https://www.newsmax.com/finance/laurenfix/2026-aston-martin-review/2025/09/16/id/1226626/
Aston Martin has always walked a fine line between elegance and raw performance. The British automaker’s reputation is built on cars that look like rolling works of art yet roar to life with race-ready precision.
For 2026, the Aston Martin Vantage Coupe takes that formula and sharpens it, delivering more power, better handling, upgraded technology, and—finally—the addition of a Roadster variant. The result is a grand tourer that competes at the very top of the segment while staying true to the brand’s timeless DNA.
What’s New for 2026
The 2026 Aston Martin Vantage is far more than just a refresh. It arrives with a completely redesigned interior, equipped with modern technology that meets today’s expectations of luxury performance vehicles. The model also introduces a Roadster body style, adding open-air excitement to the lineup. At the heart of the car lies a significantly more powerful twin-turbocharged V-8 engine. In addition, a new Vantage S Coupe makes its debut, offering 670 horsepower and a host of performance-focused enhancements.
The Vantage has traditionally been Aston Martin’s most accessible sports car, but accessibility here still comes with a steep price tag. The coupe starts around $191,000, the Roadster begins at $200,000, and the S Coupe commands $250,000. A fully optioned test car, enhanced with Aston Martin’s Q Bespoke personalization program, pushed the total to nearly $290,000.
Performance and Handling
The centerpiece of the new Vantage is its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8, sourced from Mercedes-AMG. This engine now produces 656 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, an increase of 128 horsepower over the previous version. In the S Coupe, output climbs to an even more impressive 670 horsepower. All of this power is routed to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The result is breathtaking performance: a sprint from zero to sixty miles per hour in just 3.2 seconds and a top speed that reaches 202 miles per hour. The signature Aston Martin exhaust note is back and louder than ever, ensuring that the car sounds as thrilling as it feels.
The handling has also been sharpened for 2026. Engineers stiffened the chassis by seven percent, revised the adaptive dampers, and fitted the car with new Michelin Pilot Sport 5S tires. Dynamic Torque Vectoring, an electronic rear differential, and a carbon fiber propeller shaft further contribute to the car’s balance and agility at speed. Despite its incredible performance, fuel economy remains modest at just 18 miles per gallon combined, though buyers in this category rarely prioritize efficiency.
Safety and Driver Assistance
The Vantage now comes with a broader suite of driver-assistance features. Standard equipment includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning with lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. These updates help bring the Vantage in line with expectations for modern luxury cars, adding an extra layer of security to its speed and style.
Technology and Interior Comfort
Inside, the 2026 Vantage blends tradition with innovation. The interior showcases premium materials such as full-leather seating, heated and ventilated front seats, and extensive customization through Aston Martin’s Q Bespoke program. Buyers can specify everything from embroidered headrests to a carbon-fiber steering wheel and unique contrast stitching, with some personalization options costing well into five figures.
The redesigned cabin features a new 12.5-inch central touchscreen paired with a 10.25-inch driver display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, along with wireless charging. The standard audio system is a capable 11-speaker Aston Martin unit, but enthusiasts seeking the highest quality sound can opt for a 15-speaker, 1170-watt Bowers & Wilkins system, priced at $10,000. Convenience features such as a heated steering wheel, 12-way adjustable front seats with memory settings, and improved ergonomics enhance daily usability.
Practicality is not a strong suit, however. The coupe offers just 12.2 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Roadster drops to only 7 cubic feet. Yet practicality is hardly the deciding factor for most Aston Martin buyers.
Design and Customization
The 2026 Vantage Coupe remains unmistakably Aston Martin. Its sleek proportions, low stance, and aggressive grille carry forward the brand’s design heritage while introducing enough refinement to keep the look fresh. With ground clearance of just 3.7 inches, the Vantage looks planted and ready to move even when standing still.
Customization plays a central role in ownership. Buyers can choose special paint colors, black winged badges, colored brake calipers, and unique graphics. The Q division offers truly bespoke interiors, with one package costing more than $13,000. For those who want their car to stand apart, the options list provides nearly endless opportunities to personalize.
Price and Ownership
Pricing for the 2026 Vantage starts at $191,000 for the coupe, $200,000 for the Roadster, and $250,000 for the high-performance S Coupe. Fully optioned examples can approach $300,000. Aston Martin includes a three-year, unlimited-mileage warranty with roadside assistance, but the brand does not provide complimentary scheduled maintenance, which some competitors do.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The new Vantage delivers thundering V-8 power, thrilling rear-wheel-drive handling, and a design that is as stunning as it is timeless. The addition of the Roadster expands its appeal, offering open-air motoring without sacrificing performance. The biggest drawback is the absence of a manual transmission, something enthusiasts have long hoped would return. Cargo space is also limited, and the price rises quickly with customization.
Competition
The 2026 Vantage competes directly with the Mercedes-AMG GT63 and the Porsche 911 Turbo. Each of these cars brings a unique flavor: the Porsche offers unmatched precision, the AMG emphasizes brute force, and the Aston Martin delivers artistry and individuality wrapped in extraordinary performance.
The 2026 Aston Martin Vantage Coupe and Roadster embody everything that makes grand touring cars special: speed, luxury, and character. With a stronger V-8 engine, improved technology, sharper handling, and more safety features, the Vantage is once again a serious contender among the world’s most desirable sports cars.
For drivers who want more than just a machine—for those who want a statement—the Vantage remains one of the most compelling options in its class. It is not the cheapest, nor the most practical, but it is unmistakably Aston Martin: powerful, beautiful, and built for those who drive with passion.
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