Aston Martin Vanquish: The Gentleman’s Supercar

With the Vanquish, Aston Martin is writing a new chapter. This grand tourer blends sleek design, a smooth yet powerful V12 engine, and a balance of agility and comfort that’s sure to make it James Bond’s next car of choice.

Who will be the next James Bond? Rumors say British actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson is in the running, but when it comes to his car, there’s no question: it’s likely to be the Aston Martin Vanquish. Sporting a 5.2-liter V12 biturbo engine that produces a staggering 835 PS (614 kW) and 1,000 Nm of torque, this is Aston Martin’s most powerful production model yet—fit for 007 himself. And who knows? Q might add a few gadgets for the new spy wheels.

We didn’t get machine guns in the headlights, but our Vanquish, finished in “Supernova Red,” certainly makes a statement. The color choice reflects the car’s intended role as a superstar of British design rather than a fleeting marvel. It’s not just a sports car; the Vanquish aims to be a grand tourer, competing in the territory of Ferrari’s iconic 12-cylinder models. Visually, the Vanquish strikes a refined, dynamic stance, embodying Aston Martin’s new design language. This isn’t simply a new version of the DBS; as Product Planner Alex Long points out, “The Vanquish is our flagship with a dedicated platform.”

Power and Precision Under the Hood

The Vanquish’s V12 is a true masterpiece. Redesigned over five years, it boasts reinforced cylinder blocks, new cylinder heads, reprofiled camshafts, and upgraded intake and exhaust ports. Lighter, faster-spinning turbochargers improve response and power output. The engineers have also incorporated injectors with a 10% higher flow rate to meet emissions standards. For quick bursts of power, a boost function temporarily increases turbo pressure. But as soon as you fire up all twelve cylinders, technical specs become an afterthought—the full, rich sound is symphonic. There’s no need for a radio when the V12 roars like this.

With a 2,885 mm wheelbase, the Vanquish outstretches the DB12 (2,805 mm) and Vantage (2,705 mm), offering stability and comfort in corners. The adaptive Bilstein dampers, also used in the DB12, are tuned uniquely for the Vanquish. “We reduced hydraulic damping because we didn’t want to overdamp the car; we wanted to let the driver feel in control,” says Chief Engineer Simon Newton. It works: in GT mode, the 1,774 kg Vanquish rides smoothly, with a steady feel even over larger bumps. Switching to Sport or Sport+ firms things up without sacrificing too much comfort.

Cornering and Control

The Vanquish’s handling is as impressive as its straight-line speed. The electronic differential can adjust from open to full lock in 135 milliseconds, maximizing rear-axle performance. With a chassis stiffness 75% higher than the DBS 770 Ultimate, the Vanquish feels both solid and responsive. A strut brace in the engine bay also enhances cornering feel.

The steering has a good balance of sportiness without heavy resistance, though some might wish for a more direct ratio. Still, it’s fitting for a GT. Performance stats back this up: 0 to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 345 km/h, with powerful brakes that bring the car to a stop from 100 km/h in under 30 meters.

Inside, A Fresh Take on Luxury

Inside, the Vanquish represents a fresh direction for Aston Martin. Gone are the familiar Mercedes-inspired screens and controls; now, Aston Martin has developed its own infotainment system, resulting in a seamless, integrated interior design. The 10.25-inch touchscreen and equally large digital instrument display sit within a stylish mix of fine leather and exposed carbon fiber, perfectly matching the car’s upscale ambiance. However, the dashboard and rear shelf can cause some glare, and there were some creaks in our pre-production test car’s interior—areas for quality control to refine.

Though Aston Martin’s digital interface is a step forward, the graphics feel a bit dated. An option for classic analog gauges would be a welcome nod to tradition, as many Aston Martin customers still appreciate the charm of mechanical timepieces. As with fine watches, the Vanquish is produced in limited quantities; it’s priced at €386,000, with fewer than a thousand units rolling out each year, owing to the labor-intensive engine assembly process.