The 2025 Aston Martin Vanquish brings back the iconic GT in all its glory, complete with a redesigned twin-turbo V12 engine under the hood and a sleek, modernized body. With electric vehicles taking the stage worldwide, Aston Martin’s commitment to a powerful V12 in its new flagship is a bold move that stays true to the brand’s DNA, delivering both elegance and performance.
Aston Martin recently unveiled this third-generation Vanquish on the winding roads of Sardinia, Italy. This release follows the Vanquish’s initial debut in 2001 and its return to fame in Die Another Day as James Bond’s car of choice. After a concept version hinted at a possible mid-engine model, Aston Martin ultimately decided on a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration for this new model, allowing the Vanquish to remain true to its grand tourer roots.
The star of the show is the all-new 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12 that produces a staggering 824 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. Aston Martin engineered this engine from the ground up, making major changes to components like the cylinder heads, intake, and exhaust ports to meet both power and emissions requirements. This dedication to internal combustion perfection comes at a time when many brands are moving away from large, powerful engines, making the Vanquish V12 feel like a last hurrah for petrol-powered GTs.
The V12 isn’t just about raw power; it’s also carefully engineered for smoothness and control. Thanks to a refined turbo system, the Vanquish’s power delivery is remarkably consistent across all RPM ranges. The ZF eight-speed automatic transmission complements the engine perfectly, sending power to the rear wheels and providing a top speed of 214 mph. Aston Martin’s commitment to keeping the V12 at the forefront of its new flagship speaks to the brand’s confidence that there’s still demand for a visceral driving experience, even as electrification trends sweep the industry.
Design-wise, the 2025 Vanquish takes cues from Aston Martin’s recent models but with the unique touches that distinguish it as the brand’s flagship. The car is longer, wider, and sleeker, featuring a larger grille that allows more airflow to the engine. A low roofline, signature side strakes, and a distinct carbon-fiber rear shield add to its elegant, aggressive appearance. Customers can choose from different finishes for this rear shield, adding a touch of customization that makes each Vanquish unique.
Aston Martin’s decision to create a dedicated platform for the Vanquish rather than building off the DB11 or DB12’s architecture allows this model to truly stand on its own. This specialized approach reinforces the car’s exclusivity and highlights its place at the top of Aston Martin’s lineup.
Driving the Vanquish on Sardinia’s scenic, curvy roads revealed just how finely tuned this GT is. Aston Martin has equipped the Vanquish with a stiffer chassis than previous models, making it more agile despite its size. Thanks to the car’s torque-by-gear system and responsive throttle, the Vanquish handled effortlessly through tight corners and open stretches alike. In GT mode, the car provides a smooth, composed ride, ideal for long drives on the highway. Switching to Sport or Sports Plus mode unleashes its full power, with sharper throttle response and a more aggressive shift pattern.
One of the standout features of the Vanquish is its soundtrack. The twin-turbo V12 roars with a deep bass that perfectly suits the car’s character, and an optional titanium exhaust takes this experience to another level with a sharper, higher-pitched note at higher RPMs. The Vanquish’s exhaust sounds are so satisfying that even a high-end Bowers & Wilkins audio system feels redundant.
The 2025 Aston Martin Vanquish is an impressive blend of power, refinement, and luxury, capturing the spirit of the grand tourer in a way few cars do today. In a world increasingly dominated by EVs, this model is a reminder of the charm of internal combustion. Aston Martin’s flagship is back, and it’s better than ever, offering both timeless style and exhilarating performance. The 2025 Vanquish isn’t just a car; it’s a bold statement from Aston Martin that the thrill of a powerful GT has a place in the future.
