2026 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante Review: As if Riding a Pegasus

      Aston Martin

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      The 2026 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante is a stunning example of automotive design. Its exterior and interior showcase a remarkable harmony of classic supercar elements with fresh, new features. One of the greatest pleasures of driving this car is simply admiring its beauty as you approach it. The other delight? A twin-turbo V12 engine capable of reaching speeds of 214 mph.

      Experiencing the Volante is akin to riding one of those mythical flying horses, you know, a pegasus.

      The Essentials

      Historically, the 12-cylinder Aston Martin Vanquish has been the flagship model of the British brand and continues to hold that title. While the Valkyrie hypercar and Valhalla supercar are more focused on pure performance and revenue, the super grand touring coupe and the convertible Volante embody the essence of Aston Martins on the road today.

      Aston Martin claims this is “the world’s fastest, most powerful front-engine convertible,” backing that up with jaw-dropping specs: 824 horsepower, 738 lb-ft of torque, a 0-62 mph time of 3.4 seconds, and a top speed of 214 mph. According to Simon Newton, Aston’s Vehicle Performance Director, the top speed is unaffected by the roof position. Unfortunately, my test drive around New York City did not provide the opportunity to assess the wind chill at that velocity.

      The V12 directs its power solely to the rear wheels, aided by a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission that allows the driver to shift using paddle shifters. Despite the sizable engine and the vehicle's long hood, Newton noted that the weight distribution is nearly 50/50 front and rear, as most of the motor is positioned towards the cabin. The convertible model weighs about 209 pounds more than the coupe, but my test vehicle sought to make up for this with the lighter $14,400 titanium exhaust.

      "Stainless steel exhaust systems produce a more rounded, fuller sound," Newton explained to The Drive. “Titanium, on the other hand, has a higher-pitched, more urgent tone.”

      Both the coupe and convertible versions were developed simultaneously. Apart from the roof, the differences are minimal, with only slight rigidity enhancements beneath and a 7% increase in spring stiffness in the convertible. The trunk space isn’t particularly generous, but it’s sufficient for a weekend’s worth of luggage for a couple. The rest can always be sent to their vacation destination ahead of time.

      The gauge cluster and infotainment screens are sizable but not overly so, and more importantly, they are well integrated into the dashboard. The carbon-framed shapes around the screens add depth, while Apple CarPlay Ultra enables you to control automotive functions like driving modes and climate control without leaving the Apple interface.

      It's refreshing that many of the car's controls are operated through beautifully crafted knurled metal knobs that are as enjoyable to use as they are aesthetically pleasing.

      The starting price for the Vanquish Volante is around $480,000, and customization options can quickly increase that amount. For instance, a set of 21-inch satin black wheels costs $6,700, a custom interior color scheme can set you back $11,200, and interior carbon trim adds another $28,300. You can also opt for exterior carbon components for about $33,000 more. The least expensive option I found was an umbrella (made in England!) priced at $600. At this price point, it's more about the experience than value for money.

      Design Features

      The new face and silhouette of the Vanquish will be familiar to anyone who has encountered an Aston Martin, but I am particularly fond of the striking taillights, exhaust design, large fender vents, and bold hood sculpting.

      This generation of the Vanquish successfully incorporates just the right amount of unique touches to keep the design feeling fresh and engaging while maintaining its timeless elegance.

      The interior is similarly impressive, featuring exquisite knobs and switches made from top-tier materials, with several key decorative elements adding a distinctive flair to the overall design. The decorative wings around the gauge cluster and the elegant center console knobs are particularly noteworthy.

      Driving the Aston Martin Vanquish Volante

      I’ll admit, cruising through Manhattan in such a loud convertible—I'm referring to more than just the exhaust—made me feel a bit self-conscious. As I idled at stoplights, I certainly drew a lot of attention. I suspect onlookers were pondering whether I was someone noteworthy, but this vehicle is definitely not for those who prefer to blend in.

      Things became much more enjoyable once I was alongside the Hudson River. The Vanquish ride isn’t overly cushy, but it provides a compliant experience. NYC’s potholes can be quite harsh, yet I didn’t encounter any jarring bumps while leaving the city