It is loud. I mean, properly loud. Not the high-pitched, frantic scream of a modern Italian supercar that sounds like it’s having a panic attack, but a deep, resonant thrum that you feel in your chest before you hear it with your ears. That is the calling card of the 2025 Aston Martin Vanquish. Honestly, in a world where everything is moving toward silent electric motors or sanitized hybrids, this car feels like a glorious, middle-finger salute to the quiet life. It’s heavy, it’s expensive, and it drinks fuel like a sinkhole, yet it might be the most important car Aston has built in a decade.
The name "Vanquish" carries weight. It hasn’t been used since 2018, and bringing it back wasn't just a marketing gimmick. They needed something to replace the DBS Superleggera, a car that was beautiful but, if we’re being real, felt a bit dated toward the end of its run. This new beast is different. It’s longer, meaner, and packs a punch that makes its predecessor look almost polite.
What Most People Get Wrong About the 2025 Aston Martin Vanquish
Most people see a big, front-engine Aston and assume it’s just a DB12 with a bigger engine. That is a massive mistake. While they share a certain "vibe," the engineering under the skin is a different world.
First off, let’s talk about that wheelbase. They stretched it. They added about three inches (80mm to be precise) between the front wheels and the dashboard. Why? Because it makes the hood look like it goes on for miles. It’s classic GT proportions, but it serves a purpose. It moves the V12 engine further back toward the center of the car.
The Engine is the Star
The 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12 is a monster. We’re talking $824$ horsepower and $738$ lb-ft of torque. Aston’s engineers didn’t just turn up the boost on the old engine; they reinforced the block, changed the cylinder heads, and threw in new turbochargers that spin faster.
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They also added this thing called "Boost Reserve." Basically, when you’re driving at partial throttle, the car builds up extra air pressure behind the scenes. The moment you floor it, that air is dumped into the engine instantly. It’s their way of fighting turbo lag without going hybrid. Does it work? Yeah, it feels like a literal rocket ship.
- Top Speed: 214 mph
- 0-62 mph: 3.3 seconds
- Production Limit: Roughly 1,000 units per year
- Starting Price: Around $429,000 (though nobody buys a base version)
A Cabin That Actually Feels Expensive
If you ever sat in the old DBS, you know the interior was... fine. But "fine" isn't enough when you're spending half a million dollars. It had old Mercedes-derived tech and buttons that felt a bit "parts-bin."
The 2025 Aston Martin Vanquish fixes that. The center console is clean. It has actual physical rollers for the volume and temperature. Thank god. There’s a 10.25-inch touchscreen that finally supports wireless Apple CarPlay, though oddly, Android Auto users are still left in the cold for now.
The seats are carbon fiber buckets wrapped in semi-aniline leather. They hug you tight, which you’ll need because this car pulls some serious G-forces. It’s a 2-seater. No "2+2" nonsense where you pretend kids can fit in the back. Behind the seats, you get a beautiful leather-trimmed space for luggage—specifically, custom-made Schedoni bags if you’re feeling extra fancy.
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How it Actually Drives on Real Roads
You’d expect a car this big to be a bit of a handful. It’s roughly 192 inches long—that’s basically the size of a mid-sized SUV, just much, much lower to the ground.
But it doesn’t feel like a boat.
The steering is weighted perfectly. It’s not "twitchy" like a Ferrari, which can sometimes feel like it wants to dart into a ditch if you sneeze. Instead, the Vanquish feels planted. It uses Bilstein DTX dampers, the same tech found in the DB12, which allows the car to be "docile" in GT mode and "terrifying" in Sport+.
One thing that surprised me is the lack of rear-wheel steering. Most manufacturers use it to make big cars feel smaller, but Aston skipped it. They wanted "purity." By using a clever electronic rear differential (E-Diff), the car can pivot around corners with a level of agility that honestly defies its 4,000-pound weight.
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The Trade-offs
Look, it’s not perfect. It’s thirsty. Very thirsty. You’ll be lucky to see 16 mpg on a good day. And because it's so wide, parking in a standard garage is a genuine nightmare. Then there's the price. In places like Australia, after taxes and options, this car can easily clear $1 million.
Is it worth it?
If you want the "last of the breed," probably. We are reaching the end of the line for non-hybrid V12 engines. Ferrari’s 12Cilindri is its main rival, and while the Ferrari is a masterpiece of high-revving theater, the Aston feels more like a "gentleman’s thug." It’s sophisticated until you ask it not to be.
Actionable Insights for Potential Buyers
If you’re actually in the market for one of these, or just dreaming of the day you are, here is the reality of ownership:
- Don't Skip the Carbon Ceramic Brakes: They come standard, and you need them. Stopping 800 horsepower requires serious hardware.
- Mind the Options: The "Q by Aston Martin" customization program is a rabbit hole. You can change the tint of the carbon fiber to match your watch, but it will add the price of a Porsche 911 to your total.
- Check the Roof: If you prefer open-air, the Vanquish Volante (the convertible) was announced shortly after the coupe. It’s just as fast (214 mph) but adds the visceral scream of the exhaust directly into your ears.
- Maintenance is Key: These aren't Toyotas. The 5.2L V12 requires specialized care. Ensure you have a local dealer that is certified for the new Vanquish platform, as the electronics are a significant jump from previous models.
The 2025 Aston Martin Vanquish isn't just a car; it's a statement. It’s a reminder that even in a world of efficiency and screens, there’s still room for a massive engine and a lot of soul. If you have the means, getting an allocation now is likely a smart move—cars like this aren't being made much longer.