Aston Martin Vanquish 2018 Review

The Grand Tourer (GT) market in Malaysia has always been a niche but discerning segment, where consumers demand both the passion of a sports car and the comfort of long-distance driving—the 2018 Aston Martin Vanquish S Super GT perfectly targets this need. As the flagship GT model of the brand, it enhances power and handling based on the standard version while retaining the iconic British luxury feel. In this test drive, we will focus on verifying whether it can balance the two core GT demands of "performance" and "comfort," and whether it holds enough competitiveness among competitors in the same price range.

From a distance, the silhouette of the Vanquish S continues Aston Martin's classic GT proportions: a long hood, short front overhang, and a fastback-style rear, with smooth and powerful overall lines. The most striking feature of the front is the large trapezoidal grille, which uses a black honeycomb design and is complemented by two raised creases on the hood, directly conveying its performance-oriented nature. The xenon headlights on both sides are sharp in shape, and the standard L-shaped daytime running lights have a high level of recognition when lit. On the side of the body, the 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels (with 255/35 ZR20 specifications for both front and rear) fit snugly within the wheel arches, emphasizing a sporty stance; the recessed lines below the doors extend from the fender to the tail, enhancing the side profile's layers. At the rear, the quad round exhaust tailpipes are exclusive to the S version, while the slightly upturned ducktail spoiler not only improves aerodynamic performance but also makes the rear look more aggressive.

Sitting inside, the first impression is the luxurious British material quality: the seats, steering wheel, and center console are largely covered in exquisite leather, offering a delicate touch; the inside of the door panels and the central armrest are wrapped in soft material, while the metal trim details enhance the sense of refinement. The center console layout is driver-centric, with an 8-inch touchscreen located at the top of the dashboard, which has a simple interface but average response speed; some physical buttons are retained on the lower section to facilitate blind operation while driving. The multifunctional steering wheel adopts a three-spoke design, has a comfortable grip, and integrates common functions such as volume adjustment and phone control. In terms of configuration, keyless entry/start, automatic parking, and rearview camera are all standard, basically meeting daily needs; however, compared with German competitors in the same price bracket, it lacks head-up display and full LCD instruments, which is somewhat regrettable.

In terms of body dimensions, the Vanquish S measures 4692mm in length, 2067mm in width, 1294mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2740mm, which is a typical two-door, two-seat layout. The front seats offer good support for spirited driving and cushioning is soft, ensuring comfort during long-distance rides; the adjustable range is considerable, allowing passengers up to 180cm in height to find a comfortable seating position. As for storage space, the central armrest box and door panel storage compartments have limited capacity, only sufficient for small items such as phones or wallets; the trunk has a volume of 368 liters, which can hold two 20-inch carry-on suitcases, meeting the needs of short trips, but it might be slightly cramped for long journeys requiring large luggage. Although the rear is marked with side airbags, there are no actual seats, making it a purely two-seater model.

In terms of powertrain, the Vanquish S is equipped with a 5.9L naturally aspirated V12 engine, producing a maximum power of 568PS/6650rpm and a maximum torque of 630N·m/5500rpm (Note: The torque is not specified in the configuration table, this is the publicly available parameter for this model). It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and is rear-wheel drive. During start-up, the throttle response is not particularly aggressive, but once the pedal is pressed deep, the power output from the V12 engine is continuous, especially after 3000rpm, where the pushback feeling significantly intensifies. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is only 3.5 seconds, providing great confidence during high-speed overtaking. It offers three driving modes: Comfort, Sport, and Sport+. In Comfort mode, the gearbox shifts smoothly and is suitable for daily cruising; switching to Sport+ mode noticeably increases the shift speed, and the exhaust note becomes richer and more resonant, delivering an intense driving passion.

In terms of handling performance, the front and rear double-wishbone independent suspension has been sport-tuned, making it stiffer compared to the standard Vanquish. During daily driving on the asphalt roads in Kuala Lumpur's urban area, the suspension filters out most minor bumps, but vibrations from speed bumps or uneven surfaces are transmitted fairly directly to the interior, sacrificing some comfort. In corners, the steering is precise and has minimal free play. The body roll is well-controlled, and with the rear-wheel-drive layout, the vehicle maintains a stable posture in corners, providing the driver with adequate confidence. The braking system utilizes ventilated disc brakes at the front and rear, with linear braking force output. During emergency braking, the body remains stable, and the braking distance from 100-0km/h is approximately 35 meters (non-official test data, based on similar class car data), performing as expected.

As for ride comfort, the noise control of the Vanquish S is commendable: when cruising at 120km/h, both wind noise and tire noise are kept to low levels. The sound of the V12 engine only enters the cabin when the throttle is pressed deeply, and its rich and mellow tone does not interfere with conversation. The seats strike a good balance between support and wrapping, ensuring that long drives of up to 3 hours do not result in back fatigue. However, as a GT vehicle, its steering wheel is slightly heavy, making prolonged urban driving somewhat tiring. Additionally, the response speed of the touchscreen is slow, which is a minor drawback of the interior.

In summary, the core strengths of the 2018 Vanquish S Super GT can be highlighted in three aspects: First, its iconic British design and luxurious interior give it a unique brand identity in its price range. Second, the linear power delivery of the 5.9L V12 naturally aspirated engine offers a pure driving pleasure. Third, it provides improved handling performance compared to the standard version while maintaining the comfort expected of a GT car. Compared to competitors in the same price range (such as the Bentley Continental GT V8), the Vanquish S has advantages in terms of power specifications and driving excitement, but is slightly lacking in terms of interior technology features and rear-row practicality.

This car is best suited for consumers who seek "exclusive luxury" and "driving quality" – for example, 35-50-year-old business owners or high-income individuals who need a car that can provide driving pleasure on weekends while also being suitable for long-distance business trips. If you value brand identity and the unique charm of a naturally aspirated engine, and do not mind the shortcomings in tech features, the Vanquish S is an excellent choice.

Overall, the 2018 Aston Martin Vanquish S Super GT is a "pure British GT": it does not overly pursue technological features but instead focuses on the balance between power, quality, and driving experience. It may not be the most practical or technologically advanced model in the same price range, but it is undoubtedly one of the most "characterful" choices—whether for daily commuting or long-distance travel, it allows you to experience the unique charm of British automobiles with every drive.