รางวัลยานยนต์แห่งปี 2567: สรุปภาพรวมของยุคทองแห่งการขับขี่
ในวงการยานยนต์ปี 2567 ถือเป็นปีแห่งความหลากหลายอย่างแท้จริง เราได้เห็นการผสานเทคโนโลยีอันน่าทึ่ง ทั้งเครื่องยนต์สันดาปภายในอันทรงพลังและความล้ำสมัยของระบบไฟฟ้าเข้าไว้ด้วยกันอย่างลงตัว รถยนต์รุ่นใหม่ๆ ที่เปิดตัวในปีนี้ได้นำเสนอทางเลือกที่หลากหลาย ตอบโจทย์ทุกความต้องการของผู้ขับขี่ ไม่ว่าจะเป็นผู้ที่ชื่นชอบสมรรถนะดิบๆ ของเครื่องยนต์ V12 ไปจนถึงผู้ที่ต้องการสัมผัสประสบการณ์การขับขี่ที่เป็นมิตรต่อสิ่งแวดล้อมด้วยรถยนต์ไฟฟ้าล้วน บทความนี้จะพาคุณไปสำรวจรางวัลยานยนต์ที่โดดเด่นที่สุดประจำปี 2567 ซึ่งสะท้อนถึงนวัตกรรม ความสง่างาม และศักยภาพอันไร้ขีดจำกัดของอุตสาหกรรมยานยนต์ในปัจจุบัน
เครื่องยนต์แห่งปี: Ferrari F140HD ใน 12Cilindri
เป็นเรื่องน่าประหลาดใจอย่างยิ่งที่ Ferrari ยังคงยืนหยัดนำเสนอเครื่องยนต์ V12 ขนาด 6.5 ลิตร อันเป็นตำนานภายใต้รหัส F140HD ในรถยนต์รุ่น 12Cilindri ซึ่งเป็นเครื่องยนต์ที่หลายฝ่ายคาดว่าน่าจะยุติบทบาทลงไปแล้วเนื่องจากข้อกำหนดด้านมลพิษที่เข้มงวดขึ้น อย่างไรก็ตาม Ferrari ได้พิสูจน์ให้เห็นถึงความสามารถในการพัฒนานวัตกรรมที่ก้าวข้ามขีดจำกัด โดยเครื่องยนต์ V12 นี้ยังคงปราศจากการใช้เทอร์โบชาร์จเจอร์หรือระบบไฮบริดใดๆ แต่กลับสามารถสร้างกำลังได้ถึง 819 แรงม้า และแรงบิด 500 ปอนด์-ฟุต พร้อมทั้งสามารถเร่งรอบเครื่องยนต์ได้สูงถึง 9,500 รอบต่อนาที ด้วยการออกแบบวาล์วแบบ sliding finger-follower, ก้านสูบไทเทเนียม และชิ้นส่วนภายในน้ำหนักเบาอื่นๆ ประสบการณ์การขับขี่ที่ได้รับจากเครื่องยนต์ V12 นี้ คือการผสมผสานระหว่างความเร็วอันเร้าใจและเสียงเครื่องยนต์อันทรงพลัง เป็นความมหัศจรรย์ทางวิศวกรรมอย่างแท้จริง
การผสานสถาปัตยกรรมสมัยใหม่: Cadillac House
นอกเหนือจากความพิเศษในการปรับแต่งรถยนต์ Cadillac Celestiq มูลค่า 340,000 ดอลลาร์สหรัฐฯ ให้เป็นไปตามความต้องการของลูกค้าได้อย่างอิสระแล้ว การได้สัมผัสประสบการณ์ดังกล่าวใน Cadillac House ซึ่งเป็นสถาปัตยกรรมอันโดดเด่นของ Eero Saarinen ที่ได้รับการบูรณะอย่างพิถีพิถัน ยิ่งเพิ่มความสมบูรณ์แบบให้กับประสบการณ์การเป็นเจ้าของ Celestiq ให้มากยิ่งขึ้น Cadillac House ตั้งอยู่ทางตอนเหนือของเมืองดีทรอยต์ เป็นศูนย์ประสบการณ์ลูกค้าที่สะท้อนถึงความสำเร็จของสถาปัตยกรรมแบบโมเดิร์นนิสต์ พร้อมด้วยพื้นหินอ่อน Travertine และพื้น Terrazzo ดั้งเดิมตั้งแต่ทศวรรษที่ 1950
นาฬิกาที่เหมาะสำหรับสวมใส่ในวัน Grand Prix Weekend: TAG Heuer Formula 1 Kith Collaboration
แบรนด์แฟชั่นชื่อดังจากนิวยอร์กอย่าง Kith ได้ร่วมมือกับ TAG Heuer เพื่อยกระดับนาฬิกาคลาสสิกที่เคยถูกมองข้ามไปตั้งแต่ปี 1986 และผลลัพธ์ที่ได้นั้นยอดเยี่ยมเกินคาด ด้วยรูปทรงที่ยังคงกลิ่นอายของยุคสมัย พร้อมด้วยการสลักโลโก้ร่วมกันอย่างลงตัว นาฬิกา TAG Heuer Formula 1 Kith ขนาด 35 มม. นี้ ได้รับความนิยมอย่างล้นหลามจนขายหมดทั่วโลก และยิ่งตอกย้ำความสนใจที่เพิ่มขึ้นอย่างต่อเนื่องต่อการออกแบบนาฬิกาในช่วงยุค 80
ของประดับโต๊ะทำงานที่เท่ที่สุด: Citroën DS 19 บนลูกโป่ง (สเกล 1/12) โดย Norev
งานประดิษฐ์ของสะสมที่เจาะกลุ่มเฉพาะมักจะดึงดูดความสนใจของเราเสมอ แต่การที่โมเดลรถ Citroën DS 19 นี้มีความสำคัญทางประวัติศาสตร์ ยิ่งทำให้มันโดดเด่นขึ้นมา ในปี 1959 ฝ่ายสื่อสารของ Citroën ต้องการเน้นย้ำถึงระบบกันสะเทือนแบบไฮดรอลิก-นิวแมติกใหม่ของ DS จึงได้ทำการทดลองสุดพิเศษด้วยการลอยรถยนต์ขนาดจริงบนลูกโป่งสี่ใบเหนือผิวน้ำทะเลสาบ แม้ว่า DS จะไม่ประสบความสำเร็จเท่าที่ควรในช่วงที่วางจำหน่ายในแคนาดาและสหรัฐอเมริกาในช่วงปี 1956 ถึง 1972 แต่เราก็ยังคงชื่นชมการนำเสนออันเป็นเอกลักษณ์นี้ ที่สะท้อนถึงวัฒนธรรมรถยนต์ยุโรป
สุดยอดการเดินทางข้ามทวีปยุโรปด้วยความเร็ว: 2025 Bentley Continental GT Speed
Bentley Continental GT รุ่นปี 2003 ต้นแบบของรถยนต์ Grand Tourer ที่ทันสมัยและโดดเด่น ได้พลิกฟื้นชะตากรรมของ Bentley ให้กลับมารุ่งเรืองอีกครั้ง ปัจจุบัน Continental GT ได้กลายเป็นมาตรฐานที่รถยนต์ Grand Tourer รุ่นอื่นๆ ต้องถูกนำมาเปรียบเทียบ และมันก็พัฒนาไปเรื่อยๆ อย่างไม่หยุดยั้ง รุ่นปี 2025 Continental GT Speed คือเจนเนอเรชั่นที่สี่ของรถยนต์ที่น่าทึ่งคันนี้ เป็นรถยนต์ Plug-in Hybrid ที่มีพละกำลังมหาศาลถึง 771 แรงม้า ขับเคลื่อนทุกล้อ การออกแบบภายในที่หรูหราและความพิถีพิถันในการเลือกใช้วัสดุนั้นคุ้มค่ากับราคา 302,100 ดอลลาร์สหรัฐฯ เป็นอย่างยิ่ง หลังจากได้สัมผัสประสบการณ์การขับขี่ผ่านเทือกเขาแอลป์ของสวิตเซอร์แลนด์ใน GT Speed ใหม่ การบรรยายว่ารถคันนี้ “ยอดเยี่ยม” คงจะน้อยเกินไปเมื่อเทียบกับความประณีต ความเร็ว และสมรรถนะที่เหนือชั้น เมื่อคุณจำเป็นต้องเดินทางไปให้ถึงที่หมายโดยที่ยังคงต้องการดื่มด่ำกับทุกช่วงเวลาของการเดินทาง Bentley คือคำตอบที่สมบูรณ์แบบ
สุดยอดวิธีบันทึกภาพรถยนต์คันโปรด: The Architect’s Garage
Douglas Peterson-Hui ศิลปินชาว BC ผู้อยู่เบื้องหลังผลงาน The Architect’s Garage เล่าถึงแรงบันดาลใจในการสร้างสรรค์ภาพประกอบอันเป็นที่นิยม ซึ่งเป็นการผสมผสานรถยนต์ของลูกค้าเข้ากับสถาปัตยกรรมชิ้นเอก “ผมเริ่มต้นไม่นานหลังจากสำเร็จการศึกษาระดับปริญญาโทด้านสถาปัตยกรรม จาก TMU justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo justo 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This year in the automotive world has been a remarkable period, offering the best of both worlds for driving enthusiasts. We’ve witnessed a captivating blend of raw combustion engine power and the forward-thinking efficiency of electrification. From the roaring V8s enhanced with battery power in models like the Bentley, BMW M, and Mercedes-AMG, to the pure internal combustion hedonism offered by the astonishing Ferrari 12Cilindri – a future classic in the making – and Aston Martin’s potent turbocharged V12 Vanquish, the automotive landscape has truly embraced diversity. For those seeking simplicity and the smooth integration of mild-hybrid technology, Audi and Range Rover have delivered exceptional offerings. Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz has surprised us all by introducing an all-electric version of the iconic G-Class. This means drivers can have their V12s, their EVs, and indeed, have it all. Despite the ongoing transformations within the auto industry, this is undeniably a golden age for drivers, a testament to the ingenuity and passion driving automotive innovation.
Engine of the Year: Ferrari F140HD in the 12Cilindri
The significance of this engine is so profound that Ferrari chose to name its accompanying vehicle, the 12Cilindri, after it. The 6.5-litre, 12-cylinder powerhouse at the heart of the 12Cilindri represents an engineering marvel that many industry observers believed would be relegated to history due to increasingly stringent emissions regulations. Yet, Ferrari has masterfully found a way to preserve this V12’s raw, unadulterated spirit, eschewing turbochargers and hybrid systems entirely. It unleashes an awe-inspiring 819 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque, revving freely to an exhilarating 9,500 rpm. This remarkable feat is achieved through an advanced sliding finger-follower valvetrain, titanium con-rods, and other meticulously engineered lightweight internals. On the road, the V12 delivers a violent, mechanical symphony of speed and sound, a true testament to Italian engineering prowess. A resounding bravo to Ferrari for this extraordinary achievement.
Best Use of Modernist Architecture: Cadillac House
As if the unparalleled ability to meticulously specify every single element of your $340,000 USD Cadillac Celestiq to your exact preferences wasn’t enough, the opportunity to do so within the sympathetically restored architectural masterpiece of Eero Saarinen elevates the Celestiq ownership experience to an entirely new level. Located just north of Detroit, Cadillac House at Vanderbilt stands as a modernist triumph, serving not merely as a customer experience center but as a destination that immers its original 1950s travertine and terrazzo flooring, offering a tangible connection to a rich design heritage. This venue perfectly complements the bespoke luxury of the Celestiq, creating an immersive environment for discerning clients.
Top Watch to Wear on Grand Prix Weekend: TAG Heuer Formula 1 Kith Collaboration
New York City’s beloved hypebeast fashion label, Kith, has joined forces with TAG Heuer to reimagine an often-underappreciated classic from 1986, and the result is nothing short of spectacular. Capturing the quintessential spirit of the era with subtle yet distinctive co-branding throughout, the compact 35mm TAG Heuer Formula 1 Kith collaboration quickly achieved global sell-out status. This partnership has not only celebrated a legendary timepiece but has also significantly fueled the burgeoning interest in 1980s watch design, proving that iconic styles can be revitalized with a fresh, contemporary perspective. This collaboration is a perfect blend of automotive passion and fashion-forward design, making it an essential accessory for any motorsport enthusiast.
Coolest Desk Ornament: Citroën DS 19 on balloons (1/12 scale) by Norev
Niche automobilia creations invariably capture our attention, but the fact that this 1/12 scale model of the Citroën DS 19 possesses significant historical context propels it to the forefront of our accolades. In 1959, Citroën’s communications department sought a novel way to highlight the innovative hydropneumatic suspension system of the DS. Their ingenious solution was to float a full-sized car on four balloons over a lake as a groundbreaking marketing stunt. Although the DS never achieved widespread popularity during its tenure in Canada and the United States between 1956 and 1972, this meticulously crafted miniature serves as a delightful and historically resonant nod to the enduring allure of European automotive culture. It’s a conversation starter that encapsulates a unique moment in automotive history.
Our Favourite Way to Cross Europe in a Hurry: 2025 Bentley Continental GT Speed
The original 2003 Continental GT fundamentally redefined the concept of a Grand Tourer, marking a bold, modern interpretation that revitalized Bentley’s fortunes and awakened this storied brand from its period of resting on its laurels. Today, the Continental GT remains the benchmark against which all other Grand Tourers are judged, and its evolution continues to impress. The 2025 Continental GT Speed represents the fourth generation of this magnificent machine. It’s a monstrously powerful plug-in hybrid, combining a potent powertrain to drive all four wheels, delivering a staggering 771 combined horsepower. The opulence of its interior design, coupled with the innovative materials employed, is entirely befitting of its $302,100 price tag. After an exhilarating journey criss-crossing the Swiss Alps in the new GT Speed, to merely call this car “sublime” would be a gross understatement of its refinement, pace, and sheer prowess. When your objective is to reach your destination with haste, yet you desire to savor every moment of the journey, the Bentley Continental GT Speed is the definitive choice. Truly magnificent.
Best Way to Memorialize Your Favourite Car: The Architect’s Garage
Douglas Peterson-Hui, the Vancouver-based artist behind The Architect’s Garage, explains his unique artistic venture: “I began shortly after graduating from the master of architecture program at TMU, just as the pandemic began. With job opportunities in architecture scarce and plenty of free time, I seized the moment to explore my creative side. What started as a social media page to share personal work with internet strangers quickly transformed into a thriving business, with many clients reaching out for custom commissions. I have slowed down the number of illustrations I produce, as I currently work at an architecture firm, but still run my art business on the side.” The Architect’s Garage offers a distinctive way to immortalize your automotive passion by merging cherished vehicles with iconic architectural backdrops, starting at $300. This bespoke artwork is perfect for car enthusiasts and architecture aficionados alike.
Throwback of the Year: Kith × Giorgio Armani: The Traveller
Pierce Brosnan, aging with impeccable grace, embodies timeless style as he dons a double-breasted suit and cashmere overcoat, embarking on a sophisticated vacation journey in what appears to be a classic BMW 7 Series, also aging with dignified elegance. This scene evokes a sense of effortless adventure, suggesting a destination guided by wherever the wind may take them, a perfect homage to the enduring appeal of classic style and automotive heritage.
Car Most Fit for a Movie Villain: Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance
If you ever believed plug-in hybrids were exclusively the domain of the virtuous, think again. The full-size S 63 E Performance embodies the ultimate fantasy for any modern movie villain. Its electric vehicle (EV) mode offers the perfect stealth capability when needed, while its imposing presence is undeniable. The formidable combination of a V8 engine and an electric motor produces a colossal 791 horsepower and 1055 lb-ft of torque, ensuring that neither the villain nor their crew will ever be caught. This powerhouse is not just a car; it’s a statement of menacing sophistication and unmatched performance.
Best Event: Hospitality Genesis Club at the Presidents Cup
From its prime vantage points overlooking the 15th and 16th holes to its elevated culinary and beverage offerings, and its clever on-site brand activations, the Genesis Club at the Presidents Cup in Montreal once again proved that the Korean automaker is not only an expert in crafting exceptional automobiles but also a master of luxury hospitality. This event showcased Genesis’s commitment to creating memorable experiences that perfectly align with the sophistication of their vehicles.
Boxy Design of the Year: 2024 Lexus GX Overtrail
At the risk of stating the obvious, the “boxy” aesthetic is undeniably back, influencing fashion with boxy pants and jackets, and now making a significant statement in automotive design. No SUV has captured this rugged, utilitarian yet stylish look this year as effectively as the all-new Lexus GX. And the best part? It’s every bit as capable and rugged as its imposing appearance suggests, making it a standout choice for those who value both form and function.
Special Award for Stealth Luxury: 2025 Range Rover Autobiography
The modern long-wheelbase Range Rover is akin to the Loro Piana baseball cap of the SUV world: versatile enough for virtually any occasion or weather condition, exuding an aura of understated opulence without drawing undue attention. It feels like a million bucks, yet its outward appearance remains discreet. This sense of secure, bank-vault-like solidity, combined with its absurdly over-engineered nature, makes the Range Rover the ultimate vehicle for gliding stealthily in the lap of absolute luxury.
If you haven’t experienced a Range Rover recently, we strongly encourage you to take one for a test drive; you’re in for a profound revelation. Over the past decade, the venerable British marque has made a concerted effort to ascend into the ultra-luxury territory previously dominated by marques like Rolls-Royce and Bentley. Today, the top-tier Range Rover Autobiography and SV models, particularly in the long-wheelbase (LWB) configuration, offer a level of opulence that rivals these esteemed British brands, all while maintaining a discerningly understated exterior.
The ultimate expression of Range Rover luxury lies in your personal taste and how you configure your vehicle. The options are virtually infinite, thanks to the brand’s SV Bespoke service, which offers paint-to-sample capabilities and bespoke custom finishes. The SV Bespoke Natural Brown Walnut veneer, featuring paper-thin pinstripe metal inlays, is a tactile masterpiece that demands to be touched to be fully appreciated—it possesses a handmade quality increasingly rare in today’s automotive landscape, regardless of price. The wood-rimmed steering wheel offers a luxurious tactile sensation with every turn. Furthermore, customers can opt to eliminate virtually any trace of plastic from the cabin with the SV Bespoke full-extended leather upgrade. We are particularly fond of the full leather headliner and leather door trim in a deep garnet hue, which pairs exquisitely with the walnut veneer. Understated luxury truly doesn’t get any better than this.
Best Vision of Japanese Luxury: 2025 INFINITI QX80
When the requirement is to transport a significant number of people and their belongings from one point to another, the solution is unequivocally a full-size SUV. And if you’re going to embrace the “big” philosophy, you should go all the way. The all-new 2025 INFINITI QX80 embodies this maximalist approach to the challenge of transporting a large group in absolute luxury. The brand’s long-standing flagship SUV has undergone a complete ground-up redesign for 2025, propelling it into direct competition with the finest offerings in the full-size, full-feature, deluxe class of seven- or eight-passenger luxury vehicles. This powerful, capable, and commodious vehicle delivers a level of refinement and technological sophistication that is uniquely INFINITI—a Japanese brand proudly drawing inspiration and direction from its heritage and tradition of heartfelt hospitality.
“The all-new QX80 is a sizable canvas for us, as designers, to express INFINITI’s artistry,” explains Alfonso Albaisa, the charismatic Cuban-American designer leading the brand’s design team from Japan. “INFINITI’s hospitality starts before you even step inside the vehicle,” he elaborates. “As you approach, the lights awaken, first with the badge and the grille, and then extending across a beautiful headlamp signature.”
Upon entering the interior, you’ll discover an even deeper appreciation for that artistry. You’ll encounter finely crafted Napa leather, cool-to-the-touch metal accents, and rich wood trim. Each material is meticulously layered, drawing inspiration from the Japanese art of layering and the sophisticated aesthetics of private jet interiors. The cabin’s expansive, monolithic screens provide immediate access to the myriad features of the QX80, not least of which is the exceptional Klipsch audio system. This system delivers an almost unparalleled level of audiophile-quality sound, characterized by its intricate detail and immense power, featuring 24 speakers and 1,200 watts of amplification.
Speaking of power, the QX80 is propelled by a twin-turbocharged V6 engine, a powerplant that harnesses decades of INFINITI’s performance vehicle expertise and racing heritage to deliver a robust 450 horsepower—more than ample to move the QX with impressive alacrity. The dynamically adjusting air suspension masterfully smooths out road imperfections, bestowing a new benchmark for both comfort and poise within this vehicle segment. Furthermore, the QX80 boasts an astonishing towing capacity of 8,500 pounds.
While it’s impossible to adequately detail the hundreds of innovative and helpful features of the new QX80 (such as the ingenious Invisible Hood View system), suffice it to say that this is one of the most capable and cosseting vehicles available today. The assurance of Japanese quality, renowned hospitality, steadfast dependability, and long-term longevity seals the deal for this exceptionally safe and stylish family hauler.
Sleekest Reinvention of an Old Favourite: 2025 Audi A5 & S5
The era of the Audi A4 sedan has concluded, giving way to the exciting new Audi A5. While it retains the familiar essence of the Audi sedan many have come to know and love, it also introduces significant advancements, and technically, it’s no longer solely a sedan.
The nomenclature shift from A4 to A5 stems from a recalibration of Audi’s naming conventions—we’ll spare you the intricate details—but rest assured, the all-new 2025 Audi A5 and its sportier S5 counterpart are truly worthy successors to the A4’s esteemed legacy. Our recent opportunity to drive these new models along the scenic Maritime Alps near the French Riviera confirmed this unequivocally.
With its subtly lowered roofline, a more streamlined window profile, and an elongated wheelbase complemented by short fender overhangs, the dramatically redesigned A5 appears to have effortlessly transcended the sketchpad, retaining all of its idealistic design passion. It’s important to note that while Audi presents the A5 as a sedan, its technical classification is that of a hatchback. Regardless of the precise classification, what truly matters is the significantly larger trunk opening, which dramatically enhances the practicality and usability of the storage space.
Of greater consequence is the fact that the new A5 is the inaugural model to be marketed featuring Audi’s next-generation platform architecture. This strategic move has enabled the A5 to ascend into a more upmarket position, delivering enhanced comfort, convenience, and performance.
Upon entering the cabin, one is immediately struck by Audi’s new Human-Centric interior design philosophy. Both the front and rear seats feel remarkably more spacious. Luxurious fabrics and other premium materials flow seamlessly around the doors and dashboard, creating a panoramic visual sweep across the passenger compartment. A seemingly continuous OLED glass panel, which Audi refers to as its Digital Stage, is integrated atop the new E3 electronic architecture, boasting built-in ChatGPT for an intuitive and intelligent user experience.
In terms of driving dynamics, the stiffer suspension components and more direct steering contribute to an incredibly precise feel that instills a profound sense of confidence. Power is delivered by a 201-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, or in the S5 variant, a new turbocharged V6 mild-hybrid system producing 362 hp, channeled through a rapid-shifting dual-clutch gearbox and Audi’s legendary Quattro all-wheel-drive system. An afternoon spent navigating the serpentine mountain roads that snake above the Mediterranean coast was more than sufficient to confirm that the 2025 A5 is indeed a more than worthy successor to the legendary A4.
Most Beautiful Car of the Year: 2025 Aston Martin Vanquish
Simply gaze upon it. Doesn’t it ignite a desire within you? Perhaps in a striking silver metallic, a deep midnight purple, or the classic British racing green. Imagine a saddle-tan leather interior complemented by a panoramic roof, or perhaps you envision an entirely bespoke colour and trim combination masterfully crafted by Aston’s esteemed Q division. The undeniable truth is that the 2025 Aston Martin Vanquish is unequivocally hot. It stands as the most beautiful car of the year.
Marek Reichman, the visionary English designer who has been shaping Aston Martin’s automotive creations since joining the firm in 2005, appears to possess an innate ability to craft nothing less than beautiful machines. Yet, even by his exceptionally high standards, the all-new Vanquish is a stone-cold stunner.
“It’s looking for its prey. This is actually looking for one of those red cars,” Reichman quipped, delivering a cheeky jab at Ferrari while offering a personal tour of his latest creation.
When seen in person, it is difficult to comprehend that the $514,800 Vanquish is constructed from hard metal. The deeply sculpted surfaces across the doors and over the rear haunches possess an almost liquid quality. When sunlight catches them, they shimmer like mercury.
Classical sports car proportions imbue the Vanquish with its timeless presence. Compared to the V8-engined Aston DB12, the V12-engined Vanquish is significantly longer, which contributes to its leaner, more exotic appearance. If you examine the car’s internal profile, you’ll notice the ratio of glass to metal is approximately one-third to two-thirds – mirroring the golden ratio. Look even closer, and you’ll find this ratio subtly applied throughout the design.
Crafting such a masterpiece represented a substantial investment for Aston Martin. The longer, leaner proportions necessitated the creation of an entirely new platform for this vehicle, with a maximum production of only 1,000 examples annually. Furthermore, engineers had to completely revise and re-engineer the 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 to produce an astounding 824 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. It is an absolute brute of an engine, emitting a sound that is simultaneously rich and angry through its titanium exhaust system. Our experience driving it across Sardinia confirmed that the new Vanquish drives as beautifully as it looks.
Plug-In Hybrid of the Year: 2025 BMW M5 & M5 Touring
The 2025 BMW M5 and M5 Touring have arrived, redefining the plug-in hybrid experience for your everyday driving and beyond.
Trust us, when you’re doing 300 km/h on the unrestricted German Autobahn, there’s precious little time or inclination for hand-wringing about whether BMW’s new plug-in hybrid M5 might be too heavy. With a combined 717 hybrid horsepower on tap from a twin-turbo V8 paired with an electric motor, BMW’s flagship super-sedan accelerates from 150 km/h as if launching from a standstill. Foot to the floor, the M5 sedan presses us back into its deeply bolstered leather buckets and begins to devour the horizon at an alarming pace: 200 km/h is a mere stepping stone, followed by 250, 270, and 289. The numbers on the head-up display blur past too quickly to be legible. Just as we rocket past the 300 km/h mark, a delivery van in the distance drifts into our lane, forcing us to rely on the formidable carbon-ceramic brakes to slow down 2.4 tonnes of Bavarian engineering. They perform admirably, and we’re back to a relaxed cruise at 200 km/h.
Predictably, M Division enthusiasts voiced their concerns about the super-sedan’s substantial 2.4-tonne weight, which is admittedly considerable. It’s as if the previous M5 had suddenly gained the weight of a fully grown horse. The hybrid battery and electric motor alone added approximately 250 kilograms. Given that weight is the natural adversary of spirited driving, fans were understandably apprehensive, and we shared some of those concerns.
However, this is M Division. When it comes to their core products, these engineers never miss. Consider their past triumphs: the M2, the manual-shift M3, the M4 CSL, and the legendary old M5 CS. To compensate for the M5’s added weight, engineers reinforced the chassis and incorporated rear-wheel steering. On the winding country roads near Munich, the M5 turns in with astonishing immediacy—initially shocking, but ultimately confidence-inspiring. This agility, combined with 738 lb-ft of torque delivered to all four wheels, makes this car devastatingly rapid.
Is the new M5 as graceful as a prima ballerina? No. Is it ideal for track days? No. But is this arguably the greatest plug-in hybrid vehicle ever devised? Quite possibly. It will conquer your daily commute, provide exhilarating weekend blasts, comfortably carry your entire family and their luggage, and it can even cover 43 kilometers on battery power alone. The ultimate cherry on top? For the first time ever, the M5 is available as a station wagon. Yes, it’s even heavier, but don’t let that deter you; just go drive it.
