2026 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante delivers power

The 2026 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante is the biggest and fastest vehicle in the 113-year history of the British carmaker, whose legacy includes more obstacles than James Bond encountered. The convertible versions of the supercar haven’t been as prominent as coupes in the longstanding film series in which Sean Connery, Daniel Craig and others portrayed the debonair protagonist spy. But previous models of the topless sports car had several supporting roles.

Aston Martin roadsters, like all convertibles, are more fun than their coupe counterparts. Negotiating a winding country road with a convertible’s top down encapsulates many of driving’s pleasures.

For Aston Martin enthusiasts, dreams of emulating Mr. Bond could have easily ended several times over the years, as the automaker’s ownership and returns from bankruptcy have included many owners, including several wealthy businessmen, Ford, Kuwaiti conglomerates and Mercedes-Benz. But 62 years after the Aston Martin DB5 was featured in the movie Goldfinger, the brand — in small numbers — is still around.

The new Volante and its gluttonous power set a new legacy for the carmaker. It uses the same twin-turbocharged 5.2-liter V-12 engine as its coupe sibling and contains an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. Drive modes include GT, Sport, Sport+, Wet and Individual.

Aston Martin promotes the roofless Vanquish with a top speed of 214 mph. Poor gas mileage numbers are the norm in supercars, and so is a gas-guzzler tax, with the Vanquish assessed a $1,700 fee. The car’s performance statistics prompt a question: In what nontrack circumstances could such performance levels possibly be necessary?

Reviewing the Vanquish Volante occurred during a recent winter storm and with the vehicle’s top always up. It soon revealed a major shortcoming: Rearview vision is limited to a horizontal slit. With the Aston Martin’s low-profile seating, low-profile tires and tight steering, the driving requires intense concentration.

A second downfall is also quickly apparent thanks to the Vanquish Volante’s wide 21-inch wheels. The low-profile approach may provide better performance, but it also means rubbing on tight turns, especially in reverse. It’s often because of insufficient clearance between the tire and the vehicle’s fenders or suspension components.

The last disappointment: The engine shuts down after a few seconds at stops. As expected, the engine growl is substantial, a welcomed trait for supercar enthusiasts. But the effect is more annoying than pleasing in stop-and-go city driving. Highway driving is smooth and exudes fun. However — driver beware — exceeding speed limits can occur unknowingly.

A long hood, short rear end and handsome angles are the signature Aston Martin exterior appeal. It’s perfectly sculpted. The interior features a short shifter best operated with finesse.

A mid-console button operates the top, reportedly taking 14 seconds to go down and 16 seconds to go up while driving as fast as 31 mph. The convertible function can also be accomplished at close range with the key fob.

Two 10.25-inch displays, one the infotainment center and the other for performance functions, highlight the stylish cabin constructed in high-end materials. Its carbon-fiber components are a $27,400 feature and the most expensive addition among 18 options. The least expensive is a $500 umbrella stored horizontally across the inside of the small trunk.

The 2026 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante attracts attention, important for supercar buyers. But the potential adulation, superior high-end driving and satisfaction of the desire for performance come at a supreme cost. It likely makes sense only to a select few passionate automotive buyers who understand power and beauty come with a cost — and it doesn’t matter. 

Facts & figures

Acceleration: 0-60 mph, 3.3 seconds  

Airbags: 6

Gas mileage: 13 mpg city; 20 mpg highway

Horsepower: 824

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $468,000

Manufacturer’s website: astonmartin.com

Price as reviewed: $644,700

Warranty: Bumper-to-bumper, 3 years/unlimited miles; Powertrain, 3 years/unlimited miles; Corrosion, 8 years/unlimited miles; Emissions, 8 years/80,000 miles

Test drive

Aston Martin, Naples

900 Tamiami Trail N.

naplesluxuryimports.com