Three Distinct Characters
All three feature a front-mounted engine, rear-wheel drive, and the signature long-bonnet silhouette that defines an Aston Martin. Yet, within the current Aston Martin lineup, each occupies a unique position. The Vantage is the pure sports car of the trio, the DB12 blends high performance with the soul of a long-distance tourer, and the Vanquish stands as the definitive V12 flagship.
Vantage
The Vantage is the most compact and agile Aston Martin. It features a short wheelbase, two seats, and a 4.0-litre V8 biturbo delivering 665 bhp in the Vantage and 680 bhp in the Vantage S—remarkable power for a car of these dimensions. The Vantage is engineered to be driven; its chassis, steering, and powertrain are entirely driver-centric. This is evident from the moment you pull away: the car responds instantaneously to every input, providing exceptional feedback through the steering wheel and throttle.
This directness remains present even at a more relaxed pace. Thanks to its compact dimensions, the Vantage feels engaging whether navigating the city, cruising a quiet country road, or arriving at a restaurant. You don’t need to maintain a racing tempo to appreciate that it was built for the pure joy of driving. Every corner, every burst of acceleration, and every stretch of open road gives it purpose, making even the shortest journeys rewarding.
At the same time, the current generation is significantly more refined than its predecessors. The interior is more modern, the technology more advanced, and the comfort levels higher, making longer journeys effortless—a weekend getaway for two is perfectly within its remit. If you seek a true two-seater sports car with a powerful V8 and a character that revolves around the driver, the Vantage is the choice. It is not a smaller DB12, but a car designed from the outset with a different objective. At Aston Martin Hilversum, you can commission yours to a bespoke specification, with colours, materials, and details that reflect your personal style, or select a model from our curated stock.
DB12
Aston Martin introduced the DB12 as the world’s first Super Tourer. With this, the brand aimed to transcend the traditional Grand Tourer, an ambition reflected in the car’s very architecture. Beneath the long bonnet lies a 4.0-litre V8 biturbo producing 680 bhp in the DB12 and 700 bhp in the DB12 S. While this power ensures effortless overtaking, it is paired with a car intended for a very different kind of journey than the Vantage. Upon entering, one immediately notices that composure and space are paramount.
The DB12 features a 2+2 configuration, offering more interior room and a superior level of comfort, making it exceptionally well-suited for long distances. A grand tour across Europe, with a full tank and a route that only concludes at day’s end, is the natural habitat for this car. After a long day of travel, you emerge feeling refreshed rather than fatigued—a rare feat for a car with such immense performance.
This does not mean the DB12 falters when the road begins to wind. It is sufficiently fast and dynamic to provide immense pleasure on narrow, twisting roads; it simply doesn’t feel the need to constantly flaunt its capabilities. This makes it the ideal choice for those who want a single Aston Martin for every occasion: the daily commute, weekend escapes, and holidays to the south. If you wish to combine the performance of a modern Aston Martin with the qualities of a true tourer, look no further. The DB12 is a car you will find yourself wanting to drive often.
Vanquish
The Vanquish is the flagship of the current front-engined range. Beneath its expansive bonnet sits a 5.2-litre V12 biturbo delivering 835 bhp, making it the most powerful series-production front-engined Aston Martin ever created. While the figure is impressive, it only tells part of the story. A V12 delivers power in its own inimitable way: smooth, rich, and effortless, with a reserve of strength that you rarely fully tap into, yet always feel.
This sense of calm is what makes the Vanquish so extraordinary. It combines ultra-high performance with a level of refinement befitting an Aston Martin flagship. At low speeds, it remains perfectly civilised, only revealing the true character of its V12 when prompted. The interior features two seats (with an optional 2+2 configuration) and is finished to the exacting standards expected of the brand’s pinnacle model. Its elongated proportions also make it unmistakably distinct from the other two models.
The Vanquish is neither a successor to the DB12 nor merely a more powerful version of it. It is the model in which Aston Martin converges its V12 heritage, performance, luxury, and exclusivity. Where the Vantage represents the pure sports car experience and the DB12 offers versatility, the Vanquish is the ultimate expression of the front-engined Aston Martin. Should you wish to discover if it suits you, we would be delighted to provide further details.
Experience the Range at Aston Martin Hilversum
Reading about these three masterpieces only tells part of the story. Would you like to experience the differences between the Vantage, DB12, and Vanquish for yourself? We invite you to view these models up close, where we will take the time to determine which model, specification, and personalisation options best align with your requirements. Please contact us via the block below in the manner that suits you best.
