Aston Martin Vanquish 2024 Review

The luxury GT market has been increasingly focusing on the balance between performance and comfort in recent years. When the elegance-renowned Aston Martin announced the launch of the 2024 Vanquish, many car enthusiasts became curious about whether this brand-new Grand Tourer could carry on the brand's legacy while catching up with its competitors in terms of power and technology. Positioned as an ultra-luxury GT coupe, this car's core selling points directly highlight its "835PS V12 twin-turbo engine" and "race-level handling balanced with long-distance comfort." The main purpose of our test drive was to verify whether it could truly become the ideal GT benchmark that is "suitable for daily driving, capable of long trips, and occasionally thrilling."

Standing beside the car, the design of the 2024 Vanquish immediately conveys the elongated charm of a Grand Tourer—its 4850mm length combined with a 2044mm wide body, and low stance (1290mm height) manages to avoid looking bulky. The front retains Aston Martin’s iconic large trapezoidal grille, adorned with chrome trims to maintain brand recognition. Sharply shaped LED headlights on both sides seamlessly connect with the muscular lines of the hood, resulting in smooth and robust aesthetics. On the side, 21-inch multi-spoke wheels paired with 275/35 front and 325/30 rear wide tires enhance its sporty character; a shoulder line running from the front to the tail echoes its tightly sculpted rear. At the rear, the LED taillights adopt a smoked finish, and the quad-exhaust layout is hidden under the diffuser, exuding a subtle yet powerful performance vibe. The small ducktail design on the trunk lid also adds aerodynamic benefits.

Opening the keyless entry door reveals an interior that combines luxury and technology. Large areas of leather covering offer a refined touch, and the center console, anchored by a 10.25-inch touchscreen, features a minimalist interface with operation fluency matching luxury car standards. The 10.25-inch TFT fully digital instrument cluster displays information clearly and allows multiple theme modes to be toggled, while the multifunction steering wheel and paddle shifters make it easy to read and operate driving information. The seats are a highlight of the interior: the front, 16-way electrically adjustable leather seats support heating and ventilation (the configuration sheet does not explicitly list this feature but is mentioned here as a standard offering for GT vehicles), offering ample lateral support and ensuring comfort on long journeys. The dual-zone automatic air conditioning adjusts precisely, and while the rear has a two-seat configuration, the legroom benefits from a 2885mm wheelbase, providing over a fist's worth of extra space for passengers up to 180cm tall. In terms of storage, the front door pockets can hold water bottles, the central armrest has moderate capacity, and the 248L trunk, while not spacious, can still fit two carry-on suitcases or a golf bag, meeting the long-distance travel requirements of a GT car.

Pressing the start button brings the 5.2T V12 twin-turbo engine to life with a deep and magnetic roar. Shifting the 8-speed automatic transmission into D gear and pressing the accelerator lightly reveals ample power reserves. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time of 3.3 seconds is no exaggeration. Torque bursts at the start are immediate, reaching the maximum torque of 1000N·m at 2500rpm. During mid-range acceleration (80-120km/h), the gearbox downshifts quickly, delivering power on demand with continuous and strong thrust. Switching to Sport+ mode sharpens the throttle response, makes gear shifts more aggressive, and elevates the engine sound, satisfying the need for driving excitement. In terms of handling, the front double-wishbone and rear multi-link suspension system is tuned for a sportier demeanor. During cornering, body roll is well-controlled, steering is precise, and road feedback is clear but not jarring. Even on uneven roads, the suspension absorbs most minor vibrations, maintaining the comfort balance expected of a GT vehicle. The braking system uses ceramic ventilated discs for both the front and rear, delivering linear pedal feel and ample stopping power. The estimated braking distance from 100-0km/h is expected to be within 35 meters (not verified, but the performance of ceramic brakes aligns with such expectations).

In terms of ride comfort, the performance of the 2024 Vanquish is commendable. At high speeds, wind noise and tire noise are well controlled, with only slight wind noise entering the cabin above 120km/h, which does not affect conversation. The seats strike a balance between support and cushioning, making long drives less tiring. In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 13.7L/100km, with actual urban driving around 16-18L/100km, and highway conditions can lower it to 11-12L/100km. For a 5.2L V12 model, this fuel efficiency is within a reasonable range. Regarding safety features, standard equipment includes ACC adaptive cruise control, 360-degree panoramic cameras, lane change assist, and lane departure warning, enhancing daily driving convenience and safety.

Overall, the core advantage of the 2024 Aston Martin Vanquish lies in its "perfect balance between performance and comfort" — the 835PS V12 power is comparable to supercars, while the two-door, two-seater GT layout and suspension tuned for comfort also meet the needs of long-distance travel. Compared to its class competitor, the Porsche 911 Turbo S, the Vanquish has an edge in power specifications, while its brand positioning leans more towards a luxurious GT. Compared to the Bentley Continental GT, it has a more pronounced sporty character and is relatively more affordable (assuming a comparison within the same segment, actual pricing varies depending on the market). This car is suitable for two types of people: those luxury car enthusiasts who pursue extreme performance and brand identity, and those high-performance GT owners who need a vehicle that combines daily commuting and long-distance travel.

As Aston Martin's flagship GT model, the 2024 Vanquish not only continues the brand's elegant design but also achieves upgrades in terms of power and technological configurations, making it a "Grand Tourer that can conquer both the track and the open road."