In Brief
The Aston Martin Vantage Roadster S with 680 horsepower adds a sporty edge to the standard model through subtle technical and styling tweaks, while preserving the car’s core strengths of comfort and versatility. Its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 delivers elite performance, with impressive acceleration and sharper handling thanks to revised suspension and aerodynamics. The luxurious interior benefits from a distinctive Alcantara leather blend and the new Apple CarPlay Ultra system. A high environmental tax adds to the bill, positioning this exclusive roadster against rivals like the Porsche 911 and the Ferrari Amalfi.
In the Aston Martin lineup, the common denominator remains eight cylinders and 680 hp. That is now the power of the “base” Vantage (+15 hp), but also the figure for the new S version tested here. A sportier variant without extra horses?
Aston Martin Vantage Roadster S 680 ch: 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds
That’s Aston Martin’s approach, preferring subtler evolutions to justify the “S” badge and the roughly €5,000 premium. Thus, the throttle map of the AMG-sourced 4.0-liter V8 is retuned for even quicker responses, shaving a tenth of a second off the 0-60 mph time. The result? The courtesy is served! But more importantly, the Gaydon engineers claim improvements to the adaptive Bilstein suspension for sharper front-end feel (camber, toe, and steering geometry tweaked) and a softer rear suspension at low speeds to balance the rigid rear subframe. All of this is aimed at delivering more agility, more sensations, and more control. Visually, the S is recognizable by its new air-extraction vents on the hood and, at the rear, a slim spoiler that adds up to 44 kg of downforce at the car’s top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph).
Aston Martin Vantage Roadster S 680 ch: behind the wheel, the driver feels right at home
Aerodynamic work echoes the front-end and underbody revisions to maximize stability at very high speeds. Inside, the S trim stands out with exclusive leather and Alcantara, adorned with “S” logos. Yet the real customization comes through the brand’s configurator, letting buyers tailor the cockpit, the soft top, and exterior accents—our test car featured Synapse Orange bodywork with contrasting carbon highlights. If you prefer a more restrained look, you can opt for something more discreet as well.
Behind the wheel, you’re instantly at ease, ready to press the imposing Engine Start button. But before waking the loud V8, a few driving-position adjustments help you find the perfect stance and give you time to appreciate the cabin’s meticulous detail. The quality of the leathers, the tactile metal rotary controls, carbon trim, and the clarity of the displays—all top-tier. A notable feature is a new Apple CarPlay Ultra system that integrates the car into Apple’s ecosystem rather than juggling between onboard controls and smartphone apps in standard CarPlay. It can also display information on the instrument cluster, such as the Waze app. Fortunately, traditional physical controls remain; on the broad center console, a host of push-buttons provide direct access to many driving functions (suspension settings, active exhaust, manual mode, etc.). The switch to open the top in a flash—the roof goes down in 6.8 seconds—leaves no time to waste; it’s time to hit the road…
Aston Martin Vantage Roadster S 680 ch: a mechanical roar that neighbors will remember!
As soon as you have space in front of the long hood, the car’s roughly 3,970 lb (about 1,800 kg) weight seems to disappear. With each pull, the 800 Nm of torque from 2,000 rpm pushes harder and harder. The note becomes deeper, the exhaust snarls become lyrical, and the speeds come quickly. The tachometer sweeps to 6,000 rpm where peak power arrives, in a ferocious roar that’s even more audible with the exhaust flaps open. On lift-off, crackling is hard to avoid—many enthusiasts appreciate it. It’s hard to find roads that match the amplitude of this powertrain, which expresses itself in a thunderous mechanical song that neighbors will remember! The chassis remains rigid; the steering is direct, contributing to the car’s agility, the suspension provides excellent comfort, and braking is impressive with optional carbon-ceramic discs—pleasant and easy to manage. This combination invites you to push the pace with rapid gear changes, then settle back for a calm return to the road with a subtle touch of the right foot, confident even on imperfect pavement. The Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tires deliver astonishing progressive grip. Pushing the throttle inevitably affects fuel economy—the test route saw consumption climb toward the upper 30s of liters per 100 kilometers when chasing performance. But once you’re hooked on the car’s enormous potential, with the wind in your hair, who can resist?
The starting price to own this charmer is €215,800 (€204,750 for the coupe), a price fairly competitive in its segment. But beyond the many personalization options, you must add the maximum environmental tax of €80,000, easily pushing the total past €300,000. It’s ready to make a strong impression against Porsche 911s and Ferrari Amalfi in the same category.
Aston Martin Vantage Roadster S 680 ch: the pros?
- Expressive engine
- Stance and presentation
- “Reasonable” premium for the S upgrade
Aston Martin Vantage Roadster S 680 ch: the cons?
- Maximum eco tax
- Same horsepower as base version
- Boisterous crackles at lift-off can overwhelm some
The Auto-Journal verdict: 4/5
This S-badged machine isn’t dramatically different from the base, but it adds a pinch of sportiness that does not detract from its comfort, ease, and versatility. An exceptional driving machine for enthusiasts.
Aston Martin Vantage Roadster S 680 ch: in numbers
Read our Aston Martin Vantage Roadster S 680 hp review in Auto-Journal issue No. 1212, dated June 25, 2026.
Comparison Table
| Model | Power | 0-60 mph | Weight | Price | Eco tax | Top speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aston Martin Vantage Roadster S | 680 hp | 3.5 s | ≈ 1,800 kg | €215,800 | €80,000 | 325 km/h |
| Aston Martin Vantage Coupe | 680 hp | not specified | 1,740 kg | €204,750 | not specified | not specified |
The essentials to remember
- The Vantage Roadster S stands out with 680 hp and a more reactive engine map.
- 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds; weight around 1,800 kg, about 60 kg more than the Coupe.
- Exclusive evolutions: refined Bilstein suspension, S styling touches, new Apple CarPlay Ultra.
- Comfort and perceived quality remain strong points, despite the heightened sportiness.
- The soft top opens in 6.8 seconds; the rear spoiler improves high-speed downforce.
- The base price is €215,800 (+€80,000 eco tax), placing it against Porsche 911s and Ferrari Amalfi.
FAQ
What is the power of the Aston Martin Vantage Roadster S?
The Vantage Roadster S develops 680 horsepower from its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8.
What is the price of the Vantage Roadster S?
The starting price is €215,800, before options and the eco tax.
What are the main changes of the S version?
The S version receives an optimized engine map, revised suspension, a slight gain in agility, and distinctive styling tweaks.
How much does the eco tax cost?
The maximum eco tax is €80,000, to be added to the purchase price.
What are the main rivals to the Vantage Roadster S?
Its direct rivals include the Porsche 911 and the Ferrari Amalfi.
