The Return Of An Icon

The automotive world has been buzzing with anticipation since Aston Martin first hinted at the revival of the legendary Vanquish name. Now, with the official launch of the 2025 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante, the wait is finally over – and what a triumphant return it is. This open-top grand tourer doesn't just continue a legacy; it redefines it for a new era of luxury and performance.

The 2025 Vanquish Volante represents the pinnacle of Aston Martin's design language, seamlessly blending the brand's timeless elegance with contemporary aerodynamic principles. The long, sculpted bonnet flows into a low-slung profile that maintains perfect proportions whether the roof is up or down. Unlike many convertibles that can appear awkward with the top in place, the Vanquish Volante maintains a beautifully cohesive silhouette in either configuration.

Aston Martin's design chief has described the new Vanquish Volante as "romantic brutalism" – a fitting characterization for a vehicle that combines raw, muscular presence with sophisticated detailing. The signature grille has been reinterpreted with a wider, more aggressive stance, flanked by sleek LED headlights that incorporate the marque's distinctive light signature. The rear features an integrated spoiler and diffuser that not only enhance downforce but also frame the quad exhaust outlets with theatrical flair.

Perhaps most impressive is how the designers have maintained the coupe's dramatic body lines while accommodating the folding roof mechanism. The deployment of the fabric top is a choreographed spectacle that takes just 14 seconds and can be operated at speeds up to 30 mph, which is more than practical for those sudden British rain showers…

Under that sculpted bonnet lies the heart of this British beast: a newly developed 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine. Producing 789 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque, this powerplant represents the most powerful series-production engine in Aston Martin's history. With power routed through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission to the rear wheels, the Vanquish Volante accelerates from 0-60 mph in just 3.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 211 mph – impressive figures for a luxury convertible weighing over 1,800 kilograms.

Aston Martin has equipped the Vanquish Volante with an adaptive suspension system featuring electronically controlled dampers that continuously adjust to road conditions. The chassis, constructed from bonded aluminium and carbon fibre components, delivers remarkable torsional rigidity – crucial for a roofless vehicle with this level of performance. The result is a grand tourer that remains composed through sweeping corners yet comfortable enough for long-distance cruising.

The Vanquish Volante offers multiple driving modes, from the comfort-oriented GT setting to the track-focused Sport+ mode that sharpens throttle response, stiffens the suspension, and adjusts the exhaust valves for a more aggressive sound profile. This versatility ensures the car can adapt to both serene coastal roads and challenging mountain passes with equal aplomb.

Step into the Vanquish Volante's cabin, and you're greeted by an environment that perfectly balances traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. The interior is a showcase of British luxury at its finest – hand-stitched Bridge of Weir leather, precisely milled aluminium controls, and carbon fibre accents create an ambiance that feels both exclusive and purposeful.

The dashboard features a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster complemented by a central 10.5-inch touchscreen powered by Aston Martin's latest infotainment system. This interface supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, alongside a 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system specifically calibrated for the acoustics of the Volante's open cabin.

The front seats offer 16-way power adjustment with heating, cooling, and massage functions – a nod to the car's grand touring aspirations. Unlike many convertibles that sacrifice practicality for style, the Vanquish Volante provides usable space for two adults in the rear seats, albeit for shorter journeys. The boot also offers a respectable 8.5 cubic feet of storage with the roof up, reducing to 6.3 cubic feet when the top is stowed, which is plenty enough for a weekend getaway for two.

Perhaps most importantly for a convertible, Aston Martin has paid particular attention to managing airflow with the roof down. A deployable wind deflector significantly reduces turbulence, while neck warmers built into the front seats extend the top-down driving season into cooler months.

While Aston Martin has historically focused more on the emotional aspects of driving than technological wizardry, the new Vanquish Volante embraces advanced systems that enhance both safety and convenience. The vehicle features an advanced driver assistance package that includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, blind spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system.

For the first time in an Aston Martin convertible, the Vanquish Volante incorporates a head-up display that projects essential information directly into the driver's line of sight. This allows for less time looking away from the road – particularly valuable in a car with this level of performance potential.

Aston Martin has confirmed that the Vanquish Volante will be produced in limited numbers, with just 275 units slated for the first year of production. Each vehicle will be hand-built at the company's facility in Gaydon, England, with customers offered virtually unlimited customization options through the "Q by Aston Martin" personalization program.

With a starting price of approximately £350,000, the Vanquish Volante positions itself at the upper echelon of the luxury convertible segment. This places it in direct competition with vehicles like the Ferrari Roma Spider and Bentley Continental GT Convertible – impressive company that reflects Aston Martin's confidence in their flagship open-top offering.

Deliveries are scheduled to begin in summer 2025, with allocation priority given to existing Aston Martin customers. Given the vehicle's limited production and the brand's growing prestige, industry analysts expect the entire production run to be spoken for before the first customer cars are delivered.

The Vanquish Volante represents a significant step in this strategic direction. By reviving one of its most iconic names and applying it to a vehicle that embodies the brand's core values of beauty, performance, and craftsmanship, Aston Martin is making a clear statement about its ambitions in the luxury automotive space.

This model also serves as a technological showcase for the company, demonstrating its commitment to electrification with a sophisticated 48-volt mild-hybrid system that enhances both performance and efficiency. While not a full electric vehicle, the Vanquish Volante bridges the gap between Aston Martin's traditional values and its future direction.

For those fortunate enough to secure an allocation, the Vanquish Volante promises an ownership experience that few other automobiles can match. It's a vehicle that appeals equally to the heart and the head – capable of delivering spine-tingling acceleration and handling when demanded, yet also offering the comfort and refinement expected from a luxury convertible.

In reviving the Vanquish name for this exceptional convertible, Aston Martin has set a new benchmark in the grand touring segment. The 2025 Vanquish Volante doesn't just live up to the storied nameplate – it propels it gloriously into the future, cementing its place among the most desirable automobiles in the world.