There is something undeniably captivating about slipping behind the wheel of an Aston Martin. It’s more than just a car, a seamless blend of heritage, craftsmanship, and raw performance. Of course, the undeniable association with a certain British secret agent only adds to the allure. Over the years, I’ve had the distinct pleasure of driving several Aston Martins, beginning with the iconic DB7. This time, I find myself in the latest masterpiece to grace the marque’s storied lineup: The DB12.
Available in two exquisite forms – the sculpted Coupé and the open-air Volante (convertible) – the DB12 redefines what it means to be a Grand Tourer. Or, as Aston Martin themselves declare, a Super Tourer, merging the refinement of a GT with the exhilarating dynamics of a supercar, creating an entirely new category in its own right.
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Design and presence
With its sleek, low-slung silhouette, the DB12 is a bold evolution from its predecessor, the DB11. Every line, every contour speaks to Aston Martin’s relentless pursuit of perfection. And while the V12 may now be a thing of the past, the DB12’s V8 powertrain ensures that this machine is anything but a step back. But more on that shortly.
The British marque has once again demonstrated its ability to craft an automobile that is as much a work of art as it is a high-performance machine. It is grace, power, and exclusivity, distilled into a single breathtaking form.
Power and performance
Beneath its sculpted hood lies a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8, sourced from AMG but hand-finished to Aston Martin’s exacting standards. Delivering a breathtaking 671 horsepower and 800 Nm of torque, this engine is seamlessly mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox and an electronic rear differential. A handcrafted plaque proudly displays the name of the artisan who assembled it—an exquisite nod to the brand’s commitment to bespoke craftsmanship.
The DB12 offers five distinct driving modes – Individual, Wet, GT, Sport, and Sport+ – each fine-tuned to deliver the perfect balance between power and precision. While some may find the razor-sharp throttle response in Sport+ a little too lively, for me, it only enhances the visceral thrill that so many modern cars seem to lack.
Performance figures? 0-100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds, with a top speed of 325 km/h. Yet, what truly sets the DB12 apart is its superlative balance and poise despite its size, it remains agile, composed, and utterly engaging. A true testament to Aston Martin’s fusion of supercar DNA with grand touring elegance.
Interior and technology
Step inside, and you’re enveloped in a sanctuary of opulence and cutting-edge technology. While Aston Martin has previously borrowed elements from Mercedes-Benz, the DB12’s cabin is a masterclass in bespoke luxury, with hand-stitched leather, meticulous detailing, and impeccable ergonomics.
A brand-new in-house infotainment system replaces the previous Mercedes-derived unit, featuring a 10.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Responsive, intuitive, and seamlessly integrated, it enhances the driving experience rather than distracting from it. The positioning of the screen is equally well considered, allowing for effortless control without compromising the pleasure of the drive.
And for those who appreciate exceptional sound quality, the optional Bowers & Wilkins 15-speaker audio system delivers a listening experience as refined as the car itself – because in an Aston Martin, every detail matters.
A class of its own
The DB12 is more than just a new model, it is a statement, a redefinition of what a grand tourer can be. It seamlessly combines bespoke craftsmanship with blistering performance, creating an automotive experience that is as exhilarating as it is elegant. This isn’t just the next step in the evolution of grand touring, it is a bold new era.
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