Few names in the Aston Martin back catalogue carry as much weight as Vanquish. First introduced in 2001 as a spiritual successor to the original Vantage, it became a poster car for modern Aston design and performance.
Fast forward to 2025 and the Vanquish is back, reborn as the company’s flagship GT. It represents the pinnacle of the brand’s engineering and design language, and importantly, serves as the showcase for Aston Martin’s utmost capability in performance luxury.
2025 Aston Martin Vanquish: Specifications
Engine: 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12
Output: 614kW@6500rpm / 1000Nm@2500-5000rpm
Gearbox: Eight-speed auto
Drive type: Rear-wheel drive, e-diff
Wheels: F: 21×9.5, 275/35 R: 21×11.5, 325/30
ANCAP: Not tested
Tare weight: 1825kg
Power-to-weight: 2.97:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 13.8L/100km
Our consumption: 15.9L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 82L/95 RONPower efficiency: 44.49kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 2.18 seconds*
0-100km/h: 3.76 seconds*
0-200km/h: 10.42 seconds*
60-110km/h: 2.00 seconds*
1/4 mile: 11.61 seconds at 213.1km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.938g*
100-0km/h braking: 34.67m in 2.85 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.434g*
Decibel at idle (/Sport+ mode): 53/56*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 90*
Starting price: $737,000
*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2025 Aston Martin Vanquish: How much does it cost?
It’s a car designed to go head-to-head with the likes of the Ferrari 12Cilindri (from $803,500), the Bentley Continental GT Speed (from $584,000), and even Lamborghini’s new Revuelto (from $987,908) in terms of performance and prestige.
Prices start from $737,000, which places it pretty much in the middle of this class. It features the most powerful petrol engine of the lot, considering the Lambo is augmented by an electric motor to pump up its overall power.
2025 Aston Martin Vanquish: Interior & packaging
Step inside the Vanquish and it immediately feels like a step up from Aston Martin’s more accessible models such as the DB12 and Vantage. There’s a greater sense of occasion and refinement, and the driving position has been optimised for both comfort and engagement. You sit low in the cabin, with that long bonnet stretching out ahead. The wide glass area and slim pillars provide decent visibility for something so exotic.
Craftsmanship inside is beautiful. Every stitch of leather feels hand-finished, and the seat quilting and trim combinations can be tailored almost endlessly through Aston’s Q division. Buyers can specify rare hides, carbon fibre inlays, or even bespoke colour palettes, ensuring no two cabins are likely to be the same. Yet despite the luxurious materials, the overall design philosophy is relatively restrained. Aston has avoided overloading the dashboard with screens, instead keeping physical switchgear for key functions.
That said, technology hasn’t been overlooked. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster provides clear, configurable displays, while the latest infotainment system – co-developed with Mercedes-Benz but with Aston-specific software – features sharp graphics and improved responsiveness.
The main screen is not that colourful or complex, which is refreshing in this day and age, but some buyers might expect more for this price. It connects to a premium audio system, wireless smartphone integration, and online connectivity, with a surround-view camera. This test car has the optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system which produces incredible audio. If you’ve come this far, it’s definitely an option worth ticking.
Storage space is respectable for a GT of this calibre. The boot isn’t cavernous, but it’s large enough for weekend luggage, rated at 248L. There’s also some storage behind the seats.
Cabin cubbyholes help with on-the-road touring, and the panoramic glass roof adds to the sense of openness and makes long-distance travel feel less confined. In short, it’s a cabin that prioritises elegance and usability without straying into complete ostentatiousness.
2025 Aston Martin Vanquish: Powertrain & handling
The beating heart of the Vanquish is a thoroughly re-engineered 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12. Aston Martin has put significant resources into refining this engine, and the results are staggering; a whopping 615kW (835PS) and 1000Nm of torque, making it the most powerful road-legal production car the brand has ever built.
That output is channelled to the rear wheels through a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic and a newly developed electronic rear differential. Yep, this bad boy is rear-wheel drive. In fact, it is one of the most powerful rear-wheel drive vehicles on the current new-car market.
On the road, the engine feels every bit as mighty as the numbers suggest. Mid-range surge is enormous, and when wound out towards the upper reaches of the rev range, it delivers relentless acceleration that puts it firmly in supercar league.
Aston claims 0-100km/h is possible in 3.3 seconds, with a top speed of 345km/h. Our tests with a Vbox returned 0–100km/h in 3.76 seconds, mainly due to traction. Despite the massive power, it’s not as overwhelming as it might seem. You can drive this gently and only use a fraction of that power.
The soundtrack is deep but less theatrical than Ferrari or Lamborghini equivalents. For some, the muted drama will be a letdown. For others, it’s exactly what makes the Vanquish such a refined GT. There is some artificial sound piped into the cabin which is obvious, but overall it does add a bit of drama. However, it would be good if it could be turned off.
Chassis engineering has taken a leap forward. Underneath, the Vanquish rides on a bonded aluminium structure, with adaptive Bilstein DTX dampers and active anti-roll technology providing a breadth of ability across different drive modes. In GT mode, the suspension is supple, soaking up bumps with surprising composure for a car with such power and speed.
Flick into Sport or Sport+, and the whole character changes; body control tightens, steering becomes more direct, and throttle response sharpens to deliver true supercar reflexes. You only need to squeeze the throttle and it’ll give you a taste of that 1000Nm; peak torque is available from just 2500rpm. Imagine 1000Nm at just 2500rpm. The surge and resultant g-force is unbelievable.
So, around corners, with rear-wheel drive, you’re probably thinking this is going to be fishtailing all over the place. Obviously when pushed hard the rear tyres light up, but driven at pace with a measured approach to throttle application and you’ll see there is actually heaps of available grip. You’ve got 325/30 tyres at the back, for starters.
Take a typical ‘racing line’ around corners and feed in power progressively and it will hook up and catapult around bends. In the higher gears around big sweeping curves, it shows rock-solid confidence and stability. Which means, out on the highway, it is a terrific grand tourer. It’s all-too-easy for it.
Despite the impressive dynamics, there are still moments where the sheer torque can overwhelm the rear tyres. Although the electronic diff does its best to contain it, when pushed hard there’s a hint of nervousness under full throttle. It would be interesting to see how it would go with a locking diff. On smooth, dry tarmac it can spin up in third gear if you abuse it, and in trickier conditions it reminds you that 1000Nm through two wheels demands respect.
Braking performance is brought to you by a set of 410mm front and 360mm rear carbon ceramic disc brakes. These are pure badass in terms of capability, resisting fade up until about 800°C. They also help to reduce unsprung mass by about 27kg compared with regular iron discs.
During our testing with the Vbox we saw the 100-0km/h stop completed in just 34.67m. That’s superb for an 1825kg vehicle. But not only is the distance short, it can be repeated time and time again thanks to their resistance to overheating.
2025 Aston Martin Vanquish: Key attractions/reasons to buy
- Extraordinary power: 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 with 615kW/1000Nm, delivering relentless acceleration and effortless mid-range surge.
- Elegant design: Muscular proportions and sleek aerodynamics, recognisable as a Vanquish without relying on retro styling cues.
- Dual character: Refined long-distance GT at a cruise, yet capable of true supercar performance on demand.
- Craftsmanship: Beautifully finished cabin with endless personalisation options via Aston’s Q division.
- Exclusive production: Capped at around 1000 units per year, this ensures rarity among ultra-luxury rivals.
2025 Aston Martin Vanquish: Key considerations before you buy
- Subdued soundtrack: Lacks the drama and high-rev theatrics of naturally aspirated or Italian rivals. Fake sounds inside can be a turnoff as well.
- Conservative interior design: Understated approach may feel too restrained compared with bold, tech-heavy competitors at this price point.
- Challenging in poor conditions: 1000Nm through the rear wheels can overwhelm traction on damp or uneven roads. Fun for some, but those with less experience will need to take caution.
2025 Aston Martin Vanquish: Video
How does it rate against its rivals?
- Price
- Quality look & feel
- Interior tech
- Powertrain performance
- Ride & handling
- X-factor (does it stand out in its class?)
Final word
It may not shout as loudly as some of its rivals, but that’s part of its charm. The 2025 Vanquish is a car for those who value craftsmanship and sophistication as much as outright numbers. With its immense power, long-distance comfort, and unmistakable presence, it embodies the essence of what an Aston Martin flagship should be.
