Aston Martin Vanquish Review

The luxury GT segment has been competing around the theme of "balance between performance and comfort" in recent years, and the Aston Martin Vanquish, set to launch on November 25, 2024, as a new flagship GT model, directly shifts the spotlight to the combination of "835PS V12 twin-turbo power" and "million-level luxury configuration." The core of this test drive is to verify whether it can maintain the long-distance comfort of a GT model while delivering supercar-level performance data and understanding the essential improvements compared to the old Vanquish S.

From a distance, the outline of the 2024 Vanquish retains Aston Martin's classic GT proportions: the body, measuring 4850mm in length, 2044mm in width, and 1290mm in height, features smooth lines, with 21-inch large wheels paired with wide tires—275/35 at the front and 325/30 at the rear—enhancing its sporty feel and ensuring grip. The front adopts the brand's signature trapezoidal grille, adorned with black honeycomb trim, flanked by sharp LED headlights; the standard daytime running lights significantly improve recognition when illuminated. The side profile is free of superfluous lines, with a shoulder line extending from the front fender to the rear, complemented by flush door handles and a fixed panoramic sunroof, giving the overall style a simple and elegant appearance. At the rear, the most striking feature is the full-width LED taillight, with the Aston Martin emblem embedded in the center. Below are the diffuser and quad exhaust layout, hinting at its performance orientation, while LED rear fog lights are also offered as standard.

Upon opening the keyless entry doors, the interior adopts a black leather main tone, accented with metallic trims. The 10.25-inch TFT instrument panel and 10.25-inch central touchscreen form the technological core of the cabin. The steering wheel supports electric adjustment and comes standard with multifunction buttons and paddle shifters, with a clear operational logic. The seat configuration is a highlight, as both front seats are equipped with 16-way electric adjustment capabilities, offering a balance of wrapping and support that prevents fatigue on long journeys. Practical features such as dual-zone automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, and electrically folding side mirrors are all included. The Bowers & Wilkins 15-speaker sound system delivers a high-quality audio experience within the cabin. In terms of space, the 2885mm wheelbase ensures ample legroom and headroom for front-row passengers, and the 248L trunk volume, while not particularly large, can accommodate two carry-on suitcases or golf bags, meeting the long-distance travel needs of a GT car.

Starting the engine, the 5.2L twin-turbocharged V12 produces a low and rich growl, avoiding the sharp roar of a supercar and aligning more with the GT character. When stepping on the accelerator, the 835PS horsepower and 1000N·m torque are fully unleashed at just 2500rpm, paired with the 8-speed automatic transmission for a 0-100km/h acceleration in just 3.3 seconds. The initial acceleration is powerful, with strong thrust, while mid-range acceleration and overtaking are equally seamless. The transmission has smart shifting logic, with noticeably quicker gear changes in sport mode. The chassis employs a front double-wishbone and rear multi-link independent suspension setup, tuned for comfort, but offers significantly enhanced support in sport mode. During cornering, body roll is well controlled, the steering is precise, and road feedback is clear. The 21-inch tires provide ample grip, maintaining stability even on wet roads. For daily driving, the suspension effectively absorbs most road vibrations, and the minimum ground clearance of 120mm allows it to handle most urban roads with ease.

In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 13.7L/100km, while in actual test drives, it was about 16-18L/100km under urban conditions and could drop to 11-12L/100km on highways. Considering its power parameters, this performance is within the expected range. The braking system adopts front and rear ceramic ventilated discs, providing a linear brake pedal feel, sufficient braking force, and stable vehicle posture during emergency braking. Noise control performs excellently, with wind and tire noise suppressed to a low level during high-speed driving. Engine noise is almost inaudible during normal cruising and only enters the cabin upon heavy acceleration, creating a perfectly balanced driving ambiance. The cruise system is equipped with ACC adaptive cruise control, complemented by active safety features such as lane departure warning and lane change assistance, which significantly ease the burden during long-distance driving.

Compared to the 2018 Vanquish S, the 2024 Vanquish has increased power by 267PS and torque by 450N·m, improved acceleration by 1.1 seconds, and added configurations such as a 360-degree panoramic camera, 16-way electric seats, and B&W audio system. The sense of technology and luxury has been significantly enhanced. Compared with similar GT models like the Bentley Continental GT, Vanquish holds a greater advantage in power parameters. Although its price reaches RM 5,000,000, its performance is closer to supercars, while maintaining the comfort standard of a GT.

In summary, the core highlight of the 2024 Aston Martin Vanquish lies in the "balance of performance and luxury" — the 835PS V12 engine delivers a supercar-level acceleration experience, while features like 16-way electric seats and a B&W audio system ensure long-distance comfort. It is suitable for consumers who seek driving pleasure but also need a daily commuting or long-distance travel companion. If you are a user who is not satisfied with the performance of ordinary GTs but refuses to compromise on luxury and comfort, the Vanquish would be a worthy choice. It is not just a pure track machine but a flagship GT you'd want to drive every day.