2020 Aston Martin Vantage | Review
Kelley Blue Book Kelley Blue Book
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 Published On May 25, 2020

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Out of the gate, the Vantage displays some distinct ferociousness. The wide-open grille that sniffs low to the ground, its squinty cat-like headlights, and the muscular shoulders and haunches make it look mid-stalk before you get within ten feet of the doors. At the same time, its curves appear elegant and liquid, like a bias-cut silk dress. Objectively, this car is a stunner.

Under all the sexy British sheet metal churns a Mercedes-AMG-sourced Biturbo V8 specially tuned to Aston Martin’s standards, and it slingshots the Vantage to 60 mph from a dead stop in 3.6 seconds. Its 503 horsepower and 505 lb.-ft. of torque launch the Vantage to a top speed of 195 mph.

The eight-speed automatic I’ve got on this tester doesn’t disappoint. Throws are quick on these massive paddle shifters, that are easy to find even mid-turn, and shifts feel lightning quick. For your purists out there, the Vantage does come with a manual transmission, too.

Even in its gentlest drive setting the Vantage feels clenched and ready for action. Driving on the freeway, this chassis feels so stiff. But then rachet the setting to Track mode and you’ll feel every loose granule of gravel on the road. Brace yourself. The front-engine friskiness of the Vantage is coupled with filthy levels of grip. The balance in this car feels superb.

There’s an e-diff set up in the rear, that’s a first for Aston Martin, and it helps keep those 20-inch Pirelli PZero back tires in place. But in Track mode, with nannies at their least limiting, the rear end purposefully squirts out from under you, making it a blast to flog around corners or drifting, but only if you’re on a track.

Steering into turns feels sharp and aggressive. Finessed and fast, driving the Vantage is a lot of fun.

The Vantage tips the scales at around 3,650 pounds and requires an equally weighted wallet because it’s got a base price of $156,000. For those at home with calculators that means this British fun mobile costs about $43 per pound of pleasure. Seems perfectly affordable, no?

Inside, Aston Martin has redefined the “cock-pit cabin” by putting the driver as close to the center of the car as engineering would allow. This seating position makes for improved driver/car connection and visibility. Leather seats and surfaces are appropriately gorgeous However, despite its lux fit and finishes, inside the Vantage is already starting to feel dated.

The center stack, while intuitively laid out, is comprised of what’s now previous-generation Mercedes switchgear and a lot of it. In the tech department, graphics on the Vantage’s navigation system appear previous-previous-gen. Neither Apple CarPlay nor Android Auto connectivity are available.

The road definitely reminds the driver of its presence in this car, but you’re in luck because the engine on this sure sounds good. And as for gas mileage, the Vantage’s numbers aren’t obscene at 18 city/24 hwy.

Good looks, exciting driving dynamics, and all the suave you want, the Aston Martin Vantage doesn’t so much say keep calm and carry on but get driving.

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