Its front end might polarize opinions, but from most angles there is no denying that the latest Aston Martin Vantage is one of the most beautiful cars in the luxury sports car segment.

Defined by the elegant curves, wide open grille, muscular shoulders and slim headlamps and taillights, the 2020 Vantage is definitely a looker. Unfortunately, the supermodel looks don’t carry over inside, where most switchgear on the center console appears to have been lifted from a previous generation Mercedes-Benz.

The infotainment feels even more outdated than some of the buttons and knobs, and you won’t be able to pair your smartphone to it via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. On a more positive note, the build quality is top notch, with fine leather upholstery and contrast stitching, but then again, this is expected from a car that has a starting price of $156,000.

The new Vantage has a V8 lying under that long hood. Made by Mercedes-AMG and tuned by Aston Martin, it has 4.0 liters in displacement and two turbochargers. The result is 503 HP and 505 lb-ft (685 Nm) of torque pumped out, for a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) sprint of just 3.6 seconds and a 195 mph (314 km/h) top speed.

Those who would cannot be bothered with changing gears by hand can order it with the quick shifting eight-speed automatic transmission made by ZF. Combined with the double wishbones at the front and multi-link setup at the back, as well as the electronic rear differential and sharp steering, the Vantage feels very lively and firm, even in the comfiest driving mode, as KBB learned after having a go in it. So, what else did they have to say about it? Positive things mostly, but it’s not all perfect, as you are about to see.