Aston Martin DB12 Volante Review: What Is New Compared With the DB11?

TL;DR

The Aston Martin DB12 Volante modernizes the DB11 with a 20 mm wider body, a 50 mm wider rear track, new exterior details and a substantially redesigned interior. It combines luxury materials and physical controls with 21-inch wheels, specially developed Michelin Pilot Sport 5 S tires and adaptive cruise control, although some trim feels less premium and the door handles are awkward. Read on for the specific upgrades, strengths and drawbacks.

Transcript

this is the aster Martin db12 valante and it's a little bit like Big Ben you see it looks very similar to what it did before on the outside when it was the db11 however underneath the skin it's been thoroughly modernized did you know that Big Ben now has a lift in it and like LED lighting all that kind of stuff anyway what I'm going to do is tell y... Read More

Key Insights

• The Aston Martin DB12 Volante is wider than the DB11, providing a more aggressive stance.
• It features a new infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
• The car is powered by a 4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine from AMG, producing 680 horsepower.
• The DB12 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds, offering impressive performance.
• Interior materials include leather and aluminum, providing a luxurious feel.
• The rear seats are more for show, as they offer limited space for adults.
• The car includes new adaptive dampers, enhancing its sporty driving capabilities.
• Despite its performance, the DB12 maintains comfort and ease of use for daily driving.
• "the body is about 20 mm wider you can see it's nice and wide here at the back the track is 50 mm wider" (1:03)
• "wheel sizes are all 21 in car comes on new mlin Pilot Sport 5 S Tires they've been specifically developed for this car" (1:24)
• "from door mirror to door mirror which is the widest part it's exactly the same as the db11" (2:02)
• "the trade-off is though you do get Auto cruise control on this car which is nice and handy if you're doing longer Journeys" (3:11)
• "you've got actual physical buttons or shall I say rollers for the ventilation system" (5:14)

Questions & Answers

Q: How does the Aston Martin DB12 Volante compare with the DB11?

The DB12 Volante looks similar to the DB11 at the rear, but it has been thoroughly modernized underneath. Its body is about 20 mm wider, its rear track is 50 mm wider and its front design is new.

Q: What exterior changes does the Aston Martin DB12 Volante have?

The DB12 Volante adds new 21-inch alloy wheel designs, pop-out door handles, frameless mirrors and Matrix LED headlights. It also replaces the DB11's clamshell bonnet with a segmented design, allowing damaged sections to be replaced separately.

Q: Is the Aston Martin DB12 Volante wider than the DB11?

Yes. The body is about 20 mm wider and the rear track is 50 mm wider, but the total width from mirror to mirror remains the same because the frameless mirrors are smaller.

Q: What tires and brakes does the Aston Martin DB12 Volante use?

The car has 21-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 5 S tires developed specifically for it. It also has large brakes, with carbon-ceramic brakes available as an upgrade.

Q: What is the Aston Martin DB12 Volante interior like?

The interior uses leather and aluminum panels, while many switches have a solid metal feel. Physical rollers control temperature, fan speed and stereo volume, and heated seats are standard.

Q: What interior drawbacks does the Aston Martin DB12 Volante have?

The indicator stalk feels similar to a Mercedes component, and the air vents feel plasticky. The reviewer says these vents are less exquisite than those in a Bentley Continental GT.

Q: Does the Aston Martin DB12 Volante have adaptive cruise control?

Yes, adaptive cruise control is standard and is useful on longer journeys. Its radar sits behind a visible black plastic section at the front that cannot be painted, making it look obtrusive.

Q: Are the Aston Martin DB12 Volante door handles easy to use?

The handles now pop out when the car is unlocked. However, the reviewer finds their shape less easy to hold and use than a normal door handle.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Aston Martin DB12 Volante is a refined evolution of the DB11, featuring a wider body and modernized design elements. It includes advanced technology like a new infotainment system and adaptive dampers for improved driving dynamics. The luxurious interior is complemented by a powerful AMG engine, although rear seating space is limited.

• With a starting price of £205,000, the DB12 Volante offers a blend of luxury and performance. The exterior design maintains the classic Aston Martin appeal while incorporating modern features like pop-out door handles and frameless mirrors. The car's performance is backed by a 680hp engine, ensuring a thrilling driving experience.

• While the DB12 Volante excels in performance and luxury, some areas like rear seating and certain interior design elements could be enhanced. The car's practicality is limited by small storage spaces and a challenging rear seat configuration. However, it remains a strong contender in the luxury sports GT segment.