If you’ve ever looked at a car and thought, “That’s not just a car, that’s a flipping red carpet on wheels,” then congratulations — you’ve just mentally driven past the Aston Martin Vanquish Volante. It’s the convertible version of the Vanquish, because obviously, putting a roof on something this beautiful would be an insult to the gods of speed and sophistication. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t want to ruin their perfectly coiffed hair doing 180mph with the roof down?
First Impressions: Spoiler — It’s Gorgeous
The Vanquish Volante is the sort of car that makes grown adults pause mid-dog walk to drool, gasp, or quietly whisper, “One day…” It doesn’t shout for attention like a Lamborghini, nor does it try too hard like a tech-packed Tesla. It purrs class, then roars authority. It's Aston Martin doing what it does best — creating rolling art with just the right amount of posh and punch.
Yes, it costs more than your average three-bed semi, but so does a decent Greggs sausage roll these days. Inflation, eh?
What Makes the Vanquish Volante So Special?
Let’s break it down: the Vanquish Volante isn’t just a soft-top version of its hard-headed sibling. It’s a blend of British charm, savage V12 performance, and craftsmanship that makes IKEA furniture weep with shame.
Under the Bonnet (Or Should We Say, the Champagne Cooler?)
Nestled under that sculpted bonnet is a 5.9-litre (yes, five point nine) naturally aspirated V12 engine. None of your “mild hybrid” or “eco-conscious” nonsense here — just pure petrol-soaked poetry that belts out 565bhp like it’s shouting from the rooftops of Mayfair.
Pair that with a 0–60mph time of around 4.1 seconds and a top speed that nuzzles up to 183mph, and you've got a GT car that’s as subtle as a sledgehammer in stilettos.
Here's a Handy Table Because Numbers Make It Look Serious
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 5.9-litre V12 |
| Power | 565bhp |
| Torque | 620Nm |
| 0–60mph | 4.1 seconds |
| Top Speed | 183mph |
| Transmission | 6-speed Touchtronic III automatic |
| Roof Operation | Fully automatic in ~14 seconds |
| Boot Space (Roof Down) | Enough for a couple of designer suitcases |
| Price When New | £200,000+ (and worth every penny, darling) |
| Fuel Economy | Laughable (around 19mpg combined) |
Interior: Where Leather Meets Luxury and Buttons Make You Feel Important
Step inside and you're greeted with a cabin that smells like wealth and success. Everything you touch is leather, carbon fibre, or metal. And not the kind of “metal” you get in a cheap hatchback either — we’re talking aerospace-grade aluminium that makes you want to stroke it and whisper, “You’re doing amazing, sweetie.”
Aston Martin didn’t just throw some buttons on the dash and call it a day. Oh no — everything is meticulously placed to make you feel like a jet pilot with slightly more tasteful sunglasses. Even the paddle shifters feel like something out of a high-end watch.
Need to change the driving mode from “GT” to “Sport” to “Track”? You can do it with a flick, and each mode comes with a different personality. GT is smooth and civilised. Sport is cheeky and ready to party. Track? That’s the alter ego who gets you banned from quiet neighbourhoods.
Roof Down, Drama Up
There’s a certain ceremony to driving a convertible, and the Vanquish Volante elevates that to an Olympic sport. With just the touch of a button, the triple-skin fabric roof folds itself away like an origami master in about 14 seconds. You could probably time it between two sips of your flat white.
And the noise — oh, the noise. It’s not just an engine note. It’s a full-blown operatic performance from a twelve-cylinder tenor. Forget your Bluetooth speakers; this is the only soundtrack you’ll ever need on a Sunday morning.
Handling: GT Cruiser With a Wild Side
Now, let’s not pretend this is a track-day warrior like the McLaren 720S or Ferrari 488. The Vanquish Volante is more of a grand touring bruiser than a featherweight boxer. But it still knows how to throw a proper punch.
The ride is firm but forgiving, like a stern but loving headmaster. It cruises motorways like it owns them and glides through country roads with the kind of grace usually reserved for swans (if swans had 20-inch alloys and titanium exhausts).
And thanks to its adaptive damping and carbon fibre chassis, it holds itself together better than most of us do after a night out.
Running Costs: Bring Your Wallet... and Maybe a Loan Officer
Right, let’s talk brass tacks. It’s a V12 Aston Martin. Of course, it’s going to drink fuel like a stag do drinks pints. Around town you’ll be lucky to see 12mpg unless you’re driving like a nun. On the motorway, you might get close to 20mpg, if there’s a tailwind and you’ve sacrificed something to the gods of economy.
Servicing? You’ll want to take it to an Aston specialist or main dealer. Parts aren't exactly available from Halfords. And don’t even think about going to Kwik Fit unless you fancy tears with your tyres.
Who’s It For?
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Middle-aged men who’ve finally sold the business and want to feel 21 again.
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Luxury car collectors who believe Ferraris are too loud and Bentleys too posh.
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Ex-spies who miss the days of ejector seats and martinis.
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Anyone who just wants to turn up to the golf club and outshine Alan’s Porsche 911.
Final Thoughts: Worth It? Absolutely.
The Aston Martin Vanquish Volante isn’t just a car — it’s a statement. A snarling, elegant, roofless piece of British engineering that makes no apologies for being excessive, emotional, and completely unnecessary.
And that’s exactly why it’s brilliant.
Sure, it’s not the most practical. Yes, the infotainment is a bit dated (Aston’s system has all the charm of a 2010 TomTom), and no, it won’t make you a better driver. But who cares?
This isn’t about making sense. It’s about making an entrance. And the Vanquish Volante does that with more style, noise, and swagger than any other GT convertible this side of a James Bond reboot.
So if you’ve got the means, the garage space, and a solid haircare routine to handle the wind, there’s really only one question left:
Why haven’t you bought one yet?
