2024 Aston Martin Vantage Review: A Revamped Icon
The 2024 Aston Martin Vantage is a compelling sportscar that offers a blend of power, style, and history. The Vantage name, over 70 years old, has been synonymous with Aston Martin’s sportscar lineage. The previous generation, launched in 2018, didn’t fully resonate with enthusiasts due to its polarizing design, middling power, and outdated interior. However, the new Vantage is a significant leap forward, making it a noteworthy contender in the sportscar segment.
Exterior Design
The 2024 Vantage has undergone a substantial design overhaul, making it more conventionally attractive. The front end, inspired by the DB12, features larger headlamps with new six-LED signatures and Matrix tech, a larger grille, and sculpted bonnet. The bumper, with vertical air curtains, pays homage to the One-77 supercar. The car retains its classic side strake design for air turbulence management. The rear design remains mostly unchanged, except for a revised diffuser and enhanced underbody aero that generates 77kg of downforce at speed. The new 21-inch wheels and delicate wing mirrors, shared with the DB12, complete the aggressive look.
Interior and Features
Inside, the Vantage has a driver-focused cabin with a new “waterfall” central console featuring crafted buttons and switches. The new 10.25-inch touchscreen, developed in-house, is mirrored by a digital driver’s display. Though stylish, the graphics are small and can be hard to read on the move. The seats range from soft ‘Comfort’ seats to minimally padded ‘Performance’ carbon-fibre buckets, with the mid-range ‘Sports’ seats offering the best mix of comfort and support. Storage space is minimal but adequate, with slim door pockets, cup holders, and a new glove box.
Performance
The Vantage’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 from Mercedes-AMG now delivers 665hp, a 30% increase, positioning it above the Porsche 911 Turbo S and Ferrari Roma. The car offers Sport, Sport+, and Track modes, with no relaxed ‘GT’ mode like the DB12. The new ZF 8-speed transaxle gearbox enhances throttle responsiveness, making the Vantage more aggressive yet manageable. On road, Sport+ mode is ideal, providing adrenaline-pumping performance with a safety net, while Track mode is best reserved for the circuit.
Ride and Handling
The Vantage’s chassis improvements, including increased width, additional cross bracing, and new Bilstein DTX adaptive dampers, make it more agile and reactive. The 50:50 weight distribution and front-mid-engine layout enhance driving dynamics. On the track, the Vantage can feel its 1,745kg weight, and the steering, though quick, lacks the precision of a Porsche 911. However, it remains engaging and thrilling, especially in Sport+ mode. The ride is firm, and the lack of a GT mode and standard 21-inch wheels can make for a less refined experience on rough surfaces.
Price and Verdict
Priced at Rs 3.99 crore (ex-showroom, before options), the Vantage is more expensive than its traditional rivals and close to the DB12. However, the Vantage distinguishes itself with a focused, dramatic driving experience. It offers 95% of the DB12’s capabilities at a lower price, making it the more charismatic and fun sportscar. Despite being the “baby” of the range, the 2024 Vantage proves to be a strong and enticing option for enthusiasts.
