V12 performance and looks define new Aston Martin Vanquish

After a six-year hiatus, the Aston Martin Vanquish returns as a meaner and bigger grand tourer.

- Lionel Seah

SARDINIA, Italy - Taking over the DBS Superleggera as the V12-engined flagship model in the Aston line-up, the car is the fourth model introduced in recent times, after the DBX707, DB12 and Vantage.

The Vanquish is positioned as an ultra-luxury grand tourer. Besides being refined and comfortable, it is also the fastest production Aston Martin today with a 0-100kmh sprint timing of 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 345kmh, courtesy of the twin-turbo V12 engine that makes 835hp and 1,000Nm of torque.

From every angle, it looks stunningly attractive.

The Vanquish is 135mm longer than the DBS, reaching 4,850mm in length. Most of that difference comes from the portion between the A-pillar and the front axle, and the result is a longer bonnet.

The traditional Aston Martin grille is a bit larger than in the DBS, and there is a crossbow-shaped air vent on the front fenders. The rear design draws inspiration from Aston Martin's hypercars, the Valkyrie and Valhalla. Its muscular rear haunch and duck-tail spoiler give the Vanquish muscle car-like proportions.

Its wheelbase is also longer at 2,885mm, which is 80mm more than the previous flagship. Its 248-litre boot is smaller than the DBS' by 22 litres, but it can still accommodate a full-sized golf bag with the golf driver.

The cabin is a blend of artisanal craftsmanship and modern technology. From the quilt-pattern premium leather sport seats and deep-pile carpets to tactile metal controls and carbon-fibre trim, everything spells quality.