston Martin will maintain your hand by means of the method and even make strategies that can assist you create your dream GT.
To see how the Aston Martin Vanquish traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability software
Is the Aston Martin Vanquish secure?
Like most high-end autos, significantly sports activities automobiles, the Vanquish hasn’t been independently crash examined and sure by no means can be.
Nonetheless, the brand new Vanquish options Aston Martin’s full suite of driver help programs.
Commonplace security options embrace:
- Adaptive cruise management with cease & go
- Auto excessive beam
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Door Open Help
- Driver drowsiness detection
- Ahead collision warning
- Lane departure warning
- Lane hold help
- Rear cross-traffic help
- Visitors signal recognition
- 3D {surround} digital camera view
To see how the Aston Martin Vanquish traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability software
How a lot does the Aston Martin Vanquish price to run?
Aston Martin covers its present vary with a three-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee in Australia.
It additionally affords an prolonged guarantee for 12 to 24 months through its sellers, and roadside help cowl can be accessible.
Service pricing is accessible upon enquiry by means of your most popular Aston Martin dealership.
To see how the Aston Martin Vanquish traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability software
CarExpert’s Tackle the Aston Martin Vanquish
The seven-year-old boy in me is blissful crying, whereas the 30-year-old automotive journalist on the surface is totally impressed with this splendidly succesful ultra-luxury GT.
Childhood dream and life-long bias apart, Aston Martin has created an achingly lovely and fascinating V12 grand tourer that’s as able to tearing your face off with its sheer energy as it’s tootling by means of town and suburbs trying like a million-dollar daily-driver for the elite.
Vehicles like these are sometimes onerous to objectively critique due to their specificity to a goal demographic, and the exclusivity of high-end merchandise that few fortunate folks will ever truly get to expertise. However by any measure, the brand new Vanquish is bloody good.
Each stint behind the wheel feels extremely particular, and whereas it boasts the quickest high pace of any manufacturing Aston Martin, it may be totally loved at on a regular basis speeds. It’s a reasonably agreeable factor to drive on the town and you may nonetheless expertise that wonderful V12 soundtrack by flicking it into handbook and holding onto gears that little bit longer.
Being an Aston Martin, it’s endlessly customisable, that means that no two autos are prone to be the identical. Ought to exclusivity be a key issue for you, the truth that annual manufacturing is capped at 1000 autos globally additionally means you received’t typically move one other one on the highway – particularly in Australia.
As of late there are a variety of quick automobiles, and there are a variety of costly automobiles.
The Vanquish is each of these items, however what Aston Martin – like many different ultra-luxury manufacturers – does so properly is provide a definite flavour to the execution that makes it particular and fascinating. And that runs extra than simply skin-deep.
It’s the whole expertise, from firing up the brassy V12 through the glass starter button, to utilizing the metallic shift paddles that can assist you rocket in direction of the horizon. It ignites the senses and makes you are feeling so, so good.
And if that isn’t sufficient, attractive particulars just like the semi-aniline leather-based, carbon-fibre and metallic accents, and the meticulous sew work make this really feel like a murals.
I believe Aston Martin has actually nailed its temporary on this one. The Vanquish is sharper and sexier than one thing like a Bentley Continental GT, whereas additionally being extra luxurious and extra daily-driveable than a McLaren GTS. They’re good automobiles in their very own proper, however every is tailor-made to a really particular form of buyer.
So this isn’t solely the most effective Vanquish ever – it’s a dream come true.
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Click on the photographs for the complete gallery
