The 2025 Aston Martin Vantage Roadster has finally been unveiled, but despite the fanfare, it leaves a lingering question: Is it all flash and no substance? Aston Martin has long been synonymous with luxury and performance, yet this latest offering feels more like an exercise in aesthetics than a true leap forward in engineering.
On the surface, the Vantage Roadster certainly makes an impression. Its sleek lines, aggressive stance, and open-top design ooze style, capturing the quintessential Aston Martin charm. But beneath the gorgeous exterior lies a car that struggles to justify its premium price tag. While the Vantage Roadster may look the part, its performance credentials tell a less impressive story.
At its heart, the Roadster is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine—an AMG-sourced powerplant that’s been a staple of recent Aston models. Producing 528 horsepower, it’s certainly not lacking in power, but it’s also far from groundbreaking in today’s performance car landscape. Competitors in this segment are delivering more powerful and sophisticated drivetrains, leaving the Vantage Roadster feeling a step behind.
The transmission, an eight-speed automatic, is another point of contention. While smooth and refined, it lacks the razor-sharp responsiveness that driving enthusiasts crave. In a car with such sporty aspirations, the gearbox feels like a missed opportunity to inject some real excitement into the driving experience. Add to this a curb weight of over 1600kg, and the Roadster’s agility takes a noticeable hit.
Handling is competent but uninspiring. The chassis, while balanced, doesn’t deliver the kind of engagement or feedback that one might expect from a car in this category. Aston Martin touts the Vantage Roadster as a driver’s car, yet it struggles to deliver the visceral thrills that define its competitors. This is particularly disappointing given the brand’s storied history of creating dynamic and exhilarating machines.
The interior, while luxurious, also fails to impress when scrutinized. High-quality materials and bespoke detailing are present, as expected, but the design feels dated and overly familiar. Aston Martin has done little to address criticisms of its infotainment system, which remains clunky and unintuitive. In an era where tech integration is crucial, the Vantage Roadster falls short, especially when compared to the seamless systems offered by rivals like Porsche and McLaren.
Then there’s the price. Starting at an eye-watering figure, the Vantage Roadster demands a significant premium over competitors that arguably deliver more for less. When you’re paying this much for a car, you’re not just buying a vehicle—you’re buying an experience. And while the Vantage Roadster offers a certain level of exclusivity, it doesn’t deliver the kind of all-encompassing package that justifies its cost.
Aston Martin’s reputation for craftsmanship and heritage remains intact, but the 2025 Vantage Roadster feels like a car that’s leaning too heavily on past glories. It’s as if the brand is more concerned with preserving its image than pushing boundaries or setting new benchmarks. This conservative approach might appeal to die-hard Aston Martin fans, but it risks alienating a new generation of buyers looking for innovation and value.
Ultimately, the 2025 Aston Martin Vantage Roadster is a mixed bag. It’s undeniably beautiful and boasts the kind of presence that turns heads wherever it goes. But beauty can only take you so far in a segment defined by performance, technology, and driving dynamics. If Aston Martin wants to remain competitive in an increasingly crowded market, it needs to do more than rely on good looks and heritage. For now, the Vantage Roadster feels like a car that’s stuck in neutral, unable to fully live up to the legacy it represents.