If there’s one thing luxury automakers have figured out, it’s that no matter how beautiful your coupe might be, there will always be a buyer willing to pay more to remove the roof. Six months after reviving the Vanquish name with a stunning 824-horsepower V12 coupe, Aston Martin has obliged drop-top enthusiasts with the Vanquish Volante – and miracle of miracles, they’ve managed not to ruin the gorgeous lines in the process.
While we wouldn’t go as far to say it’s the better-looking of the two Vanquish variants (the coupe is already one of the most beautiful cars on the planet) – it’s certainly a stunner. What makes the Volante’s design achievement even more impressive is that it doesn’t sacrifice an ounce of the performance that makes the hardtop Vanquish special. This is no sunshine cruiser – it’s a legitimate 214-mph supercar that just happens to let you work on your tan.
Vanquish With a View
Let’s start with what makes this version special: that folding fabric roof. Aston calls it a “K-fold” design, and it can disappear in just 14 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph. More impressively, the company’s engineers have managed to create a convertible mechanism with a stack height of just 10.2 inches, allowing the roof to tuck neatly behind the seats without disrupting the car’s flowing lines.
When up, the acoustically enhanced soft top promises nearly the same thermal insulation and quietness as the coupe – though with the optional titanium exhaust, we’d imagine most owners will spend as much time as possible with the roof down, letting that V12 soundtrack fill the cabin.
The rear deck has been subtly redesigned compared to the coupe, ditching the integrated ducktail spoiler for a cleaner look that’s arguably more elegant. The overall visual effect is a car that’s all muscle and grace – like a tailored suit on an Olympic sprinter.
The Most Powerful Front-Engine Convertible on Earth
Under that long, sculpted hood sits the same twin-turbocharged 5.2-liter V12 found in the coupe. With 824 horsepower and a whopping 738 pound-feet of torque, it’s currently the most powerful front-engined production car you can buy – hardtop or convertible.
Despite adding 209 pounds of chassis reinforcement to maintain structural rigidity (bringing weight somewhere north of 4,300 pounds), the Volante sacrifices surprisingly little performance. The 0-62 mph sprint takes just 3.4 seconds – merely two-tenths behind the coupe – and the top speed remains an astonishing 214 mph, making this the fastest front-engined convertible in the world, edging out the Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider by 3 mph.
The power flows to the rear wheels through an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission mounted at the back of the car for better weight distribution.
Surprisingly Sharp Handler
Convertibles traditionally sacrifice some driving dynamics in exchange for open-air thrills, but Aston Martin claims the Vanquish Volante’s structure is 75 percent stiffer than the old DBS Superleggera Volante it replaces. The suspension – multi-link front and rear with adaptive Bilstein DTX dampers – has been specifically retuned to account for the extra weight and slightly different weight distribution.
The same drive modes from the coupe carry over (GT, Sport, and Sport+), as do the four stability control settings (On, Track, Off, and Wet), giving drivers options to tailor the car’s behavior to their skill level and the conditions. Massive carbon ceramic brakes handle stopping duties and save 60 pounds of unsprung weight compared to steel units.
While the handling might not be quite as razor-sharp as the coupe, the Volante’s longer wheelbase (3.15 inches longer than the DB12) combined with the specifically developed 21-inch Pirelli P Zero tires should still make for a surprisingly capable corner carver – especially for something that weighs as much as a small SUV.
A Cockpit Worthy of the Price Tag
Inside, the Vanquish Volante is practically identical to the coupe, which is a very good thing. Two 10.25-inch digital displays handle instrument and infotainment duties, but Aston Martin has wisely kept physical controls for the most important functions. The horizontal center console creates an airy, spacious feeling that’s enhanced when the roof is down.
Standard Sport Plus seats provide a good balance of comfort and support, but those planning more spirited driving can opt for the carbon fiber Performance Seats. One thoughtful touch is the sculpted cross brace behind the seats that creates storage areas – perfect for the optional leather luggage set that probably costs more than your first car.
Aston Martin’s materials and craftsmanship continue to impress, with beautiful quilting patterns on the seats and a chrome “horizon line” that stretches across the dashboard. Unlike so many modern cars that try to wow with technology, the Vanquish Volante impresses more with its tactile quality and attention to detail.
Spec Sheet
Model Year: 2026
Brand: Aston Martin
Model: Vanquish Volante
Engine: Twin-turbocharged 5.2L V12
Horsepower: 824 HP
Torque: 738 FT-LBs
Transmission: 8-speed ZF automatic (rear transaxle)
Top Speed: 214 MPH
0-62 MPH Time: 3.4 seconds
Weight Increase: 209 lbs over coupe
Roof Operation: 14 seconds to open, 16 seconds to close (up to 31 MPH)
Production Limit: Fewer than 1,000 Vanquish models (coupe and Volante) per year
Price: Estimated $460,000+
Pricing & Availability
Aston Martin hasn’t officially announced pricing yet, but based on the premium the DB12 Volante commands over its coupe sibling, we’re expecting the Vanquish Volante to start around $460,000 – slightly undercutting its closest rival, the Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider. First deliveries are scheduled for the third quarter of 2025, and while Aston hasn’t specified production numbers for the Volante specifically, they’ve confirmed that total Vanquish production (coupe and convertible combined) will be limited to fewer than 1,000 units per year.
Recap
2026 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante
The 2026 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante combines the coupe’s magnificent 824-hp twin-turbo V12 with open-top excitement, matching its 214-mph top speed while sacrificing just two-tenths in acceleration – all wrapped in a package that might be even more beautiful than the hardtop version.
