Aston Martin DB12 Review: Luxury Meets Grand Touring Power

An Aston Martin DB12 review must reconcile two seemingly opposed forces: the long-legged grace of a grand tourer and the sharpened responses of a thoroughbred sports car. The DB12 arrives as the direct successor to the DB11, but it is far more than a styling refresh. With a 671-horsepower twin-turbo V8, a retuned chassis, and an interior that finally matches the marque's aesthetic promise, this is the car Aston Martin calls a supertourer. From the first press of the starter, the DB12 announces a new calibration—one where opulence and aggression coexist in a single, seamless motion.

From DB11 to DB12: The Supertourer Reborn

The DB12's genesis lies not in a blank sheet but in a sharpening of intent. Aston Martin's engineers targeted the DB11's weaknesses: chassis rigidity, infotainment, and steering feel. The new bonded aluminium structure is 20 percent stiffer in torsion, providing a more stable platform for the revised double-wishbone front axle and multi-link rear. The 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, sourced from Mercedes-AMG but fettled by Aston Martin's own team, delivers 671 hp and 800 Nm of torque—figures that once belonged exclusively to the DBS. Crucially, the DB12 abandons the V12 option entirely, a decision that signals the brand's focus on a more efficient, more responsive future.

The electronic limited-slip differential replaces the old open diff, and the adaptive dampers are recalibrated with a wider bandwidth between comfort and track modes. The result is a grand tourer that can soak up a transcontinental slog one moment and dismantle a mountain pass the next. The DB12's voice is lower and more insistent than the DB11's, with a crackle on overrun that urges the driver toward the redline. This is not a facelift; it is a re-engineering of the car's nervous system.

The Cabin as Couture, The Drive as Dialogue

Inside, the DB12's cabin represents the most significant leap in Aston Martin's recent history. The old Mercedes-sourced infotainment is gone, replaced by a bespoke 10.25-inch touchscreen that sits flush within a hand-stitched leather dashboard. Physical toggle switches for drive modes, climate, and exhaust remain, preserving a tactile connection to the machine. Bridge of Weir hides cover almost every surface, with optional open-pore walnut or carbon-fibre trim. The seats are trimmed in hand-stitched leather, offering both support and long-distance comfort. Rear seats are present but best reserved for luggage or occasional short trips. Every control feels milled, every surface considered—a couture cabin that finally matches the promise of the wings.

"The DB12 does not ask you to choose between comfort and aggression. It wraps both in a single, handcrafted gesture."

— TIMELESS GENIE FEEDS DESK

On the road, the DB12 reveals a split personality that is controlled by the drive mode dial. In GT mode, the dampers soften, the steering lightens, and the V8 settles into a muted burble. Switch to Sport+ and the car tenses: throttle response sharpens, the gearbox holds revs, and the exhaust opens to produce a hard-edged, metallic roar. The 0-100 km/h sprint of 3.6 seconds is delivered with a shove that presses occupants into their seats, while the rear-drive layout allows for a slight, controllable rotation on corner exit. The steering is weighted and direct, transmitting just enough information to make the DB12 feel alive without becoming nervous. It is a machine that rewards smooth inputs, yet never punishes a hurried driver.

Strategic Curation: A Supertourer for a Changing Era

The DB12 occupies a carefully defined space in Aston Martin's portfolio. It is not a limited-production hypercar like the Valkyrie, nor a high-riding crossover. Instead, it anchors the brand's core grand touring identity while adopting the sharper dynamics of a sports car. By moving to a V8-only configuration, Aston Martin simplifies its powertrain strategy and positions the DB12 as a more efficient, more accessible flagship. Production is not capped, but Aston Martin's boutique scale ensures a degree of exclusivity that larger manufacturers cannot match. Waiting lists are already forming, and the secondary market for early deliveries is robust.

The design language is an evolution of Aston Martin's timeless proportions. The front grille is wider and lower, the headlights more intricate, and the muscular rear haunches are accentuated by a full-width light bar. The overall silhouette remains classically elegant, with a long bonnet and a cab-rearward stance that suggest speed even at rest. Aerodynamics are managed subtly, with a rear lip spoiler and underbody panels that provide high-speed stability without shouting for attention. The DB12's beauty lies in its restraint—a quality that distinguishes it from more overtly aggressive rivals.

Commissioning and Real-World Ownership

Ordering a DB12 begins with a base price around $245,000, but Q by Aston Martin offers a near-limitless palette of personalisation. Clients can select from traditional Aston Martin colours like Satin Racing Green, Q Cosmopolitan Yellow, or bespoke paint-to-sample hues, then specify interior leather grades, contrasting stitching, and carbon-fibre or open-pore wood trim. The process can take several months, with the option to visit Gaydon to finalise details. The front-axle lift system, a $4,000 option, is almost essential for steep driveways and urban speed bumps.

Daily usability is one of the DB12's core strengths. The cabin is serene at highway speeds, the suspension in GT mode absorbs broken pavement with grace, and the boot offers enough room for two large suitcases or a set of golf clubs. The 10.25-inch touchscreen supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system delivers concert-hall clarity. Maintenance follows Aston Martin's standard warranty, with the brand's global dealer network expanding in key markets. For those who plan to use the DB12 on track, Aston Martin offers driver training programmes that include telemetry coaching—a reminder that even a grand tourer can be pushed to its limits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What engine powers the Aston Martin DB12?

The DB12 uses a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 producing 671 hp and 800 Nm of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels. The engine is sourced from Mercedes-AMG but extensively tuned by Aston Martin.

How fast is the Aston Martin DB12?

The DB12 accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 325 km/h, making it one of the quickest grand tourers in Aston Martin's history.

Does the DB12 have all-wheel drive?

No, the DB12 is strictly rear-wheel drive. It uses an electronic limited-slip differential and adaptive dampers to deliver sharp, engaging handling without all-wheel-drive complexity.

What is the starting price of the Aston Martin DB12?

The DB12 starts at approximately $245,000 USD before options. With Q by Aston Martin personalisation, bespoke materials, and carbon-fibre packages, final prices often exceed $300,000.

How does the DB12 compare to the DB11?

The DB12 replaces the DB11 with a stiffer chassis, more power, a completely redesigned interior with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, and revised suspension tuning. It is sharper, faster, and more luxurious than its predecessor.

The Aston Martin DB12 is a grand tourer that has absorbed the lessons of the supercar world without losing its soul. It is fast, tactile, and endlessly luxurious, yet it never feels overwrought. This is a car that can carry two people across a continent in silence, then turn a mountain pass into a private theatre. For those who seek a machine that honours both heritage and progress, the DB12 is not merely a choice—it is a confirmation. The wings have never felt more precise.