2018 Aston Martin Vanquish S Super GT Review

In recent years, consumers in Malaysia's luxury GT market have become increasingly focused on a "balance between performance and elegance." The 2018 Aston Martin Vanquish S Super GT, as the top-tier Grand Tourer model under the brand, has become the focal point of this niche market thanks to its upgraded 5.9-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine and classic British design. In this test drive, we will focus on verifying whether it can simultaneously meet the requirements of daily comfortable cruising and occasional track excitement, as well as its features and practicality within the million-dollar price range.

From a distance, the overall silhouette of the Vanquish S maintains Aston Martin's signature GT flowing lines, with a highly recognizable long hood and short front overhang proportions. The front end features a honeycomb grille with a smoked finish, paired with sharp Xenon headlights and daytime running lights on both sides, making it more aggressive than the standard version. The side profile of the car displays a waistline extending from the fender to the rear, while the 20-inch wheels with simple and powerful spoke designs are complemented by 255/35 ZR20 tires for both the front and rear, ensuring visual consistency. At the rear, the quad exhaust outlets and slightly upturned spoiler enhance the performance-oriented feel. The overall design retains the luxurious British elegance while highlighting the "Super" sporty attributes through refined details.

Stepping inside, the interior features extensive leather wrapping, offering a fine texture to the touch. The dashboard layout is driver-focused, with a design tilted towards the driver for ease of operation. The standard touchscreen infotainment system has a moderate size, and its interface smoothness aligns with the positioning of a luxury car. The multifunctional steering wheel integrates commonly used control buttons and offers a comfortable grip. Keyless operation simplifies daily use with convenient entry and push-start features. In terms of space, the dimensions of the body are 4692mm×2067mm×1294mm, with a wheelbase of 2740mm. As a two-door and two-seat model, front-row seating is spacious, offering sufficient head and legroom for passengers up to 180cm tall. For storage capacity, the trunk's volume is not specifically stated, but practical testing confirms that it can accommodate two 20-inch carry-on suitcases, meeting the needs of short trips. The front row is equipped with power outlets, while the rear seats, being more compact, are better suited for placing items rather than accommodating passengers.

The powertrain is the highlight of the Vanquish S. It is equipped with a 5.9-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine that delivers a maximum power of 568PS at 6650rpm and a maximum torque at 5500rpm. It is paired with an automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. When switched to Sport mode, the initial throttle response is quick, and pressing the accelerator pedal down by just one-third generates a strong sense of acceleration. Although the 0-100km/h acceleration time was not measured, the subjective feeling is noticeably faster than the standard version. While overtaking at high speed, the engine provides ample power reserves above 4000rpm, and the transmission delivers clear shift logic with virtually no lag. In terms of handling, the front and rear double wishbone independent suspension leans towards comfort in standard mode, excelling at filtering out minor road bumps. When switched to Sport mode, the suspension stiffens, providing excellent body roll control during cornering. The steering wheel offers precise and clear handling, giving the driver plenty of confidence. The braking system uses ventilated discs for both the front and rear, with the brake pedal providing linear feedback and smooth braking force. During emergency braking, the car maintains a stable posture.

The daily driving comfort is commendable. The engine's noise control is excellent at idle, and while wind and tire noise are present during high-speed cruising, they are not disruptive, aligning well with the luxury GT positioning. The seats are wrapped in genuine leather, striking a balance between support and comfort, making long drives less fatiguing. As a fuel vehicle, we tested its combined fuel consumption. Under 50% city and 50% highway conditions, the fuel consumption is approximately 15L per 100 kilometers, which is in line with the expectations for a large-displacement V12 engine. The inclusion of automatic parking, front and rear parking sensors, and a reversing camera makes parking this 2067mm wide car easier, while the hill-start assist proves practical during uphill starts.

Overall, the core strengths of the 2018 Vanquish S lie in the linear power delivery of its 5.9L V12 naturally aspirated engine, its classic and highly recognizable British design, and the luxurious and refined interior quality. Compared with similar GT models from BBA in the same price range, its naturally aspirated V12 engine stands out for its smoothness and exhaust sound characteristics. Meanwhile, features like automatic parking and keyless entry ensure everyday practicality. This car is suitable for consumers seeking a "luxury cruising + occasional performance release" experience—serving as a luxurious daily commuter and providing comfort for short weekend getaways, while also delivering ample performance for occasional track outings.

In summary, the 2018 Aston Martin Vanquish S Super GT is a "well-rounded luxury GT." It does not overly favor performance or comfort but strikes a precise balance between the two, making it ideal for high-end consumers who value brand prestige, power quality, and everyday practicality.