2019 Aston Martin Vantage Review
Despite the Middle East roads being adorned with luxury cars of all shapes and colors, Aston Martin vehicles have struggled to blend in. Whether it’s their designs perceived as less refined or their distinctive exhaust sounds that set them apart from other luxury sports cars, they undoubtedly capture attention in unimaginable ways. The all-new Vantage is no exception, ready to take on the finest offerings from Germany, including the Audi R8, Mercedes AMG GT, and Porsche 911.
Exterior Design
While the previous model captured hearts with its elegant and intricate personality, the new model takes a completely different approach, offering a more assertive design rather than just sleekness. It features a wide front, muscular wheel arches, and a range of wheel options. Like the DB11 we recently tested (you can read the experience here), the Vantage boasts distinctive upward-opening doors, enhancing both its aesthetic appeal and functionality.
The Vantage distinguishes itself from the DB11 with a prominently bulged hood and sharp lines, designed to enhance aerodynamics through large air intakes that guide airflow smoothly around the car. Its rear design stands out as the most distinctive aspect, channeling energy through a hidden spoiler and seamlessly integrated taillights that illuminate beautifully.
Interior Design
Aston Martin meticulously crafted the Vantage's cabin with a keen focus on detail, presenting a simple yet refined interior that offers just what the driver needs. As expected from an Aston Martin, the interior is filled with luxury, featuring striking red leather throughout. The driving position and octagonal steering wheel give you an experience akin to sitting in a fighter jet, especially with buttons that stretch from the dashboard to the center console.
Those familiar with automotive technology will quickly adapt to the entertainment system and its unique controls. Yes, this system borrows from Mercedes-Benz (as do many components in the Vantage), which is not necessarily a bad thing. You never feel as if you’re in a Mercedes, especially with the glass buttons, chrome pipes around the cabin, and glossy black accents.
Driving Experience
Most of us know that AMG is the performance arm of Mercedes, but why mention AMG in our Aston Martin experience? The reason lies in the heart of the Aston Martin Vantage: an engineering masterpiece crafted by AMG. In fact, they took the engine from the Mercedes-Benz C63 and placed it in the Vantage. This engine generates 503 horsepower and 685 Nm of torque, enabling the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds, reaching a top speed of 315 km/h.
While the Vantage has ample power to compete alongside its fierce rivals on straight roads, it also possesses the tools necessary to outperform the best sports cars on winding curves. This initial design by former Lotus employee Matt Becker provides an ideal balance between speed and agility, allowing drivers to exploit its capabilities with ease. To make a turn in this car, all you need to do is press the accelerator.
What’s particularly impressive is how nimble and compact the Vantage feels while driving. Dimensionally, it is shorter than the Porsche 911 and easier to handle. Is it intimidating to drive? Not at all, which is a pleasant surprise since the most comfortable driving mode is "Sport," with the option to ramp it up to "Sport +" and "Track" when you truly want to unleash the V8 engine.
Final Verdict
The Aston Martin Vantage comes as an entry-level model in the British automaker's lineup, marking the first new model to elevate the brand in numerous ways. With its robust design and an unparalleled driving experience that few can match, the all-new Aston Martin Vantage is a tool that makes you forget everything, delivering an extraordinary sensation of what a car truly is!
