2019 Aston Martin Vanquish

Overview

The 2019 Aston Martin Vanquish is one of the loveliest things on four wheels and the British brand's grandest grand tourer. Its powerful appearance is available in coupe or convertible—which Aston calls Volante—and every Vanquish features a ferocious and sonorous V-12 engine. Aston has revealed a mid-engined concept called the Vanquish Vision that sets the stage for the next-generation Vanquish.

Engine, Ride, and Handling

Both the coupe and convertible Vanquish S are powered by a naturally aspirated 5.9-liter V-12 that makes 580 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. It snarls at startup and roars when prodded, unlike some other more sophisticated V-12 engines. The Aston's brawny engine funnels all that power exclusively to the rear wheels through a paddle-shifted eight-speed automatic transmission. While we haven't driven a Vanquish since our first drive a few years ago, Aston continues to build its super grand tourer despite its outdated architecture. Its ride is surprisingly refined, and high grip levels combined with precise steering make this big two-door fun to drive without sacrificing comfort.

Interior and Technology

The Vanquish's interior impresses with a fashionable design and luxurious materials. However, it's missing many contemporary features and certain aspects place it behind more modern vehicles. For instance, the aging Aston lacks driver-assistance technology such as adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Likewise, its infotainment system has become obsolete with a tiny 6.5-inch screen and no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto capability. Still, the Vanquish aims to keep the focus on driver enjoyment and personalization. With the former already addressed, owners can choose among myriad custom options to make their Aston Martin one of a kind.