We were given the Aston Martin Vantage S and it’s not just faster it's fully transforming what Aston Martin feels like

The new Aston Martin Vantage S introduces a sharper exterior design and a massive jump in mechanical performance.

This version of the Vantage S makes the most of a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 to deliver 671hp and a 0 to 100 km/h time of just 3.4 seconds.

Engineering updates for this specific Aston Martin focused on increasing chassis stiffness and fixing the throttle lag found in previous models.

These hardware changes suggest the car has moved away from its roots as a comfortable cruiser toward something much more aggressive.

Sharpening the Aston Martin chassis

The main mechanical change for this Aston Martin happens under the back of the car.

Engineers swapped out the usual rubber parts for a solid aluminum frame in the Vantage S.

This connects the gearbox and suspension directly to the chassis, stopping the car from flexing.

Lateral stiffness is up 30 percent compared to older Aston Martin models.

I found that this change makes the rear end feel significantly more anchored when you really lean into a corner.

And there are the adjustable stability and traction control systems, which are standout features.

Even in the rain, I felt completely in control when the back slid out slightly.

The car remains composed, making it easy to guide back into line.

The suspension on the Aston Martin also gets a new tuning to handle the extra performance.

Newer dampers and a stiffer rear bar keep the body flat through corners.

Revised bump stops help the Vantage S stay stable even if the road surface is uneven – these parts work together to make the Aston Martin feel light and agile on technical roads.

On the outside, Aston Martin has used new aero parts to keep the car pressed against the road.

My test car also featured carbon ceramic brakes, which handled competitive braking and heat with zero fade.

In my opinion, every change serves the specific performance goals of the Vantage S project.

Inside, the Aston Martin features high-quality leather and new S branding on the seats.

Refining the Vantage S formula

The release of the Vantage S clarifies the current trajectory of the Aston Martin brand.

This model adopts the same performance-first philosophy seen in the DB12 S and the DBX S.

The interior design is a massive step up with the new native infotainment system, which replaces the old Mercedes software and feels far more modern, even if a few Mercedes touches remain.

I particularly appreciated how they emphasized tactile buttons and scroll wheels alongside the screen.

Being able to feel the controls without taking my eyes off the road makes the car much easier to use while driving.

It would be nice to have a heads-up display, perhaps borrowed from the Mercedes parts bin, but I eventually got used to life without one.

Even the key has a heavy, high-quality feel that reinforces the premium experience.

As a taller driver at six foot three, I did find getting into the car a bit of a challenge. However, once I was inside, the cabin was surprisingly roomy for a car of this size.

Aston Martin kept the seats comfortable rather than using harsh carbon fiber buckets, which meant I could easily spend hours in this car without any fatigue.

The engine sound is fantastic, though the sound dampening is so good you have to open the window to really hear it.

The car includes essential driver assistance like adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist to protect your investment.

My only minor complaint is some jumpiness in the lower gears around town, mostly because the car is so powerful that it sometimes feels a bit eager in traffic.

Once you anticipate those small jumps, though, the car becomes very easy to live with on a daily driver basis.

That said, a front axle lift would be nice for the low splitter, but you quickly learn to navigate around bumps.

All in all, the 2026 Aston Martin Vantage S shows that the manufacturer is listening to its critics.

By making the car stiffer and more responsive, they built a better tool for the road.

It also offers a mechanical experience that is hard to find in newer digital cars, and proves that, as trends change, this Aston Martin remains a great example of a fast and engaging V8 sports car.

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