2020 Aston Martin Vantage

The Aston's looks don't give a far-fetched idea of the car's capabilities. On a twisty road, you can actually read the Vantage’s movements. However, the adaptive suspension doesn’t save the driver from harsh road bumps. The potent twin-turbo V8 provides 503 hp and 505 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. Though the power doesn't sound like much, it is the interior that lets you know why James Bond prefers this over a Jag. It is plush, well-built, and is snug just right to let you feel every aspect of a drive without causing too much discomfort.

Its agile handling brings the Vantage in direct competition with cars like McLaren 570GT, Audi R8, and the coveted Mercedes-AMG GT. While the Audi and McLaren are the more powerful rivals, it is the Merc that comes close to the performance-luxury balance so wonderfully possessed by the Vantage. It is not a surprise since both cars boast similar engines, interior, and technology features.

The 2020 Aston Martin Vantage coupe comes in one trim featuring the AMG-tuned Bi-turbo 4.0 L V8 engine. The engine is mated to an 8-Speed automatic transmission. The engine resides on the front of the car while it's power is transmitted to the rear wheels giving it a central balance. The Vantage comes with a multitude of standard features like the adaptive suspension, parking assist, and more than a dozen interior options.

Trim	Aston Martin Vantage coupe
MSRP (Automatic)	$149,995
Key Features	Lightweight seats with ten-way electrical adjustment
	High-Intensity Discharge headlamps
	160-Watt Aston Martin audio system with six-CD autochanger
	Integrated Apple iPod connector 5
	Full-grain leather interior or full-grain leather and Alcantara interior finish
	Piano Black fascia trim, center stack, and door pulls
	Alcantara-trimmed sports steering wheel with Black airbag ring
	Memory seats and exterior mirrors
	Leather sports steering wheel

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The Aston Martin Vantage doesn't come with multiple trim levels as such. But there are endless options you can choose from. It spans from the alloy wheel design to the stitching color on the upholstery. The Aston Martin has tried new funky colors on the Vantage this time, you might want to check them out.

"Gorgeous and supremely athletic, the Vantage is the entry-level Aston Martin, if there's such a thing. But there's nothing basic about this stunning British sports car, with its looks to kill." -Car and Driver

Engine and Transmission

Vantage is raw and instinctive, unwavering in its singular purpose: to overwhelm the senses through its world-renowned design, agile performance, and dedicated craftsmanship. Its heart beats with a high powered 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8, producing that visceral Aston Martin roar while packing in 503 horsepower and 505 lb-ft of torque. A rare breed and a statement of independence on the road, Vantage embodies all that is beautiful in our performance sports car range.

The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The shifts are smooth and the transmission can be tuned for street or track driving. A manual could do a lot more for those looking to get more out of the car. Sadly, that is not available as an option. Even with the missed opportunity, the Vantage can impress anyone with its powertrain specs.

Models	Aston Martin Vantage Coupe	Mercedes AMG GT Coupe	Audi R8 Coupe	McLaren 570GT
MSRP	$149,995	$111,200	$162,900	$198,950
Engine	4.0L Twin-Turbo V8	4.0L Twin-Turbo V8	5.2L FSI V10	3.8L Twin-Turbo V8
Transmission	8-Speed ZF Automatic	7-Speed AMG Speedshift Automatic	7-Speed S-Tronic Automatic	7-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic
Horsepower	503 hp	469 hp	540 hp	562 hp
Torque	505 lb-ft	465 lb-ft	398 lb-ft	443 lb-ft

The harsh competition in the sports car territory is too tight to compete in, even the strongest contenders crumble. Similarly, the Vantage's 503 hp power is overwhelmed by the competition. The McLaren 570GT leads the charge with 562 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. Its dual-clutch automatic transmission is also a work of art, much superior to the Vantage, at least. The Merc is the only one with lower power output, but also at a lower price tag.

Acceleration

Propelling on high speeds the Vantage sounds like the DB11 singing a high note. The spirited 3.2-second acceleration clearly shows the German guts on this British car. Honestly, to get the full taste of the Vantage's power you have to hit the tracks. The acceleration is lively and there is minimal lag from the turbochargers once you press down the pedal. The Vantage easily lets you get over the fact that it comes up four cylinders short because there is just no lack of thrill.

Models	Aston Martin Vantage Coupe	Mercedes AMG GT Coupe	Audi R8 Coupe	McLaren 570GT
0-60 MPH	3.5 sec	3.7 sec	3.5 sec	2.9 sec
Quarter mile	11.6 sec	11.9 sec	10.6 sec	10.8 sec
Engine Displacement	4.0L	4.0L	5.2L	3.8L
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	9.63	8.56	9.49	10.58

Through the 3.5-second acceleration is impressive but the rivals are more athletic and faster than the Vantage. The McLaren 570GT's 2.9-second performance creates a benchmark for the lot. The Vantage and the R8 tie in for a 0-60 sprint, but the Audi's exceptional Quattro AWD system grants it better traction, which lets it beat the Aston Martin in a quarter-mile drag race.

Braking

Brakes on the Vantage are good enough to endure heavy track racing. The 3700 curb weight makes it less competitive than the other performance coupes in this segment. Equipping the Vantage with carbon-ceramic brakes makes you do wonders around the track. The travel is not as much as you would get in an Audi, though the bite feels well up to par to keep the car in control at all times.

Model	Aston Martin Vantage Coupe	Mercedes AMG GT Coupe	Audi R8 Coupe	McLaren 570GT
Brake Front (in.)	15.7	14.2	14.4	14.6
Brake Rear (in.)	14.2	14.2	14.0	13.8
Curb Weight (lbs.)	3700	3560	3649	3296
60-0 MPH (ft.)	105	96.0	103	95

The extra weight that the Vantage carries in its body does reflect in its performance. It stops from 60 mph within 105 feet. It is impressive yet not enough to match other performance coupes in this segment. The AMG GT and 570GT gain the best advantage due to bigger discs and a lighter chassis.

Ride and Handling

Driving a Vantage reminds a lot of an AMG GT. However, the benign balance is the mastermind of its handling. The settings for the engine and transmission are separated from that of the suspension. So, you can have the engine in one mode and the suspension in the other. With endless possibilities of drive mode combinations, a driver can actually personalize his driving experience on the Vantage.

The squared steering might not share the same feel as the McLaren's pinpoint steering wheel but is aplomb enough for tricky roads and track racing. The strong paddle shifters on the Vantage are possibly the best on the market. The shifts are smooth and responsive on track. An electro-mechanical rear differential ensures maximum stability of tires around corners. The Vantage goes only where you want it to.

The Vantage's V8 is often confused with those thirsty sports car engines but it's not. It gives out an impressive fuel economy of 18 mpg for city and 25 mpg for highway. This, combined with a 19.5-gallon fuel tank, grants a decent range to the Vantage and enables it to easily be the car of choice if you want a luxurious grand tourer.

Model	Aston Martin Vantage Coupe	Mercedes AMG GT Coupe	Audi R8 Coupe	McLaren 570GT
MPG (city)	18	16	14	16
MPG (highway)	25	22	22	23
MPG (combined)	21	18	17	19

The Vantage's 21 mpg combined mileage is more than enough for the market. The competitors bring speed but lack efficiency. The Audi R8 sits at the lower end of the spectrum with an EPA-rated 17 mpg combined. Other rivals don't fare much better, either. The McLaren 570GT comes the closest, though its smaller fuel tank shortens its driving range even more.

"In a check-box comparison, the new Brit surpasses the German in almost every performance benchmark -- and the Vantage's interior is particularly more premium in materials and craftsmanship." -Kelley Blue Book

Seating and Comfort

The distinctive cockpit feel of the interior is one of absolute focus and functionality. A lower driving position creates a more immersive experience, intimately connecting the driver with the car and the road ahead. The interior can be customized with the owner's own choice of leather, Alcantara, or a mixture of both. There are more than a dozen unique color schemes, so it is quite possible you can build a custom Aston Martin Vantage that is not shared by anyone in the world.

The seats are quite comfortable and offer a lot of electronic adjustments, from side-bolsters to lumbar support. The seats have heating, ventilation, and memory features to optimize comfort for longer cruises. The interior panels have auto-dimming ambient lighting to make it more soothing to drive. The build quality is immaculate, as you would expect from an Aston. All that's left is a pop-open gun rack and ejector seats.

Model	Aston Martin Vantage Coupe	Mercedes AMG GT Coupe	Audi R8 Coupe	McLaren 570GT
Passenger capacity	2	2	2	2
Weight Distribution(F/R)	50/50	47/53	42/58	43/57

Infotainment

Apart from the engine, the Vantage also received the spur for a similar 8-inch infotainment system but sadly the Vantage features Mercedes old COMAND infotainment system. The trackpad is stretched a little bit more and the rotary dial is a little heavier than the usual. Apple CarPlay comes standard but the Android users are left to improvise. Some other infotainment features include:

• Bluetooth Audio Streaming
• USB Port
• AUX Input Jack
• 6-speaker Aston Martin Audio System
• AM/FM/HD Radio
• Satellite Navigation

Cargo volume

Unlocking the tailgate is only possible through the key, there is no button or sensor that does it for you. Also, it's a little heavy and might require extra effort to lift up. However, the cargo space on the Vantage is enough for a sports car which can be extended through a foldable partition. The small-item storage is good enough as well. There are clever compartment placements all throughout the cockpit and the side pockets can easily hold all kinds of beverages. 

Model	Aston Martin Vantage Coupe	Mercedes AMG GT Coupe	Audi R8 Coupe	McLaren 570GT
Cargo Volume (ft.3)	10.6	10.1	8.0	13.1

No one takes a Vantage to buy groceries, so don't expect a lot of space. The 10.6 cubic feet space is enough to carry the utility kit and a small bag. That's about it. Still, it is better than most other performance coupes in this segment. The Audi R8, which is supposed to be the 'sensible supercar', holds mere 8 cubic feet of cargo. The McLaren 570GT has the biggest trunk with 13.1 cubic feet of storage space, though its edgy design makes it difficult to store any luggage effectively.

"Getting down to the vehicle architecture, Aston delivers a top-notch body-in-white. The tub is all aluminum, and the exterior panels are a mix of composites, aluminum, and carbon fiber, with no steel to feel." -Motor Trend

Dimensions and Weight

Like the archetypal hunter, everything has been finely tuned for a purpose. Sculptural forms create an athletic predatory stance, while muscular flanks and broad haunches express the agility and dynamism inherent to the car. There are plenty of details added to enhance the aerodynamics like the large splitter, rear diffuser, new side grills and more.

The Aston Martin Vantage is a 175.8 inch long, 76.4 inches wide, and 50.1 inches tall. For taller people getting in might feel awkward but from the inside, the cabin feels amply spaced and obstruction-less.

Model	Aston Martin Vantage Coupe	Mercedes AMG GT Coupe	Audi R8 Coupe	McLaren 570GT
Curb weight (lbs.)	3700	3560	3649	3296
Length(in)	175.8	179.0	174.3	178.4
Width(in)	76.4	76.3	76.4	82.5
Height(in)	50.1	50.7	48.8	47.3
Wheelbase (in)	106.5	103.5	104.4	105.1
Track width (in) F/R	62.0/62.6	66.1/65.0	64.5/63.0	65.9/63.7

The signature ultra-slim rear light graphic illuminates the full-width of the tailgate, accentuated by the flick in the Vantage's tail. It provocatively expresses the car's animalistic character in what is set to become an iconic symbol of performance. Nevertheless, as far as style goes, nothing comes close to the McLaren 570GT. Its sharp edges and peculiar front fascia make a statement about its capabilities even a child wouldn't miss.

Low production sports coupes like the 2020 Aston Martin Vantage don't get crash-tested by any federal authority. It is just not economically feasible to ram such beautiful works of art to the wall just because some suit would want some data. In spite of that, you can rest easy within the cabin knowing that the VH chassis will protect you during any potential crash. It has an aluminum-intensive structure and well-placed crumple zones to absorb most of the impact.

If you are looking for something to protect the elegant body of the car in the first place, well, you might as well look into the mirror. Unlike a Merc, there are not a lot of driver aids or advanced safety systems to prevent a collision. It is the sole responsibility of the driver to keep the Vantage from dangerous situations. A few 

Safety Features

• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
• Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning
• Electrically adjustable sports seats with side airbags
• Dual-stage driver/passenger front airbags
• Airbag Occupancy Sensor
• 360-degree Surround-View Camera
• Front and Rear Parking Sensors
• Outboard Front Safety Belts Including Pretensioners

Aston Martin Vantage vs. Mercedes-Benz AMG GT

Although both of these coupes have practically the same engine, their characters are poles apart. The GT is a raucous beast with 9 modes of traction control to tame it, while the Vantage is much more controllable through the corners. Compared to the Merc, the hood of the Vantage isn't as long, and the shorter stature makes the handling more nimble and agile. The Aston Martin Vantage is a luxurious car but doesn't offer as many features as the Mercedes-Benz. It's for you to decide if you want a more powerful and nimble car or a quality cruiser. Choosing between these two is one of the toughest decisions you'll face.

Aston Martin Vantage vs. Audi R8 Coupe

The Audi R8 is known for its flamboyant design and the V10's gurgle. Priced over $150,000 you get 40 more ponies but this power is too crude. On the other hand, the Vantage is lighter, more agile, and drivable than the R8, but lacks the power to make it go faster. Additionally, the R8's Quattro AWD grants it a batter track performance as well. The R8's cabin is more comfortable and infotainment more easy to use. The price difference is not that much and, after factoring in the power and performance, the R8 gets 2 P's right.

Aston Martin Vantage vs. McLaren 570GT

The McLaren 570 GT is the quickest car in the lot. Its impressive 2.8-second acceleration is enough to win any race any day of the week. It is offered with more power but at a hefty price. The Vantage is not as powerful but comes with a lot of features for a lower price tag. This could have been a gentlemen's fight but the Vantage is a deal you can't afford to lose. It has better features and fuel economy than the McLaren. Its track worthiness and agility is more than enough to please any petrolhead.

As Aston Martin quotes, the 2020 Vantage is a predator. The Vantage's resume exudes amazing handling, commendable dexterity and enough power to back its claims. Though the car is drivable on normal roads its true potential is unleashed on the tracks. However, the infotainment lacks the necessary features and isn't that user-friendly. So, the Anglo-German collaboration delivers a perfect car for this price.

2020 Aston Martin Vantage Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

How fast is the Aston Martin Vantage?

The Aston Martin Vantage can achieve 60 mph from a standstill in 3.5 seconds. It can do a quarter-mile run in 11.6 seconds and possess a top speed of 195 mph.

Who manufactures Aston Martin Vantage engines?

All V8 engines on the Aston Martin Vantage are supplied by Mercedes-AMG. Mercedes also supplies several powertrain components and the COMAND infotainment system for the Vantage.

Is Aston Martin Vantage a supercar?

Aston Martin categorizes its entry-level coupe as a strict sports car. Although, its high-performance specs make a strong case that the Vantage is indeed a supercar.

Why do Aston Martins depreciate so fast?

Most Aston Martins use low-production parts that are very difficult to get a hold of after a few years of halting the car's production. Thus, it costs less to buy a new car than to seek out major replacement components, which in turn depreciate the car at a quicker pace than regular performance coupes.