Aston Martin Vanquish: The Definitive Guide to Performance, Luxury & Value

In this article 10 sections

1. Why the Aston Martin Vanquish Stands Apart
2. 1. The Evolution of the Aston Martin Vanquish
   1. 1.1 The Original Vanquish (2001–2007): The Bond Car
   2. 1.2 The Second Generation (2012–2018): A Modern Legend
3. 2. Aston Martin Vanquish: Performance & Engineering
   1. 2.1 Engine & Powertrain
   2. 2.2 Chassis & Handling
4. 3. Aston Martin Vanquish Price: What to Expect in 2024
   1. 3.1 New vs. Used Pricing Breakdown
   2. 3.2 Depreciation & Investment Potential
5. 4. How Does the Vanquish Compare to Rivals?
   1. 4.1 Vanquish vs. Ferrari F12 Berlinetta
   2. 4.2 Vanquish vs. Bentley Continental GT
6. 5. Ownership Costs & Common Issues
   1. 5.1 Maintenance & Repairs
   2. 5.2 Known Problems
7. 6. Is the Aston Martin Vanquish a Future Classic?
8. FAQs About the Aston Martin Vanquish
   1. What’s the fuel economy of the Vanquish?
   2. How many Vanquish models were made?
   3. What’s the best year for the Vanquish?
   4. Does the Vanquish have Apple CarPlay?
9. Final Verdict: Should You Buy an Aston Martin Vanquish?
   1. Buy It If:
   2. Skip It If:
   3. Final Recommendation:
10. Sources

Why the Aston Martin Vanquish Stands Apart

The Aston Martin Vanquish isn’t just a car—it’s a masterpiece of British engineering, elegance, and raw power. From its starring role in James Bond films to its status as one of the most desirable grand tourers ever made, the Vanquish Aston Martin represents the pinnacle of automotive craftsmanship.

But what makes it so special? How does it compare to rivals like the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta and Bentley Continental GT? And most critically, what’s the Aston Martin Vanquish price in today’s market, and is it a wise investment?

By the end, you’ll know whether the Vanquish deserves a spot in your garage or if a rival GT is a better choice.

1. The Evolution of the Aston Martin Vanquish

1.1 The Original Vanquish (2001–2007): The Bond Car

The first-generation Vanquish Aston Martin debuted in 2001 and instantly became an icon thanks to its Ian Callum-penned design and starring role in Die Another Day.

Key Features:

1. Engine: 5.9L V12 (460–520 HP)
2. Transmission: 6-speed automated manual (early models had clutch issues)
3. Performance: 0–60 mph in 4.5 seconds, top speed 190 mph
4. Legacy: Developed while Aston Martin was owned by Ford (1,492 Vanquish and 1,086 Vanquish S built)

Fun Fact: The Vanquish combined a carbon-fiber backbone with bonded aluminum construction, a technique that set the stage for future Astons.

1.2 The Second Generation (2012–2018): A Modern Legend

Aston Martin revived the Vanquish nameplate in 2012 with a redesigned grand tourer that blended cutting-edge tech with classic styling.

Key Upgrades:

1. Engine: 6.0L V12 (565 HP, later bumped to 595 HP (603 PS) in the Vanquish S)
2. Transmission: 6-speed Touchtronic II automatic at launch, then an 8-speed Touchtronic III from the 2015 model year
3. Performance: 0–60 mph in 3.6 seconds, top speed 201 mph

Special Editions:

1. Vanquish Zagato (limited to 99 coupes, now highly collectible)
2. Vanquish Carbon Black/White (exclusive paint and trim options)

Why It Matters: The second-gen Vanquish was among the last series-production Astons with a naturally aspirated V12. The name returned for 2025 as a third-gen car with a 5.2L twin-turbo V12 rated at 824 hp and 738 lb-ft.

2. Aston Martin Vanquish: Performance & Engineering

2.1 Engine & Powertrain

The heart of the Vanquish Aston Martin is its 6.0L V12, a masterpiece of engineering that delivers:

ModelHorsepowerTorque (lb-ft)0–60 mphTop Speed

Vanquish (2012) 565 HP 457 lb-ft 4.1s (0-62) 183 mph

Vanquish S (2016) 595 HP 465 lb-ft 3.5s (0-62) 201 mph

Key Takeaway: Unlike turbocharged rivals, the Vanquish offers linear power delivery and an unmatched exhaust note.

2.2 Chassis & Handling

1. Construction: Bonded aluminum structure with carbon-fiber body panels (about 30% stiffer and lighter than its predecessor)
2. Suspension: Adaptive damping with selectable Normal, Sport, and Track settings
3. Brakes: Standard ventilated carbon-ceramic discs

Positioning:

The Vanquish is generally seen as less razor-sharp than a Ferrari but more engaging than a Bentley: a true cross-country GT.

3. Aston Martin Vanquish Price: What to Expect in 2024

3.1 New vs. Used Pricing Breakdown

ModelOriginal MSRP2024 Used Price

Vanquish (2012–2014) Not verified Varies widely; check recent auction results

Vanquish S (2016–2018) Not verified Varies widely; check recent auction results

Vanquish Zagato (2017) Limited run (99 coupes) Collector pricing; check auctions

3.2 Depreciation & Investment Potential

1. Standard Vanquish models lose a large share of value in the first years (typical for luxury GTs).
2. Limited editions (Zagato, Carbon Series) are more likely to hold value (99 Zagato coupes, 99 Volantes, 28 Speedsters, 99 Shooting Brakes).

Pro Tip: A low-mileage Vanquish S in a rare color (e.g., Lightning Silver) is the most brilliant buy.

4. How Does the Vanquish Compare to Rivals?

4.1 Vanquish vs. Ferrari F12 Berlinetta

Metric Aston Martin Vanquish SFerrari F12 Berlinetta

Engine 6.0L V12 (N/A) 6.3L V12 (N/A)

Power 595 HP 731 HP

0–60 mph 3.5s 3.1s

Price (Used) Varies Varies

Verdict : More exclusive, better daily driver, Faster, more aggressive

4.2 Vanquish vs. Bentley Continental GT

Metric Aston Martin Vanquish SBentley Continental GT Speed

Engine 6.0L V12 (N/A) 6.0L W12 (Twin-Turbo)

Power 595 HP 626 HP

0–60 mph 3.5s (0-62) about 4s

Price (Used) Varies Varies

Verdict : More engaging drive , More luxurious, softer ride

Final Take: The Vanquish splits the difference—more exciting than a Bentley, more refined than a Ferrari.

5. Ownership Costs & Common Issues

5.1 Maintenance & Repairs

1. Annual Maintenance: Get a quote from an Aston specialist (typically higher than a Porsche 911)
2. Primary Services: Follow the factory schedule and ask for the service history
3. Brake Job: Expensive (carbon-ceramic discs)

5.2 Known Problems

1. Early models (2012–2014): Recall 17V796000 fixed an ECM/TCM communication fault on 2014 cars with the 6-speed Touchtronic II that could stop the park pawl engaging
2. Carbon-fiber wear: Check for delamination in high-stress areas
3. Electronics: Older infotainment feels dated

Pro Tip: Always get a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) from an Aston specialist.

6. Is the Aston Martin Vanquish a Future Classic?

✅ Why It Will Appreciate:

1. One of the last N/A V12 Astons before turbocharging took over
2. Limited production numbers (especially Zagato models)
3. Bond car pedigree ensures collector interest

❌ Why It Might Not:

1. High-mileage examples won’t hold value as well
2. Electronics may feel obsolete in 10 years

Verdict: Low-mileage Vanquish S and Zagato models have the best case for holding value, but no car is a guaranteed investment.

Related guides: our sports car guide and 2024 Kia Soul Review.

FAQs About the Aston Martin Vanquish

Final Verdict: Should You Buy an Aston Martin Vanquish?

Buy It If:

✔ You want a rare, naturally aspirated V12 GT

✔ You prefer a timeless design over cutting-edge tech

✔ You’re okay with higher maintenance costs

Skip It If:

✖ You need the latest infotainment

✖ You want the fastest GT (Ferrari F12 is quicker)

✖ You’re on a tight budget (Porsche 911 Turbo is cheaper to run)

Final Recommendation:

For collectors, a low-mileage Vanquish S or Zagato is the most promising choice. For drivers, it’s one of the most rewarding GTs ever made. Ready to take the plunge? Check out Aston Martin Certified Pre-Owned listings or visit a specialist dealer for a test drive.

Related guides: our sedan guide. You may also like 2026 Honda Prelude.

Sources

• Aston Martin Vanquish (first and third generation)
• Aston Martin Vanquish (2012-2018)
• EPA FuelEconomy.gov: 2014 and 2025 Vanquish ratings
• NHTSA recall 17V796000

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