The DB lineage has long defined the essence of grand touring, and with the DB12, Aston Martin elevates that legacy to new heights, delivering its most refined and dynamic super tourer yet.
As the automotive landscape evolves, so do the demands placed on modern Grand Tourers. Once celebrated for their effortless cruising charm along sun-drenched coastlines, they’re now expected to deliver razor-sharp performance with the same grace.
Few embody that balance like Aston Martin, a brand synonymous with timeless elegance and refined power. Now, with the arrival of the DB12, proudly declared as “the world’s first Super Tourer,” Aston Martin promises a new era.
A familiar face with a fresh heart
At first glance, you might be tempted to think the DB12 is merely a refreshed DB11 or DBS. Aston Martin’s iconic design language – elegant curves, muscular haunches, and that unmistakable grille – remains largely untouched. But beneath this suave exterior lies substantial innovation, even if the chassis fundamentals remain similar.
The big news is Aston’s legendary V12 has finally bowed out, a victim of tightening emissions regulations. In its place sits a heavily revised Mercedes-sourced twin-turbo V8. No hybrid assist here, just old-school engineering finesse.
Tweaks to camshafts, compression ratios, and bigger turbos mean the 4.0-litre unit now belts out a thunderous 671bhp and 800Nm of torque. That’s enough grunt to hit 100km/h in just 3.6 seconds, eventually charging onward to a top speed north of 320km/h. Numbers worthy of any modern supercar, but delivered with traditional Aston elegance.
Behind the wheel, the DB12 immediately impresses, not simply with outright speed but with how effortlessly it wields its considerable power. The chassis feels deeply connected with the engine, working harmoniously to deliver an experience that’s neither intimidating nor detached.
Lean into a tight bend, and the car settles beautifully, compressing gently at the rear, ready to push forward without hesitation or drama. It’s wonderfully balanced and poised.
Admittedly, the steering might not communicate every subtle ripple of asphalt beneath your tyres, but that hardly matters. It’s direct, precise, and quicker than the DB11, making you feel intuitively connected to the road. As you carve through twisty sections of tarmac, it becomes clear that Aston’s intent was never outright aggression but supreme confidence.
In a market segment dominated by competitors like the Ferrari Roma and Bentley Continental GT, the DB12 might not scream thrills as loudly, but it whispers class with every corner taken.
Supercar pace, GT sophistication
The revised V8 is powerful but never uncouth, delivering waves of refined, effortless acceleration rather than the aggressive snap you’d find in some AMG-powered cousins. There’s a rich, throaty growl when you push harder, yet it remains dignified and well-mannered.
I did not have the chance to wring the car to its limits, but like a distinguished gentleman in a tailored suit, the DB12 feels rapid yet composed.
Crucially, navigating through the city’s bustling streets is surprisingly stress-free. Its ride remains impressively compliant, soaking up the uneven patches without fuss. Even negotiating carparks feels manageable, despite that lengthy bonnet making tight junctions occasionally tricky.
Visibility, thankfully, has improved markedly over its predecessor, so threading through traffic jams isn’t the white-knuckle experience you might fear.
Master of the long haul
Grand tourers should excel at effortlessly eating up long journeys, and here the DB12 genuinely shines. Previous DB models sometimes struggled with intrusive road noise, but the DB12 benefits significantly from Michelin’s latest foam-lined tyres, dramatically reducing tyre roar even at expressway speeds.
Fuel efficiency might not rank high on an Aston buyer’s list, but for those curious, Aston claims around 9km/litre.
As much as Aston’s new Bowers & Wilkins audio system (optional, but highly recommended) impresses with crystal-clear acoustics, it faces stiff competition from the car’s glorious V8 soundtrack.
Select Sport mode, prod the throttle, and the rich, baritone growl fills the cabin. It’s a sophisticated symphony rather than a crude cacophony, just as you’d expect from an Aston Martin.
Elegance on full display
Step inside, and you’ll find yourself cocooned in a vastly upgraded interior. Aston has taken a page out of Porsche’s playbook, blending high-tech interfaces with tactile, beautifully crafted controls.
Gone is the clutter and confusion; in its place sits a sleek, horizontally oriented touchscreen (Aston’s first) that responds crisply and intuitively.
Materials feel sumptuous, from the fine-grained leather that wraps every panel to the beautifully knurled metal dials for climate control.
Ergonomics have dramatically improved, too. Settling into the driver’s seat feels natural, the seating position low, sporty yet accommodating, perfect for long-distance cruises or spirited drives.
It’s a tangible step forward from the DB11, marrying luxury with modern convenience in ways Aston has rarely achieved before.
However, rear seats remain purely decorative, ideal only for your youngest offspring or perhaps designer luggage. But then, who buys a DB12 expecting family car practicality?
The boot’s 262-litre capacity is equally modest, though sufficient for weekend escapes, as long as you pack light.
Graceful evolution
Is the DB12 truly revolutionary? Perhaps not.
But what Aston Martin has achieved here is something arguably more meaningful: an evolution so complete, so carefully honed, that it resets expectations. It beautifully bridges the gap between a pure GT cruiser like the Bentley Continental GT and sportier contenders like the Ferrari Roma.
The DB12 emerges not as a raw, aggressive supercar but as a supremely capable, deeply satisfying grand tourer with genuine sporting flair. Its strengths lie in how smoothly it blends power, poise, and luxury, offering an unparalleled sense of occasion whenever you slip behind the wheel.
If you’re chasing raw, heart-racing excitement, go for the Vantage or even Vanquish. But for those who appreciate the fine balance of elegance and athleticism wrapped in a timelessly beautiful package, it stands among the best Aston Martin has ever produced.
After all, perfection doesn’t always mean reinventing the wheel. Sometimes, it’s about making the wheel turn more smoothly, more confidently, and with far greater finesse. And on that front, the Aston Martin DB12 has indeed arrived.
Technical Specifications
Aston Martin DB12
Engine: 4-Litre Twin-Turbocharged V8
Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive
Power: 670 bhp
Torque: 800 Nm
Gearbox: 8-speed (A)
0-100km/h: 3.6 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 325 km/h
Fuel Economy: 8.2 km/litre (claimed)
Price: POA
Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)
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