With new elegant lines, an aggressive stance and a dynamic driving experience, the Aston Martin DB12 is certainly a sight to behold.
The DB12 is what the brand defines as the ‘world’s first super tourer’, and its arrival pairs perfectly with Aston Martin’s 100th birthday, plus the 75th anniversary of the iconic DB nameplate.
Aston Martin exudes the epitome of British luxury, and this model is no exception. It goes up against rivals such as the Bentley Continental GT and BMW 8 Series as a new and super-luxury alternative. In addition, it succeeds the impressive DB11, and while the underpinnings remain similar, there are a few distinct differences, especially when you put your foot on the pedal.
So, what’s upgraded in the DB12?
The DB12 shares some of the foundations as the DB11. However, there have been a few reworks to shake things up a little. Its bonded extruded-aluminium structure has had some tweaks, such as an engine cross brace, upgraded rear bulkhead and new front cross member. These additions have given the car more rigidity.
Alongside this, the car gets a new suspension system for the ultimate driving experience. There are adaptive dampeners, stability control, an electronic rear differential and stiffer anti-roll bars. All of these additions make the car agile and stable for those exciting drives.
For those that want to know what’s under the hood, you’ll be pleased to see the car follows its predecessor with a V8. However, the 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged engine has been reworked to push performance even further.
All this power means one thing, you get a decent amount of torque at 800Nm between 2,750rpm and 6,000rpm and an impressive 671bhp. It also sprints from 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds, just beating the DB11 to the line by nearly half a second.
Will there be a V12 version? At the moment, it’s uncertain, as Aston Martin seems to be focusing on this model.
The DB12 exterior design
When you first lay eyes on the DB12, you might feel it looks pretty similar to the DB11. But there are some distinctive differences to enjoy.
First, you’ll probably notice the large and aggressive-looking grille sitting pride of place. It’s no shrinking violet, that’s for sure! Size-wise, it’s wider than the DB11 by 6mm at the front and 22mm wider at the back, and this gives it a more powerful stance. However, drivers still get to admire its sleek side profile and iconic DB lines.
At the rear, you still get the brand’s signature C-shaped lights, and the bumper offers up a more aggressive vibe. There’s also a small retractable lip, which manages downforce to give you superb handling.
In addition, each car comes with 21-inch forged alloys and Michelin Pilot Sport tyres composed of a bespoke compound – a first for any manufacturer.
Inside the DB12
Stepping into the cabin is where you’ll see the most noticeable differences and upgrades from the DB11. This model needed a revamp here, and Aston Martin certainly upped the ante.
Tech-wise, its predecessor had a laggy Mercedes system, and this has been upgraded to the brand’s first Aston Martin set-up. This system was developed by the manufacturer and comes with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen and a range of mod cons such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The brand even has its own navigation feature, which is intuitive and simple to use.
To get a better balance between tangible buttons and touchscreen controls, Aston Martin has split the main controls into two areas. The buttons in the centre console control things like gear selection, heating, chassis settings and drive mode. In comparison, on the screen, you’ll be able to monitor the vehicle, navigate journeys and play your favourite tunes. This system also gets over-the-air updates.
Of course, it wouldn’t be Aston Martin if you didn’t experience luxury upon sitting in the DB12. Bridge-of-Weir leather seats offer comfortable and elegant upholstery, and this continues onto the door panels for further luxury accents. Another plus point is the 11-speaker audio system, which can be upgraded to the 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system. This intuitive feature reacts to noise in the cabin and adjusts the profile throughout the journey.
The car’s interior and exterior colour profile is another area of choice, and there’s a visually appealing set of shades to elevate the aesthetic. You get the option of Xenon Grey, Satin Aluminite Silver, Neutron White, Iridescent Emerald and Hyper Red, each guaranteed to turn heads.
Alongside its luxurious feel and look, driver and passenger enjoy an exhilarating ride with ample space up front. You also get seats in the rear, but let’s be honest, this car is hardly your average family vehicle, and it’s unlikely many would find this space comfortable for any period of time. Again the boot is small with 262 litres capacity, and this is slightly down from its predecessor.
When does the Aston Martin DB12 launch?
With the brand’s recent previews of the model, there’s likely to be keen uptake, and a few people are already in line to receive this powerhouse. However, Aston Martin has said it’s expected to start deliveries in autumn.
Prices have also been kept under wraps for the moment. But, looking at the key upgrades from the DB11 and the new technology and systems onboard, it’s estimated the DB12 will start at around £190,000 - £200,000.
Luxury car leasing at Leasing Options
Don’t quite have the budget to stretch the DB12? With luxury alternatives from BMW, Jaguar and Porsche, you can drive a high-performance model with tons of onboard tech and stylish accents for a fraction of the price. At Leasing Options, we have a wide range of deals to suit your budget and lifestyle. So, please get in contact with our team to discuss options or check out stock and pick your favourite.
