Aston Martin’s DB12 arrives as a bold new chapter in the British marque’s prestigious DB lineage, and it helps celebrate the company’s 75th anniversary. No pressure, then.
The DB12 is being marketed as a “super tourer” rather than just a grand tourer, signalling a slightly different direction in terms of power, performance, and handling.
But yet with its imposing looks and swank interior, this is still as sexy as it is regal, like a proper DB. Does the DB12 live up to the super tourer promise? Let’s have a look.
2024 Aston Martin DB12: Specifications
Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8
Output: 500kW@6000rpm / 800Nm@2750-6000rpm
Gearbox: Eight-speed auto
Drive type: Rear-wheel drive, E-diff
Wheels: F: 21×9.5, 275/35 R: 21×11.5, 325/30
ANCAP: Not tested
Tare weight: 1775kg
Power-to-weight: 3.55:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 12.2L/100km
Our consumption: 15L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 78L/95 RONPower efficiency: 40.98kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 2.40 seconds*
0-100km/h: 4.16 seconds*
0-200km/h: 10.94 seconds*
60-110km/h: 2.10 seconds*
1/4 mile: 11.93 seconds at 210.9km/h*
Max acceleration: 1.035g*
100-0km/h braking: 34.42m in 2.80 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.625g*
Decibel at idle (/sport mode): 55/57*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 92*
Starting price: $455,000
*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2024 Aston Martin DB12: How much does it cost?
Well it was never going to be cheap, was it? The DB12 starts from $455,000 for the coupe, and from $492,000 for the Volante convertible (excluding on-roads). If you were wondering, the last DB11 coupe retailed from $450,100.
So with this offering more power, more technology and more luxury, you could say that’s pretty good value. Although, the DB11 did feature a V12 while the DB12 is V8 only at this stage.
2024 Aston Martin DB12: Interior & packaging
The cabin of the DB12 continues Aston Martin’s tradition of ultra-luxury and exotica, but it’s clear this new model aims to provide a more driver-centric experience. At the heart of the cockpit is an all-new, Aston-developed infotainment system, which is a significant leap forward in capability compared with the outgoing setup.
It runs on a 10.25-inch high-resolution touch-screen that responds promptly to inputs and offers both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Unlike many modern cars that over-rely on in-screen controls, Aston Martin has kept a balance by retaining physical buttons for essential functions like climate control, drive modes, and audio volume.
Such controls are found on the centre console, with beautiful in-set rollers for the temp adjustment and volume. Some buttons are pretty conventional, but most areas are covered in either supple leather or some kind of quality material. In other words, it doesn’t take long to realise you are in a very expensive and exclusive vehicle.
The seats, swathed in Bridge of Weir leather or Alcantara, are both sumptuous and supportive, designed for long-distance comfort while offering enough bolstering for enthusiastic driving.
A new quilting pattern adds to the sense of bespoke luxury, while soft-touch materials in various areas help underline the DB12’s attention to detail. An exquisite Bowers & Wilkins audio system also meshes perfectly with the level o detail, offering crystal-clear surround sound.
In terms of cabin space, the DB12 is accommodating for front passengers, though, like most grand tourers, the rear seats are better suited for kids or as additional storage space. That said, the DB12 offers less boot space than the DB11, dropping from 270 to 262L. But it is versatile enough for long-distance touring.
2024 Aston Martin DB12: Powertrain & handling
Under the sculpted bonnet, the Aston Martin DB12 houses a beastly 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, developed in conjunction with Mercedes-AMG but fine-tuned by Aston Martin’s engineers. It produces a staggering 500kW of power and 800Nm of torque, making it the most powerful standard DB model ever. The numbers are impressive, sprinting from 0-100 km/h in a claimed 3.5 seconds, and capable of reaching a top speed of 325 km/h.
During our tests on a private road we clocked 0-100km/h in 4.16 seconds (scrambling for traction), the quarter mile in just 11.93 seconds at 210.9km/h, and 0-200km/h in 10.94 seconds. For a rear-wheel drive coupe that doesn’t have its engine sitting over the rear axle (like a supercar), these real-world figures are incredible. Especially the quarter mile and 0-200. That trap speed of 210km/h is a good indicator of its huge potential, if for a grippier surface.
The performance figures aren’t just for bragging rights – they’re backed by engineering improvements that make this the most engaging DB to drive yet. The V8 has been enhanced with larger turbochargers, a revised cooling system (with additional radiators), and an optimised compression ratio, dropping from 10.5:1 in the old DB11 V8 (393kW) to just 8.6:1 here. We can only suspect there is some massive turbo boost going on.
All of these changes from the old DB11 V8 contribute to a 34 per cent power increase. Fuel consumption is up, understandably, from 10.7L/100km to 12.2L/100km. Interestingly though, the DB11 V12 (470kW) was rated at 11.4L/100km. But even that doesn’t get close to the output and sheer ferocity of this new unit.
Aside from the power surge, Aston Martin has paid equal attention to the exhaust note, delivering an exhilarating, throaty soundtrack that adds to the car’s driving appeal. However, from the outside the note doesn’t seem that loud. Aggressive and angry, yes, but not heard from the next street over. Anymore.
Power is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, which shifts smoothly during relaxed driving but sharpens considerably in the sportier drive modes. For the first time, the DB12 also features an electronic differential (E-Diff). This advanced system can switch from fully open to fully locked in milliseconds, working in tandem with the electronic stability control system to enhance traction, agility, and cornering performance. Whether you’re tackling tight switchbacks and kicking the rear end out, or cruising at high speed, the DB12 remains composed and confident all the time.
One of the standout features of the DB12 is its suspension system. Aston Martin has equipped the new model with new-generation intelligent adaptive dampers, which offer a 500 per cent increase in bandwidth over the DB11’s setup.
Combined with stiffer anti-roll bars and increased torsional stiffness in the body structure, with wider tracks, the DB12 is blisteringly fast through the corners. This feels much more like a sports car or super sports car than any previous-generation standard DB model. The amount of grip and subsequent g-forces this thing generates will blow your mind.
There are five selectable driving modes – GT, Sport, Sport+, Wet, and Individual – allowing drivers to fine-tune the car’s behaviour to suit different conditions or driving preferences. The GT mode focuses on comfort and refinement, ideal for touring, while Sport+ dials up the sharpness for those who want to exploit the DB12’s full dynamic potential.
For stopping power, the DB12 comes with standard 400mm front and 360mm rear cast-iron discs, grooved and drilled for improved heat management. Carbon ceramic brakes are available as an option, reducing brake fade and cutting 27kg of unsprung weight, further improving steering response and ride quality.
Aston Martin has also partnered with Michelin to equip the DB12 with bespoke Pilot Sport 5 S tyres, tuned specifically for this model. The result is excellent grip in both wet and dry conditions.
2024 Aston Martin DB12: Key attractions/reasons to buy
- Savage power: The 500kW V8 is a monster, belting to high speed at the flex of the foot.
- First E-Diff: First seen in an Aston Martin DB model, the E-Diff significantly works like magic to ensure both rear wheels hook up perfectly, every time.
- Advanced suspension: The intelligent adaptive dampers provide a 500% increase in tuning bandwidth, offering a broader range of comfort and performance settings.
- New infotainment system: Aston Martin’s bespoke, in-house developed system is a marked improvement over previous generations, with better connectivity and more user-friendly menu flow.
- Super tourer credentials: With comfortable long-distance touring capabilities and explosive performance, the DB12 combines grand touring comfort with supercar thrills wonderfully.
2024 Aston Martin DB12: Key considerations before you buy
- Rear seat practicality: Like many GT cars, the rear seats are more of an afterthought, suitable for children or as extra storage.
- Availability of carbon ceramic brakes: While these offer incredible performance benefits, they are an expensive option and should probably come as standard on a near-$500k vehicle?
- Could be louder: The engine, while extremely powerful, doesn’t produce the loudest exhaust note we’ve heard on a standard DB model. The multi-modal system could have a racier setting in there.
How does it rate against its rivals?
- Price
- Quality look & feel
- Interior tech
- Powertrain performance
- Ride & handling
- X factor (does it stand out in its class?)
Final word
For buyers looking for a high-performance vehicle that doesn’t sacrifice comfort or style, the DB12 is difficult to beat. It may come with a hefty price tag and a few compromises in practicality, but its blend of craftsmanship, technology, and performance makes it a standout in the world of ultra-luxury sports cars. The DB12 doesn’t just live up to the legacy of the DB series—it propels it into the future.
