Aston Martin V12 Vanquish: A British Beast Reborn

Aston Martin V12 Vanquish: A British Beast Reborn

Aston Martin has long held a special place in the hearts of automotive enthusiasts, evoking images of classic British style and performance. Yet, for many, the brand has remained an object of admiration rather than ownership. That perception might be about to change with the arrival of the new V12 Vanquish. This isn’t just another Aston Martin; it’s a statement. It looks spectacular, sounds phenomenal, and its V12 engine produces more torque than any other road-going Aston Martin in history. But does this potent combination of power and beauty overcome some significant drawbacks, not least of which is its eye-watering price tag?

A V12 Heartbeat for the Modern Era

In an automotive world increasingly embracing downsizing and electrification, Aston Martin defiantly sticks to its roots with the V12 Vanquish. While rivals like Bentley have opted for V8s and hybrid power, Aston Martin’s flagship retains a full complement of twelve cylinders. This commitment to tradition is embodied in its colossal 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine. This powerhouse churns out an astonishing 835 horsepower and a colossal 1,000 Nm of torque. To put that into perspective, that’s more torque than the multi-million-pound Aston Martin Victor and five more horsepower than Ferrari’s own 12-cylinder offering. The engine itself, while related to the V12 found in the original 2001 Vanquish, is a thoroughly modern and potent unit.

Performance That Rewrites the Rulebook

The raw numbers speak for themselves. Aston Martin claims a 0-60 mph time of just 3.6 seconds, with the quarter-mile completed in a blistering 11.2 seconds. These figures, achieved despite the car’s considerable 1,900 kg weight and even with winter tires fitted (as in our test car), paint a picture of a true supercar. The initial acceleration can be a wild affair, with the rear tires struggling to contain the immense torque. Aston Martin has equipped the Vanquish with substantial carbon-ceramic brakes – 410mm discs up front with six-piston calipers and 360mm at the rear with four-piston calipers – providing impressive stopping power, hauling the car down from 60 mph in just 32 meters.

Driving the V12 Vanquish is an experience that engages all the senses. The immense torque, delivered to the rear wheels, demands respect and concentration, especially in damp conditions. Yet, this engagement is precisely what makes it so thrilling. Unlike some rivals where power is concentrated at the top of the rev range, the Vanquish’s grunt is accessible lower down, allowing for exhilarating acceleration even with short shifts. The steering is sharp and communicative, and the suspension, adjustable through three modes, offers a remarkable duality. In comfort mode, it soaks up imperfections, yet when pushed, it keeps the car remarkably flat through corners. While a Bentley Continental GT might be faster in a straight line thanks to its all-wheel-drive grip, the Vanquish offers a visceral, borderline terrifying, yet ultimately rewarding driving experience that few cars can match.

Exterior Design: A Bold Statement

Visually, the V12 Vanquish is a masterpiece. The long, muscular bonnet hints at the power lurking beneath, while the enlarged traditional Aston Martin grille, 13% bigger than usual, ensures adequate cooling for the V12. Striking air vents and carbon fiber accents further enhance its aggressive stance. The wheelbase has been stretched by 80 mm, contributing to its imposing 5-meter length. While some might see a resemblance to the DB12, the rear of the Vanquish is undeniably distinctive. The ‘shield’ element, a unique design feature, is particularly striking, especially in exposed carbon fiber. The seven-element LED taillights are a nod to the track-focused Vulcan, and the massive exhaust tips complete the purposeful rear-end design. It’s a car that turns heads, not just for its beauty, but for its sheer audacity.

Interior: A Blend of Luxury and Quirks

Step inside, and the V12 Vanquish continues to impress with its luxurious appointments. The design is appealing, and the materials feel suitably expensive, from the carbon fiber trim to the tactile controls for drive modes and volume. The seating position is excellent, and the seats themselves are both stylish and supportive. Modern amenities like wireless charging with cooling and USB-C ports are present. However, the interior isn’t without its flaws. Some cheaper-feeling plastic elements detract from the overall premium feel, and the infotainment screen, while functional, is described as a little dark, dull, and slow to respond – a surprising oversight in a car of this price. The touch-sensitive controls for the display are also noted as being laggy. Practicality is also a concern: the boot space is a mere 248 liters, smaller than some rivals, and the narrow storage ledges behind the seats offer limited utility. The side skirts are also a hazard, easily caught by shins when entering or exiting the car, and the boot release mechanism, located low down, is often covered in road grime. Even the headlights exhibit concerning condensation and water ingress, and some test cars have reported annoying rattles from the dashboard.

Value Proposition: An Extravagant Investment

The elephant in the room is undoubtedly the price. The Aston Martin V12 Vanquish starts at a staggering £330,000, significantly more than the average UK house. With optional extras, such as the carbon fiber exterior and interior, upgraded wheels, and even a £300 umbrella, the price of the car featured in the review climbs to a cool £400,000. Bizarrely, Aston Martin’s current financial situation, with reported losses per car, means that in a peculiar way, buyers are almost being ‘paid’ to take one home. This makes the proposition, while still astronomically expensive, a unique kind of ‘deal’ for those who can afford it.

For those who admire Aston Martin but find the Vanquish out of reach, the used Vantage presents a compelling alternative, with models available for under £44,000. However, as the review highlights, buying used carries risks, underscoring the importance of thorough vehicle history checks, for instance, with services like CarVertical.

Verdict: A Dream Car with Caveats

The Aston Martin V12 Vanquish is, without doubt, a landmark car. It’s a defiant celebration of the V12 engine, wrapped in a stunning design, and delivering performance that borders on the supernatural. It offers a driving experience that is both terrifyingly potent and deeply engaging, setting it apart from more clinical rivals. It’s the first Aston Martin in a long time that the reviewer genuinely desires to own. However, its extreme price, coupled with a few notable interior and build quality quirks, prevents it from being a universally perfect proposition. If you have the substantial funds and can overlook its imperfections, the V12 Vanquish offers an unparalleled blend of British grandeur and raw, V12-powered exhilaration. It’s a car that makes you feel alive, a true ‘road missile’ that commands attention and respect, even if it does require a degree of bravery to pilot.

Source: Is the Aston V12 Vanquish a true Ferrari KILLER? (YouTube)