Should You Upgrade to the 2025 Aston Martin Vantage?

[VantageHead]

Folks may be interested to read my article (published today on Dan Thorpe’s ‘Fuel the Passion’ Aston-related website) describing the journey that I embarked on last January, deciding whether (or not) to upgrade my 2019 Vantage to a new 2025 model.

https://www.fuel-the-passion.co.uk/ftp-featured-ar...

Whilst written with a Vantage upgrade in mind, it could be seen as pertinent advice for anyone seeking to upgrade to one of the latest model cars.

Hoping that some folks will find the article helpful and maybe contain some nuggets of information of advice that could be useful.

I’d also recommend Dan’s website (and his YouTube channel - ‘Fuel the Passion’ - https://youtube.com/@fuelthepassion?si=-nMd912dRNj...) for all items Aston-related. He writes a weekly update and produces many featured articles (recent ones include ‘Astons & theft’ and ‘headlight condensation issues in a 2019 Vantage’). Dan also produced a series of videos for AMOC summarising 90th year anniversary events in 2025 as well as other Aston, AMOC and AMHT event videos.

Hope the article is interesting & useful.

[AlexT]

Hi Dan,

Thanks for the article. I had a few initial software bugs also but (fingers crossed) with software version 913.21.78 they have been solved....what software are you on for reference?

Couple of remaining issues:

1. The interior light delay option in the settings has been 'greyed out' so it can't be set - lights go out immediately you close the door- not sure if you have this??

2. And also with an intermittent click from the rear axle when rapidly applying full throttle - do you have this issue as I heard it is common with Astons? The dealer lubricated the driveshaft as below which improved it by about 90% but it still does it on occassion:



A non-issue but I wish you could set Psi instead of Kpa for the tyre pressure display.

Agreed - I've always said the ride quality is absolutely fine.

My first Aston this one....I was close to buying the previous generation but waited. Glad I did. I really wanted a 'supercar' that was comfortable and luxurious with somewhat understated looks that I could spec freely and Aston delivered. I concur with your review - the car is brilliant!

[VantageHead]

AlexT said:

Hi Dan,

Thanks for the article. I had a few initial software bugs also but (fingers crossed) with software version 913.21.78 they have been solved....what software are you on for reference?

Couple of remaining issues:

1. The interior light delay option in the settings has been 'greyed out' so it can't be set - lights go out immediately you close the door- not sure if you have this??

2. And also with an intermittent click from the rear axle when rapidly applying full throttle - do you have this issue as I heard it is common with Astons? The dealer lubricated the driveshaft as below which improved it by about 90% but it still does it on occassion:



A non-issue but I wish you could set Psi instead of Kpa for the tyre pressure display.

Agreed - I've always said the ride quality is absolutely fine.

My first Aston this one....I was close to buying the previous generation but waited. Glad I did. I really wanted a 'supercar' that was comfortable and luxurious with somewhat understated looks that I could spec freely and Aston delivered. I concur with your review - the car is brilliant!

Hi Alex - George here (Dan s hosting the article that I wrote).

Looks like my firmware may be later version, however interior light option greyed out also. Can t say I d noticed as it s not a setting that I realised I had or would be interested in changing - I m actually pleased that the lights turn off immediately as it reduces battery strain, and lets me know that the car is fully off when I lock & leave it..




I don t experience the clicking at the rear on my car, and agree it would be nice to change kpa to psi, but again, not a big issue - I had far larger issues to resolve (that have been cured by the recent upgrade) such as screens turning off randomly and CarPlay dropping every 3 minutes. All sorted now though.

Hope you are otherwise enjoying your new car, and thanks for your feedback & comments.

Edited by VantageHead on Sunday 1st March 17:22

[EVR]

Thanks, will read it gladly. I bought a 2019 model 6 months ago, so I am not in the market. But I like to think that in my future there will be a DBS Superleggera or maybe another Vantage, of course 2025+ model this time.

[Jay_Davis]

I am in the process of doing the same, going from a 2020 to a 2025 Vantage. So I will find out how it goes starting later this week.

One thing that really strikes me from the article is that in the UK you get 5 years of free maintenance. Here in the US we get NONE. Ferrari gives 7, McLaren gives 3, but NONE is a real negative.

I just scanned through the new 2025 manual to get familiar with the new car and one other difference I noticed from the 2020 to the 2025 is that the 2025 has no internal storage for the audio system. Surprising that a new system can't have something basic like that. My car does have the upgraded audio system so I don't plan on messing with it.

Now, if we could just stop with the snow and ice...

[VantageHead]

Jay_Davis said:

I am in the process of doing the same, going from a 2020 to a 2025 Vantage. So I will find out how it goes starting later this week.

One thing that really strikes me from the article is that in the UK you get 5 years of free maintenance. Here in the US we get NONE. Ferrari gives 7, McLaren gives 3, but NONE is a real negative.

I just scanned through the new 2025 manual to get familiar with the new car and one other difference I noticed from the 2020 to the 2025 is that the 2025 has no internal storage for the audio system. Surprising that a new system can't have something basic like that. My car does have the upgraded audio system so I don't plan on messing with it.

Good to hear from you Jay, and glad that the article was helpful.

I wasn t aware that the US doesn t get the 5 year free servicing. Maybe this could be part of negotiations on the new car (or is it too late)?

Make sure your car has all the latest software/firmware versions, especially if you want to avoid a world of pain.

In terms of audio, the Samsung 512Gb USB C sticks can be picked up cheaply enough and will pack most of the music that you love. When it works well, CarPlay/Android Auto can be used to stream music direct from phone storage or via a music streaming service. I personally use an Astell & Kern digital audio player (DAP) as a music source to feed my after-market audio system.

Be aware that the user manual on the Aston site ( https://www.astonmartin.com/en-gb/owners/owners-gu...) is out of date (refers to a much earlier firmware version).

However, by registering your VIN number on Aston s technical hub ( https://technicalhub.astonmartin.com/login) you ll be able to access the correct version for your car.

Enjoy the new car - let us know how it goes, and definitely post some photos please!

[Jay_Davis]

I know I can plug a USB stick in, it just chews up one of the ports and sticks out, even one of the mini ones, and can break. Of course, the ones I have are USB A, not C, so I need to get a C for this car.

The North American manual they have posted is from June of 2024, so I have no doubt its out of date. But I'm sure the paper copy is no better. Would be nice if they kept the electronic copies up to date. Of course, a good UI would be intuitive and you won't need the manual.

I did get a good deal because its a 2025 and not a 2026, that's why I went for it. Plus the car didn't have any of the tariff fee nonsense on it. But not having any free service is a real competitive disadvantage for Aston here in the states. I'm mean, if McLaren can do it, then...

[AlexT]

Appreciate the reply George. Enjoy!