What impact does the 2018 Vantage’s AMG engine have on the “Aston Martin-ness” of the car?

Question

But the decision to drop the long standing Aston Martin tradition of using engines developed in house to power the 2018 Aston Martin Vantage in favor of a Mercedes-AMG sourced 4.0-liter twin turbo V8 was a big one. This has caused much debate among enthusiasts and purists about whether this change lessens the car’s very Aston Martin-ness, its ineffable something that makes an Aston Martin unique. Some will say that AMG powertrain adds much needed reliability and performance to the table, others will say that it takes away the bespoke character of the Vantage. How does this AMG heart fit with Aston Martin's heritage and brand identity? The engine noise, the power delivery, the feel of the engine itself are a huge part of a sports car's personality. Do Aston's engineers tune and integrate the engine enough to differentiate it from the Mercedes counterparts? Finally, does the end result achieve the emotional experience expected from an Aston Martin?

@animesh-ch · Accepted Answer

I would say so, I think it looks better now, then at launch. At first, it was a bit shocking, but after some getting used to, the design's brilliance becomes apparent. It's aging like fine wine.

@vivek-kuma · Answer

It is still striking in design, but it is very much of its time. It’s not timeless the way a DB5 or even the previous Vantage is. Within another 5 years, it could already begin to seem dated.

@piyush-pah · Answer

It's a mixed bag. The rear end and overall silhouette still look great, however. Reasons why, however, is the fact that you can see where this design language originated through the eighties, and the front end is beginning to feel past its sell by date in comparison to newer Astons.

@krishna-bo · Answer

From the owner’s point of view, I can say it’s still getting tons of attention. It was so forward thinking that it looks fresh today. It has aged much better than many of its contemporaries.

@pallavi-sa · Answer

I think it is one of the modern classics. When it was launched, it was controversial but it is now seen as a pivotal design that took Aston into a new era. One of their best looking cars will be remembered.

@gaurav-ver · Answer

It is starting to show its age a bit I think. The front grille in particular feels very "2018" now. It surely is still a beautiful car but doesn't have the perennial air of some older Astons.

@kuldeep-te · Answer

It has aged incredibly well as a design. Compared to some of the more conservative designs from other manufacturers, it still looks futuristic and aggressive. Even in 2025, it is a true head turner.

@sourabh-ku · Answer

I actually like the AMG engine. It never compromised the character of the Vantage, but it gives the Vantage performance it always deserved. Aston's tuning makes it feel distinctive enough to satisfy all but the hardest diehard purists.

@deepak-kum · Answer

The engine is good, but the transmission really changes the character. The old Sportshift was clunky with a bit of personality. The new ZF auto is smooth but generic feeling.

@mansi-upad · Answer

As an Aston fan for years, I was turned off by the AMG engine. However, after driving the new Vantage, I am convinced. Only it has that Aston magic with a modern twist.

@shubham-ag · Answer

I think it's a non-issue. The engine is integrated well by Aston, and the whole thing still feels very much an Aston Martin. While the character may be sacrificed, the performance and reliability greatly surpass any of that loss.

@rahul-kanj · Answer

I can say as an owner that Aston experience is not taken away by AMG engine in any way. Aston has thoroughly reworked it and, unlike AMG products, it has its own power delivery and sound. Also, the reliability is a big plus.

@shubham-ag · Answer

I miss the old Aston V8. Objectively speaking, the AMG engine will be better, but the old Vantages had that special something that set them apart. There is something diluted about the soul of the car.

@prem-shank · Answer

The AMG engine is a massive step up. It is more powerful, more reliable and yet sounds great. Aston tuned it to have its own character and I think they hit it. It is an Aston, through and through.

What impact does the 2018 Vantage’s AMG engine have on the “Aston Martin-ness” of the car?

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