Aston Martin Vantage (2025 - )

Aston Martins are just so cool. Oh, come on, you wouldn’t be reading this review if you didn’t agree, writes Tim Barnes-Clay. Yes, it’s easy to get stupidly jealous when you see someone driving one – because we’d all love one as a toy, right? 

The way the world is at the moment, the majority of us are too busy worrying about paying bills than actually buying the new Vantage – but who’s to say we can’t dream – and that again is why you’re probably reading this piece. 

So why does the Vantage get the juices flowing? Well, the latest generation of the model continues a lineage dating back to 1950, when the Vantage moniker referred to an uprated engine package for the DB2. The first time the name was used to label a model was in 1964 when a high-octane Vantage-stamped edition of the DB5 became the new jewel of the lineup. 

A separate Vantage model was established in the early 70s, and the name has simply continued to gather momentum. It is up to you what the name symbolises – but to me – the Vantage equals power, might, style and luxurious athleticism. So, enough introductory prose – let’s look at the newest Vantage in depth.
 

The latest Aston Martin Vantage showcases a design that verges on erotica. It really is enough to get the pulse racing and sets the car apart from many other sports machines on British roads.

The Vantage's silhouette boasts a more commanding stance. It is now 30mm wider, which doesn't make it look fat - oh no, this Aston is sculpted in the right places - and the width is all muscle - not lard. Yep, the Vantage certainly has more presence than before - if that's possible. The front end is totally redesigned with a contoured larger grille aperture that gives it 'come to bed' vibes and boosts mass airflow, ensuring that what's throbbing under the bonnet remains cool - even under demanding conditions.

The new Vantage's 'face' is refined with cooling intakes beside the grille, drawing attention to the Aston's cut-from-granite sinewy lines. The addition of an integrated splitter, designed with a broader and lower look, not only heightens the Vantage's lip-licking appeal but also hikes aerodynamic performance -  improving stability at speed. Matrix LED headlamps and integrated daytime running lights complement this dizzyingly attractive front design.

If you look even closer, the Vantage features the legendary Aston Martin side strake, a design element that now swanks revised flank vents, adding to the car's athletic character. The factory-fitted 21-inch forged alloys fill the massive wheel arches beautifully, creating a sense of potency and poise. Frameless mirrors and refined door handles also heighten the Vantage's modern appeal.

At the rear, the latest Aston Marin Vantage doesn't disappoint in looks - or the drama department, either. It vaunts a wider bumper incorporating side vents and huge quad exhaust tailpipes, ensuring attention is received from every angle. With a teasing magnetism that even a monk would find hard to resist - and advanced technology under the metal, the new Aston Martin Vantage is an utter gem that rolls beauty and temptation into a package too good to ignore.

Furthermore, the Vantage features Aston Martin's own infotainment unit, first used in the DB12. This bespoke system includes an app, enabling you to interact with the Vantage via your phone. It boasts a fully integrated multi-screen setup with a 10.25-inch Pure Black touchscreen supporting gesture control, complemented by physical switches for essential operations like gear selection, heating, and more.

The navigation system also offers internet connectivity, enabling you to look up and send destinations straight from the Aston Martin app. 3D mapping, lane guidance, real-time traffic information, and satellite views give accurate directions and dynamic routing to help reduce delays.

The only thing I found odd was the touchscreen and dash lighting - I couldn't turn the illumination down as much as I'd have liked. It made a night drive back from Norfolk to the Midlands a bit harsh on the eyes. To be fair, it probably says more about me than the car.
 

The Aston Martin Vantage boasts a highly advanced 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, the most powerful of the nameplate's esteemed heritage. With a staggering output of 665PS and a gargantuan 800Nm of torque, it's the most extreme leap forward in performance compared with its predecessor, with gains of 155PS and 115Nm - a 30% and 15% increase, respectively. The result is a feisty engine with a more stimulating and raucous response.

Alongside an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, the Vantage offers 202mph and accelerates from zero to 60mph in 3.4 seconds. A sophisticated transmission shift calibration boosts responsiveness and driving enjoyment, resulting in faster in-gear acceleration and optimised shift behaviour.

There are several drive modes that allow you to tweak the Vantage's engine response, steering, suspension, and exhaust sound. They are controlled by a dial and include Sport, Sport+, Track, and Individual modes. There is also a Wet mode, and you can customise your settings within the Individual mode. I experimented with the various modes but found that the default Sport setting worked best for me. Some might consider it boring or unadventurous, but I assure you that Sport mode is the most suitable choice, especially on British roads.

In addition, the Vantage houses a launch control system to deliver staggering standing start performance. The traction control system, which can be adjusted, also enables you to keep wheelspin in check on launches, with the option of enhanced traction or full throttle control, depending on your preference.

An aluminium chassis maintains a 50:50 weight distribution, while the Vantage's suspension provides exceptional drive quality. Engineered using Aston Martin's bonded aluminium method, the Vantage boasts an enriched body structure, which benefits the car's dynamics. The underbody stiffening components further improve it, and there’s higher torsional rigidity overall, which means a tauter, more communicative drive.

Therefore, the Vantage's handling is spot-on – taking corners like it was on rails. The setup is stiff – and the sports seats make your backside ache after an hour or so – but at every point in every journey, the car talks to you – telling you what the wheels are doing on the tarmac. It always makes you feel assured – even if you teeter on the edge of legal road speeds.

The Vantage is a strict two-seater - but the available room is fine for you and your passenger. There is a lot of adjustment in the seats - even though they are too hard. There is enough room for bottles in the car, and the boot will take a few bags - but this is not a vehicle to consider if you need to transport more than one other person regularly. This is a car for a couple - or you - and you only. Hence, this is really a big toy for adults.

Even as a daily - you won't want to drive more than 200 miles in those seats - so I suspect anyone who buys this will have it as a second car - a prized possession lovingly kept in the garage - and only used for special fair-weather days. It is a car that many folks will aspire to - very few will use this vehicle as a tool. And if it is used as a daily - then fair play to you - you're doing better than me - financially speaking!

Every time you get in the cabin, you'll love the Vantage - even if it's just a trip into town - or a quick circuit around the rural outskirts of your home. Inside the cockpit, the clean, unbroken lines create an inviting atmosphere that feels refined. The switchgear and display design makes driving easy, so you can keep your eyes on the road in front of you and still have all the comforts within reach. And then there’s the use of luxury materials, like hand-stitched leather - everything is both functional and beautiful.
 

When considering this incredible machine, realistic expectations must be set, particularly regarding operating expenses. If you plan to drive long distances regularly, be prepared to spend a pretty penny. Fuel efficiency is not a primary focus of the Vantage - it does around 23mpg.

High road tax - north of £600 per year - and maintenance are also things to consider; Aston Martin recommends servicing every year or every 10,000 miles, which can cost up to £1,000.

The Vantage has a three-year warranty, which is standard.
 

The Vantage establishes a new benchmark for driving purity. It is designed for anyone who embraces the challenge of a fast sports car – and it’s damn sexy. Even if you're not into cars, you'll find it hard not to find the Vantage attractive.

It sounds like Rod Stewart with its rasping yet tuneful vocals – and insane potency is only ever a millisecond away. It is a car that'll make you good at self-control – because if you lose it, you may lose more than your licence.

The latest Vantage will seduce you if you're not careful – so stay strong – respect it – and you'll have a whale of a time.