Aston Martin Vanquish 2014-2018: Complete Review & Buying Guide

The Aston Martin Vanquish from 2014 to 2018 stands as a landmark in supercar history, merging breathtaking aesthetics with a thunderous 6.0-litre V12 powerplant. This 2+2 coupe, positioned as Aston Martin’s flagship before the DB11 era, delivers an intoxicating mix of raw power, opulent interiors, and surprising usability for long-distance drives.

Origins and Design Philosophy

Debuting as the AM310 Concept at the prestigious Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, the production Vanquish evolved into a sleek predator with flowing lines, aggressive haunches, and a low-slung profile that screams sophistication. Its carbon fibre-intensive bodywork not only shaves weight but also enhances structural integrity, contributing to a near-perfect weight distribution. The design philosophy emphasizes emotional engagement, with every curve crafted to evoke desire while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency for high-speed stability.

Available as a coupe or the open-top Volante variant, the Vanquish’s silhouette remains timeless. Pronounced air intakes feed the V12, while LED headlights and a prominent grille underscore its muscular presence. This era’s model refined Aston’s VH (Vertical/Horizontal) architecture, boosting torsional rigidity for sharper handling without sacrificing ride comfort.

Powertrain and Performance Excellence

At its core lies Aston Martin’s revered 6.0-litre naturally aspirated V12, initially tuned to 565bhp before a mid-cycle bump to 568bhp in late 2014. Paired initially with a six-speed automatic and later an eight-speed unit, it propels the rear wheels with 457 lb-ft of torque, enabling 0-60mph in around 4.2 seconds and a top speed exceeding 200mph. Launch control, a first for Aston, ensures explosive starts.

Post-2014 upgrades included stiffer suspension, revised chassis tuning, and the slicker eight-speed gearbox, sharpening responses while preserving GT composure. On the road, the Vanquish devours straights with a symphonic exhaust note, transitioning seamlessly from serene cruiser to track weapon via adjustable drive modes. Carbon-ceramic brakes deliver prodigious stopping power, hauling the car from 60mph in just 105 feet.

Interior Refinement and Practicality

Step inside, and the Vanquish envelops you in hand-stitched leather, aluminium trims, and walnut accents, creating a cabin that’s as luxurious as a Bentley yet sportier. The driving position is near-perfect, with supportive seats accommodating four in 2+2 configuration—rare for supercars. Infotainment, though dated by today’s standards, includes navigation, Bluetooth, and a Bang & Olufsen audio system.

Trunk space impresses at 5.3 cubic feet, sufficient for weekend getaways, and the Volante’s power-folding roof operates at speeds up to 30mph. Build quality exudes tactility, from weighted switchgear to the leather-wrapped steering yoke, though some note the wheel’s less elegant design.

Driving Dynamics: Balance of Brutality and Grace

The Vanquish excels as a super GT, prioritizing long-haul poise over lap-record heroics. Its adaptive dampers iron out imperfections, delivering a compliant ride that belies the performance credentials. Yet, in Sport mode, the chassis firms up, revealing agile turn-in and planted cornering, aided by Positive Torque Control and Dynamic Stability systems.

Compared to frenetic rivals like the Ferrari F12, the Vanquish offers composure, making it ideal for B-roads or autobahns. Drawbacks include some loss of refinement on broken surfaces post-stiffening, but overall, it captivates with progressive handling and that glorious V12 wail.

Safety and Reliability Advancements

Aston Martin hailed this Vanquish as its safest production car, bolstered by a reengineered VH platform with superior crash energy management. Standard kit includes ABS carbon-ceramic brakes, traction/stability control, multiple airbags, parking sensors, and a rearview camera. The carbon fibre shell provides exceptional tensile strength over steel alternatives.

Reliability marked a leap forward from earlier Astons. The battle-tested V12 and industry-standard transmissions (ZF eight-speed) prove durable, though electrics remain a potential Achilles’ heel. Owners report fewer issues than predecessors, with proper maintenance key for longevity.

Market Position and Rivals

Priced from around £200,000 new (now £70,000-£120,000 used), the Vanquish undercuts Ferrari F12 and Lamborghini Aventador while matching Bentley’s Continental GT in luxury. It slots above the DB11 in prestige, offering unique V12 drama in a less common package.

• Strengths: Iconic styling, V12 soundtrack, usable GT, prestige appeal
• Weaknesses: Thirsty fuel use, ageing infotainment, firm ride on rough roads

Buying Guide for Used Vanquish Models

Target post-2014 cars for eight-speed and power upgrades. Inspect service history—V12 timing chains and electrics demand specialist care. Volante examples need roof mechanism checks. Budget £10k-£15k annually for upkeep. Low-mileage gems under 30,000 miles hold value best.

Ownership Experience and Verdict

Owners rave about the Vanquish’s theatre: the symphonic engine, head-turning looks, and effortless pace. It’s not the quickest, but its soulful delivery trumps sterile hybrids. For collectors, it’s a modern classic appreciating steadily. In summary, the 2014-2018 Vanquish embodies Aston Martin’s ethos—elegant, potent, and eternally desirable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)