The Ultimate Aston Martin: 2026 Vanquish Volante Reviewed
The Evolution of Grand Touring: Aston Martin Vanquish Volante
Aston Martin has long been synonymous with high-performance coupes and convertibles, crafting vehicles that embody luxury, power, and elegance. Over the years, the brand has expanded its portfolio to include sports cars, supercars, SUVs, and ultra-low-production variants. However, at its core, Aston Martin remains dedicated to the creation of grand touring coupes and convertibles—vehicles designed for long-distance travel, performance, and style.
The latest addition to this legacy is the Vanquish Volante, the open-top version of the Vanquish coupe, which made its debut last fall. Both models represent the pinnacle of Aston Martin’s engineering and design capabilities, offering a refined yet powerful driving experience.
A New Level of Performance and Design
Compared to its sibling, the DB12, the Vanquish stands out in terms of size, style, and power. It is 6.5 inches longer overall, with a wheelbase that extends 3.1 inches further than the DB12. This additional space is strategically placed between the windshield and the front axle, emphasizing the Vanquish's most defining feature: its V-12 engine, which sits entirely behind the front axle.
The twin-turbocharged 5.2-liter V-12 engine is a fresh design, delivering 823 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. This power is sent through an eight-speed ZF transaxle, complete with an electronic differential. Despite its immense power, the Vanquish Volante offers a refined driving experience, with a responsive powertrain that delivers a thrilling roar when provoked. The car also features an optional louder exhaust mode, allowing drivers to customize their experience.
Handling and Performance
The Vanquish Volante is equipped with carbon-ceramic brakes, which are standard on this model. These brakes provide excellent stopping power and respond precisely to driver input. The ZF gearbox, a torque-converter automatic rather than a dual-clutch, ensures smooth and quick shifts, making it ideal for both city driving and open roads.
With four drive modes—GT, Sport, Sport+, and Wet—as well as an Individual setting, the Vanquish Volante allows drivers to tailor their experience. The car's chassis is tuned for comfort and stability, ensuring a composed ride even over rough or winding roads. The Pirelli P Zero PZ4 tires provide excellent grip without compromising ride quality.
Engineering and Structure
The Vanquish Volante was developed alongside the coupe, with engineers working to ensure similar performance between the two models. To account for the slight weight difference, the rear spring rates and front anti-roll-bar stiffness were increased by 7 percent. Additional structural reinforcements were added to the convertible, including a crossbrace behind the front seats and extra support across the rear suspension and sills.
The car's bonded-aluminum architecture is covered in carbon-fiber body panels, contributing to its lightweight and aerodynamic design. The fabric top can be stowed in just 14 seconds and retracted in 16 seconds, offering insulation and convenience without disrupting the car's elegant lines.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Inside, the Vanquish Volante is a sanctuary of luxury, featuring leather-lined interiors and beautifully crafted finishes. As a two-seater, it offers comfortable seating with easy access. The interior is designed to be welcoming, with a low console and a dashboard that provides a sense of openness despite the long hood.
While the car retains physical switchgear for ease of use, the most advanced technology is the Apple CarPlay Ultra system. This system integrates with the central touchscreen and instrumentation display. However, during testing, it was found to be glitchy and less intuitive than expected, leading many to prefer the native navigation system.
A Classic Experience
Ultimately, the Vanquish Volante is about tradition and craftsmanship. It embodies the essence of a grand tourer, combining the beauty of long-hood-short-deck proportions with the sound and power of a V-12 engine. The open-air driving experience is unmatched, offering a unique blend of performance and luxury.
Priced at $489,700, the Vanquish Volante represents the pinnacle of Aston Martin’s offerings. While future supercars may come at higher prices, this model stands as the ultimate expression of what makes an Aston Martin truly special.