2025 Aston Martin Vanquish Review: A Supercar That Dresses in a Tux

The Aston Martin Vanquish name has always carried an air of sophistication. It’s the kind of car that James Bond would drive to a Michelin-starred dinner, then casually drift out of the parking lot just for fun. Now, for 2025, Aston Martin is bringing back the Vanquish nameplate, but with a radical twist.

This isn’t just another front-engine grand tourer like its predecessors. The 2025 Vanquish has gone mid-engine…yes, Aston Martin has officially entered Ferrari and McLaren’s territory. The brand famous for V12-powered luxury GT bruisers is now playing in the supercar sandbox.

So, is this new Vanquish the real deal, or just a good-looking Aston with an identity crisis? Let’s break it all down.

What’s Under the Hood?

Aston Martin decided that naturally aspirated V12s belong to the past (RIP to one of the best soundtracks in automotive history). Instead, the 2025 Vanquish packs a twin-turbocharged V8, and it’s no ordinary powerplant.

• 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 (borrowed from Mercedes-AMG but heavily reworked by Aston’s engineers)
• 700+ horsepower (final output still TBD, but expect serious speed)
• 8-speed dual-clutch transmission
• Mid-engine layout for better weight distribution
• 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds
• Top speed: 200+ mph

Aston Martin is fully embracing the supercar ethos, moving away from front-engine grand tourers and competing directly with the Ferrari 296 GTB and McLaren Artura.

What Makes the 2025 Vanquish Special?

Switching to a mid-engine setup isn’t just about looking the part…it dramatically changes how the Vanquish drives. The old Vanquish was more of a grand tourer, built for long, comfortable highway pulls. This new version? It’s a precision tool for carving up backroads and racetracks.

• Aerodynamic wizardry – Active aerodynamics help balance downforce without making the car look like an overgrown racecar.
• Lightweight aluminum structure – No more heavy steel, this Vanquish is built for agility.
• Cutting-edge suspension – Adaptive dampers adjust to road conditions faster than you can say “astonishing.”
• Bespoke exhaust tuning – Even though it’s turbocharged, Aston Martin promises that this thing will still sound exotic.

In short, Aston Martin is keeping its luxury heritage, but blending it with race-ready engineering.

Trims & Options: What’s Available?

Aston Martin hasn’t gone wild with trim levels—this is a bespoke machine, after all—but there are a few configurations to choose from.

1. Vanquish Base Model (if you can call a 700-hp supercar “base”)

• The full 700-hp twin-turbo V8 experience
• Carbon-ceramic brakes (because stopping is just as important as going fast)
• 20-inch forged alloy wheels
• Adaptive suspension with multiple drive modes
• Leather and Alcantara-clad interior with Aston’s signature craftsmanship
• Touchscreen infotainment (yes, it actually has decent tech this time)

2. Vanquish S (the sharper, even more insane version)

• Power bumped to 750+ hp
• More aggressive aero package with a functional rear wing
• Track-tuned suspension for maximum grip
• Lightweight forged wheels
• Special “S” interior badging and trim

Exclusive Options & Customization

Since this is an Aston Martin, personalization is a huge part of the appeal. Some notable extras include:

• Q by Aston Martin customization – Want a one-of-a-kind paint job? Bespoke interior finishes? A steering wheel wrapped in the same leather as your yacht? Done.
• Carbon fiber roof – Lighter, stronger, and makes you feel more like a racecar driver.
• Titanium exhaust – Because more noise is always a good thing.
• Performance package – Upgraded brakes, lightweight wheels, and an even more aggressive suspension setup.

Competitors: Who’s Up Against the Vanquish?

Aston Martin has entered the mid-engine supercar battle, and it’s facing some serious heavyweights.

1. Ferrari 296 GTB – The Hybrid Italian Thoroughbred

• 3.0L twin-turbo V6 + electric motor for a total of 819 hp
• 0-60 mph in 2.3 seconds
• Screaming exhaust note despite being a V6
• More expensive (starts around $320,000)

Verdict: The Ferrari has more power and hybrid tech, but the Aston Martin is more traditional and arguably more stylish.

2. McLaren Artura – The Lightweight Track Star

• 671-hp twin-turbo V6 hybrid
• Incredibly lightweight (3,300 lbs)
• More track-focused, less luxury-oriented
• Quirky infotainment system (not McLaren’s strong suit)

Verdict: The Artura is built for pure performance, while the Vanquish offers a better balance of luxury and speed.

3. Lamborghini Huracán Tecnica – The V10 Dinosaur

• Naturally aspirated 5.2L V10 (631 hp)
• One of the best exhaust notes ever
• Sharper handling but less comfort than the Vanquish
• Lambo styling isn’t for everyone

Verdict: If you want old-school drama, the Lambo is a legend. If you want modern sophistication with raw power, the Vanquish takes the win.

What Could Be Better?

The 2025 Vanquish is an exciting departure from the old formula, but it’s not perfect. Here are a few things that could be improved:

• No V12 option – Aston Martin and V12s go together like peanut butter and jelly. Losing it stings.
• Pricing will be steep – Expect it to start around $300,000, which means it’s competing with Ferrari and McLaren’s best.
• Tech is still catching up – Aston Martin’s infotainment is finally good, but Ferrari and Lamborghini still lead in tech integration.
• No hybrid option – In a world where Ferrari and McLaren are using hybrid tech for extra power, Aston Martin is sticking with a pure V8. Some buyers might want that extra electrified punch to achieve the fastest 0-60 times possible.

Should You Buy this British Supercar?

The 2025 Aston Martin Vanquish is a statement car. It’s not just about numbers…it’s about style, sound, and a unique take on the mid-engine supercar formula. If you want something that’s exotic yet more refined than a Lamborghini, faster than a McLaren GT, and oozes British charm, this could be the perfect supercar.

It won’t be the fastest or the most high-tech option in its class, but it’s arguably the best blend of performance, elegance, and drama. If you’re an Aston Martin fan, this is the mid-engine revolution you’ve been waiting for.

Are you excited about Aston Martin going mid-engine, or should they have stuck with front-engine GTs? Drop a comment below…just don’t start a Ferrari vs. Aston Martin war, alrighty?