The Vantage is the entry-level Aston Martin, if there is such a thing, and it is gorgeous and incredibly agile. From this magnificent British sports vehicle, with its menacing appearance and 503 horsepower twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8, is anything but simple.

The Mercedes-AMG engine allows the Vantage to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 3.4 seconds on our test track. It has a lovely sound, too, with a deep baritone rumbling at idle and a high-pitched screech when it approaches its redline. The only available transmission is an eight-speed automatic, while Aston claims a seven-speed manual is on the way. Standard features include an electronically controlled limited-slip differential and adjustable dampers. The suspension is accommodating enough for daily driving, but sharp bumps will be noticeable to passengers regardless of the drive mode chosen for the adaptive dampers. The Vantage is tail-happy yet predictable, which makes it hilariously good fun on a racing circuit.

Inside, luxurious materials and a wide range of personalized options continue the outside drama. Sport seats with power adjustments and memory settings are standard in the cockpit, which is small enough for two people yet trimmed with leather and fake suede. The dashboard's top is sprouted by an 8.0-inch infotainment screen that has navigation. Spending a lot of money on the Vantage is simple since Aston Martin provides upscale extras like a complete leather interior, heated and ventilated seats, a carbon fiber steering wheel, embroidered headrests, a self-parking technology, and a variety of interior trim options, among many other amenities.