Rolls-Royce vs. Aston Martin

If you’re plugged into the world of super luxury vehicles, then you may be familiar with the rivalry—for lack of a better term—between Rolls-Royce and Aston Martin. These two British automakers both have a knack for delivering incredible, genre-defining vehicles, but they’ve traditionally kept to themselves and their own markets, building vehicles for different types of owners. With that said, the times are changing, and more buyers than ever are comparing Rolls-Royce vs. Aston Martin before they bring home a vehicle. Now that the competition is heating up, we think it makes sense to explore this matchup in greater detail.

Aston Martin vs. Rolls-Royce: Luxury & Design

In 2018, the C.E.O. of Aston Martin threw down the gauntlet by downplaying the appeal of models like the Phantom. It was only natural that Rolls-Royce would respond, and C.E.O. Torsten Müller-Ötvös was quick to fire back in the Financial Times: “They really don’t understand our segment, they really don’t understand the customers”. We can’t help but agree—but what is it that sets a Rolls-Royce apart?

• Curb Appeal: Aston Martin’s designs have often been described as minimal, or even subdued—and despite the occasional flourish, the sports cars and SUVs in their current lineup look more or less like those from other brands (think: BMW). By contrast, every Rolls-Royce is instantly recognizable as what it is: an utterly unique supercar with the look and feel of a speeding locomotive. A Rolls-Royce offers road presence that no Aston Martin can match, while relying less on flash than class.
• Price and Exclusivity: Although Aston Martin is developing a number of higher-priced hypercars, most of their lineup is priced between $200,000 and $300,000. Rolls-Royce vehicles start higher, generally between $350,000 and $400,000—and go up from there. Although a higher price isn’t usually billed as an advantage, the fact is that Rolls-Royce vehicles pick up where Aston Martin models leave off, thereby offering an entirely unique level of luxury.

At this price range, warranty coverage probably isn’t the be-all, end-all factor in your mind. However, it’s certainly worth pointing out that new Rolls-Royce vehicles come with one more year of warranty coverage than the models made by Aston Martin.

Aston Martin vs. Rolls-Royce: Touring Experience

If you love to spend time behind the wheel, you should know that both Aston Martin and Rolls-Royce offer potent V8 and V12 engines with more power than you’ll ever truly need. Moreover, although Aston Martin has started to produce hybrid vehicles, Rolls-Royce will be first to the all-electric market with the release of the 2024 Spectre.

Should you prefer to be chauffeured, your Aston Martin vs. Rolls-Royce comparison will become even simpler. That’s because models like the Phantom offer a genuine, limousine-style lounge with niceties that no Aston Martin can match. Whether you’re searching for a Starlight Roof or a secluded rear privacy lounge, you’ll find that only Rolls-Royce offers a touring experience that rewards the passenger as much as the driver.

Aston Martin vs. Rolls-Royce: Reviews

You’ve seen what we have to say—but if you’ve still got questions, just know that the experts are in agreement. The 2023 Rolls-Royce Phantom earned a perfect 10-point score from the likes of Car & Driver. Its sister vehicle, the Ghost, earned a 9.5.

The models in the current Aston Martin lineup did well, but not as well. The 2023 DBS earned 9 points out of 10, and no other Aston Martin scored higher than an 8.5.

Rolls-Royce: An Experience Unlike Any Other

If you want to know more about why the Rolls-Royce name has stood the test of time, we’re here to help. Compare Rolls-Royce vs. Maybach or learn more about Goodwood’s exclusive social network for Rolls-Royce owners: Whispers. When you’re ready for a closer look, all you have to do is let us know.