In an era where electrification and downsized engines dominate the automotive landscape, Aston Martin defies convention with the triumphant return of the Vanquish nameplate. Unveiled in September 2024, the 2025 Aston Martin Vanquish is a bold statement of British engineering prowess, blending breathtaking design, ferocious performance, and grand touring luxury. As the brand’s flagship GT car, it replaces the outgoing DBS Superleggera and sets a new benchmark for supercars, rivaling the likes of Ferrari’s 12Cilindri and Bentley’s Continental GT. With a limited production run of under 1,000 units annually and a starting price of $429,000, the Vanquish is as exclusive as it is exhilarating.
A Design That Commands Attention
The 2025 Vanquish is a visual tour de force, embodying Aston Martin’s signature blend of elegance and aggression. Its proportions are classic GT: a long hood, low stance, and muscular rear haunches. Compared to the DB12, the Vanquish is longer (by 6.5 inches), wider (by 2.4 inches), and lower (by 0.2 inches), with an extended wheelbase of 3 inches that accentuates its commanding presence.
The front fascia features Aston Martin’s iconic grille, flanked by teardrop-shaped matrix LED headlamps and Formula 1-inspired hood vents. A massive side strake emblazoned with “Aston Martin V12” in red hints at the beast within. The rear is equally striking, with a Kamm tail design inspired by Aston’s 1960s Le Mans racers (DP212, DP214, DP215) and a “Shield” panel that can be finished in gloss black, carbon weave, or body color. LED tail lamps, described as “deconstructed,” add a modern flourish. The body, primarily carbon fiber, cloaks a bonded aluminum chassis that’s 75% stiffer than the DBS 770 Ultimate, ensuring both lightweight agility and structural rigidity.
Forged 21-inch wheels, wrapped in bespoke Pirelli P Zero tires (275/35 front, 325/30 rear), complement the sculpted exterior. Buyers can personalize their Vanquish through Aston Martin’s Q division, choosing from a vast palette of paints, trims, and bespoke details like monogrammed headrests. A panoramic glass roof, tinted to block 94% of light, is standard, though a carbon-fiber roof option saves 23 pounds.
The Heart of the Beast: A Reworked V12
Under the Vanquish’s endless hood lies its crowning glory: a thoroughly reengineered 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12, producing a staggering 824 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. Aston Martin claims this is a “new engine from the ground up,” with no carryover components from its predecessor. Upgrades include a stronger block, redesigned cylinder heads, new intake and exhaust ports, faster-spinning turbos, and repositioned spark plugs. A “boost reserve” system maintains turbo pressure during off-throttle moments, ensuring instantaneous response.
Paired with a rear-mounted ZF eight-speed automatic transaxle and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, the V12 delivers power exclusively to the rear wheels. The result is a 0-60 mph sprint in 3.2 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.3 seconds) and a top speed of 214 mph, making it the fastest and most powerful series-production Aston Martin ever. In testing, MotorTrend recorded a 0-60 mph time of 3.3 seconds and a quarter-mile in 11.2 seconds at 132.5 mph.
The exhaust note, available in stainless steel or titanium (the latter saving 23 pounds), is a symphony of V12 gargle and turbocharged bluster. While some reviewers note that Ferrari’s naturally aspirated 12Cilindri offers a more operatic sound, Vanquish’s raw, primal roar is undeniably addictive. Drive modes (GT, Sport, and Sport+) adjust throttle response, suspension, and exhaust, allowing the Vanquish to shift seamlessly from a refined cruiser to a track-ready beast.
Dynamic Excellence: A GT That Handles Like a Supercar
The Vanquish isn’t just about straight-line speed; it’s a grand tourer with newfound agility. Its chassis, featuring Bilstein DTX adaptive dampers, double-wishbone front suspension, and multi-link rear suspension, is tuned for both comfort and precision. A six-axis inertial measurement unit optimizes damper, e-diff, and traction control systems, while a Corner Braking 2.0 system enhances stability during trail braking. Carbon-ceramic brakes (410mm front, among the largest on a road car) deliver exceptional stopping power, with a 70-0 mph distance of 38.0 meters in testing.
Reviewers praise the Vanquish’s handling, noting its ability to tackle technical corners with confidence. PistonHeads calls it “the best Aston Martin in modern history,” highlighting its poise and grip, thanks to stiffer anti-roll bars and a 51:49 weight distribution. While its 3,911-pound dry weight (over 4,000 pounds with fluids) makes it heavier than the Ferrari 12Cilindri, the Vanquish feels planted yet playful, rewarding measured inputs with progressive handling.
A Luxurious Cabin Fit for a Flagship
Inside, the Vanquish is a two-seater sanctuary of luxury and technology. The cabin shares design cues with the DB12 and Vantage but elevate them with premium materials and intricate detailing. Twin 10.25-inch screens handle infotainment and instrumentation, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and in-dash navigation. Physical controls for drive modes, climate, and exhaust ensure a tactile experience, a nod to Aston’s “detox from digital” philosophy. A 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system delivers immersive audio, though some testers admit they were too distracted by the V12’s roar to appreciate it fully.
Storage is generous for a supercar, with space behind the seats for custom-fitted leather luggage. However, the layout could be optimized for larger bags. The panoramic glass roof enhances the airy feel, although a sunroof option is not available. Despite minor critiques, such as small infotainment icons, the interior is lauded as one of Aston’s finest, blending craftsmanship with modern functionality.
The Vanquish Volante: Open-Top Opulence
In March 2025, Aston Martin introduced the Vanquish Volante, a convertible variant that amplifies the drama. Powered by the same 824-hp V12, the Volante accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 3.4 seconds and matches the coupe’s 214-mph top speed. At 4,120 pounds, it’s 209 pounds heavier due to chassis reinforcements but retains the coupe’s poise and presence. The Volante’s roof-down elegance makes it the “pinnacle of top-down driving,” according to Aston Martin, with deliveries starting in Q4 2025.
Pricing and Exclusivity
The Vanquish starts at $429,000 in the U.S. ($434,000 with destination) and $737,000 in Australia before options. In India, it’s priced at ₹8.85 crore (ex-showroom). With 65% of pre-orders requesting bespoke Q division personalizations, final prices often approach seven figures. Production is capped at under 1,000 units annually, with a third allocated to North America, and orders are sold out well into 2025.
The Verdict: A Modern Classic
The 2025 Aston Martin Vanquish is a triumph of passion over pragmatism. Its V12 engine, a rarity in today’s market, delivers jaw-dropping performance, while its refined chassis and luxurious cabin make it an authentic grand tourer. Though it may lack the razor-sharp precision of the Ferrari 12Cilindri or the hybrid efficiency of the Bentley Continental GT, Vanquish’s blend of heritage, exclusivity, and raw charisma is unmatched. As Top Gear notes, it’s a “reforged Vanquish with the poise and performance to trouble even the most aggressive supercars.”
For those with the means, the Vanquish offers an experience that transcends mere transportation. It’s a rolling work of art, a defiant celebration of the internal combustion engine, and a worthy successor to Aston Martin’s storied legacy. As the brand’s halo car, it proves that, in a world of compromise, true indulgence still has a place.
