Aston Martin is back on top of the Robb Report. The Vanquish is its 2026 Car of the Year - an honor earned after a multi-day evaluation of some of the most exclusive performance vehicles in the world. The McLaren 750S Spider received the recognition last year, and the Aston Martin DB12 in 2024.
Robb Report’s annual Car of the Year program is now in its third decade. Editors and invited judges test a curated field of ultra-luxury and high-performance vehicles that are evaluated on design, engineering, driving dynamics, craftsmanship and overall execution. Back-to-back testing is conducted on public roads and controlled routes.
For 2026, Robb Report says it assembled a diverse field of 10 vehicles that reflect the shifting landscape of the high-end automotive market — from electrified luxury models to performance SUVs and traditional grand touring coupes.
Robb Report’s 10 contenders for 2026 Car Of The Year were:
• Aston Martin Vanquish (winner)
• Audi RS e-tron GT Performance
• Bentley Bentayga Speed
• Ferrari Purosangue
• Lamborghini Urus SE
• Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series
• Rolls-Royce Black Badge Spectre
• Maserati MC20 Cielo
• OVC G.T. 350
• Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack
Aston Martin Vanquish
The Vanquish represents the return of one of Aston Martin’s most storied nameplates. Positioned as the brand’s flagship front-engine grand tourer, the latest Vanquish is powered by a twin-turbocharged V-12 engine producing more than 800 horsepower. The rear-wheel-drive coupe pairs traditional long-hood, short-deck proportions with updated chassis engineering and advanced electronics aimed at delivering both high-speed performance and long-distance comfort.
Inside, the Vanquish features hand-stitched leather, bespoke trim options and a redesigned infotainment interface developed in-house by Aston Martin. Structural enhancements and suspension tuning are intended to improve rigidity and handling precision, reflecting the company’s broader push to modernize its lineup while maintaining its heritage character.
.For Aston Martin, the recognition arrives during a period of product renewal and strategic realignment. The automaker has invested in updated platforms, new electronic architectures and refreshed interiors as part of a broader effort to elevate quality and performance across its range.
By awarding its 2026 Car of the Year title to the Aston Martin Vanquish, Robb Report reinforced the enduring appeal of the traditional grand touring coupe — even as electrification and SUVs reshape much of the luxury market.
Evolution of Ultra-Luxury High Performance Vehicles
The broader field underscored how the definition of high performance continues to evolve. The Audi RS e-tron GT Performance and Rolls-Royce Black Badge Spectre demonstrated the growing presence of electrification in the ultra-luxury segment. Performance SUVs such as the Bentley Bentayga Speed and Lamborghini Urus SE highlighted continued demand for high-output capability in larger body styles. Ferrari’s Purosangue and Maserati’s MC20 Cielo represented Italian approaches to design-forward performance, while the Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series emphasized opulence in a grand touring convertible format. The Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack signaled a new chapter for American muscle in electrified form, and the OVC G.T. 350 brought a heritage-inspired, coachbuilt perspective to the competition
The Robb Report is a U.S.-based luxury lifestyle publication founded in 1976 that is now part of Penske Media Corp.