2025 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante Road Test: A V12 Beast That Outshines the Rest
Last summer, I borrowed my buddy’s DB11 for a weekend cruise, and I thought that was peak Aston Martin. Then I drove the 2025 Vanquish Volante, and holy smokes—it’s like the DB11’s cooler, buffer big brother who just rolled into town with 824 hp and a convertible top. This thing isn’t just a car; it’s a full-on experience, like sipping whisky while a rock band plays in your backyard. We took this V12 grand tourer through New York’s gritty streets and winding upstate roads, stacking it up against the Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider and Bentley Continental GTC. Spoiler: the Vanquish Volante didn’t just show up—it stole the damn show. Here’s why this $489,700 masterpiece is the luxury convertible to beat.
The 2025 Vanquish Volante: A New Aston Legend
Aston Martin’s been on a wild ride lately. Back in the day, they were the scrappy British underdog—sexy cars, shaky finances. Now, with Lawrence Stroll’s deep pockets and the dynamic duo of Adrian Hallmark (ex-Bentley CEO) and Adrian Newey (Red Bull Racing genius), they’re gunning for the top. The Vanquish Volante is the latest star in their revamped lineup, alongside the DB12 and Vantage. This droptop, launched in 2025, replaces the DBS Superleggera and adds a fabric roof that folds in 14 seconds, even at 31 mph. At 200 pounds heavier than the coupe, it’s still nimble for a luxury convertible. I parked it outside a diner in Upstate New York, and folks couldn’t stop snapping pics—it’s that kind of head-turner.
V12 Power: A Twin-Turbo Symphony
Pop the hood, and you’ll find a 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12 churning out 824 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque, paired with a ZF eight-speed automatic and a slick electronic limited-slip differential. Rear-wheel drive keeps it pure, hitting 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds and a claimed 214 mph top speed. I floored it on an open stretch, and it felt like I’d strapped myself to a rocket—smooth, not jarring, unlike some brain-rattling supercars. The Individual drive mode was my jam, mixing GT’s cushy ride with Sport’s razor-sharp throttle and that glorious exhaust growl. Compared to the Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider’s screamy V12 or the Bentley Continental GTC’s bass-heavy V8, the Vanquish’s note is like a soul singer hitting every note just right.
The chassis is dialed in, with Bilstein adaptive shocks, massive carbon-ceramic brakes, and Pirelli P-Zero tires (275/35/21 front, 325/30/21 rear). It ate up New York’s potholes like a champ and carved corners with precision, though tight hairpins reminded me it’s a grand tourer, not a track toy. One nitpick: no front-end lift for steep curbs, which is a bummer for a car this low. My buddy Mike scraped his BMW’s bumper last month—don’t want that headache with a half-million-dollar ride.
Design: A Stunner in Every Sense
This car looks like it could charm the socks off anyone. Marek Reichman’s design team stretched it three inches longer and an inch wider than the DBS, giving it a sleek, muscular vibe. The aluminum grille, deep side vents, flared rear arches, and Kamm Tail rear with a subtle spoiler scream Aston Martin, but with a modern edge. Carbon-fiber panels on a bonded-aluminum chassis keep it light yet luxe. With the top down, it’s like a runway model strutting in the sun. I caught a guy at a gas station staring so hard he forgot to pump his gas.
The interior? Pure decadence. Bridge of Weir leather covers everything, with a “waterfall” design flowing from the tonneau to the rear storage. The carbon-fiber trim, flecked with copper and gold, sparkled like a sunset over the Hudson. But the tech’s a bit of a letdown. Aston’s new infotainment is leagues better than their old Mercedes hand-me-downs, with real buttons I could actually find without looking. The Apple CarPlay Plus, though, which hijacks the dash and center screen, kept glitching in spotty cell areas. I ditched it for Aston’s native system, which was smooth as butter. Lesson learned: keep it simple and enjoy the drive.
Vanquish Volante vs. Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider vs. Bentley Continental GTC
The Vanquish Volante rolls into a cage match with the $504,000 Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider (819 hp) and the $336,000 Bentley Continental GTC (771 hp). The Ferrari’s all about retro-futuristic intensity—think high-strung racecar vibes. The Bentley’s plush and traditional, like a rolling penthouse. The Vanquish? It’s the sweet spot, blending Ferrari’s performance edge with Bentley’s grand-tourer comfort. At $489,700 (ours tested at $604,400), it’s priced between the two but feels rarer, with only 400 Volantes made yearly versus 600 coupes. That exclusivity should keep resale strong. On the road, it’s less frantic than the Ferrari and more engaging than the Bentley. I’d pick it over both for its perfect balance of style and soul.
Worth the Price Tag? Absolutely.
Half a million bucks is no joke, but the Vanquish Volante delivers. It’s not just a car—it’s a lifestyle, from the wind-in-your-hair freedom to the V12’s heart-pounding roar. Compared to the Ferrari’s edgy retro vibe or the Bentley’s cushy tradition, the Vanquish Volante offers British swagger with supercar chops. Limited to 400 units a year, it’s a collector’s dream. If you’ve got the cash, this is the convertible to own in 2025. I’m still buzzing from the drive, dreaming of the day I can park one in my garage.
Specifications:
- Vehicle Type: Two-door, two-seat convertible
- In Production Since: 2025
- Powertrain: 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12, 824 hp, 738 lb-ft torque, eight-speed automatic
- Performance: 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds, 214 mph top speed
- Price: $489,700 (base) / $604,400 (as tested)
What’s your vibe—Vanquish Volante, Ferrari, or Bentley? Hit the comments and let’s talk cars!
image Source- astonmartin.com
