2025 Aston Martin DB12 Volante evaluate

The identify’s Wong… James Wong. I’ve been itching to write down that in a evaluate without end.

However whereas I’m a giant Bond fan, my expertise with Aston Martin till not too long ago was restricted to childhood fantasies from video video games and movies, in addition to a fast stint in a DBX a few years in the past.

However in 2024 all that modified. And whereas I very proudly documented my expertise in our evaluate of the brand new Aston Martin Vanquish, my first steer of a correct Aston GT automotive truly occurred a couple of weeks beforehand.

The 2025 Aston Martin DB12 Volante was a palette wetter previous to my jaunt to Sardinia for the worldwide launch of the brand new Vanquish.

With a view to familiarise myself with a few of Aston’s newest lineup forward of reviewing the British model’s new V12 GT hero, I took the drop-top DB12 out for a day in Melbourne. Suffice to say I’ve had worse days at work.

How does the Aston Martin DB12 examine?

View an in depth breakdown of the Aston Martin DB12 towards equally sized autos.

Aston Martin

DB12

How a lot does the Aston Martin DB12 value?

It’ll value you just about $40,000 to drop the highest off the brand new DB12 Coupe, with the Volante convertible ranging from $492,000 earlier than choices and on-road prices.

Naturally, given the unique and bespoke nature of the DB12, the ultimate transaction value as soon as consumers have finalised their ideally suited specification might be far larger.

For instance, the DB12 Volante I borrowed from Aston Martin Melbourne by Zagame was coated in attractive Q by Aston Martin exterior paint (Ion Blue), which in line with the accompanying spec listing value $40,000 alone.

With the remainder of its choices, the as-listed sticker value was effectively into the $700,000 realm, making this specific DB12 pricier than unique drop-tops just like the Bentley Continental GT Convertible (from $504,700) and Maserati GranCabrio (from $475,000).

Nonetheless, I’m positive the extent of customisation and innate road cred that comes with proudly owning one among these convertibles may very well be seen by some potential house owners as priceless.

To see how the Aston Martin DB12 compares with its rivals, try our comparability instrument

What’s the Aston Martin DB12 like on the within?

Whereas the DB12 appears to be like so much just like the earlier DB11 on the surface, the inside has been overhauled with Aston Martin’s newest cockpit design and applied sciences, shifting it away from the outgoing mannequin’s Mercedes-Benz sourced elements.

The result’s a way more upmarket and bespoke-feeling cabin, accented by attractive quilted semi-aniline leather-based and, within the case of our tester, pure wooden trim that may be subbed out for steel or carbon-fibre ornamentation.

Forward of the motive force is a brand new 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, augmented by a ten.25-inch central touchscreen, each operating the model’s newest interface. Apple CarPlay is current, as is a thumping 11-speaker Bowers and Wilkins audio system.

Whereas my time with the DB12 was transient, the brand new infotainment system feels much more mature than the clunky previous Mercedes-sourced system, and the actual fact it has been developed in-house makes the Aston’s tech expertise really feel much less like a components bin particular.

I did discover, nevertheless, that each the motive force and infotainment shows is usually a little bit of laggy when making an attempt to shortly flick via menus or shows, at instances being caught out. In any other case, it was pretty slick.

There’s an actual feeling of workmanship right here too, from the meticulous perforation and stitching particulars within the upholstery to the glass starter button encased in what looks like a knurled aluminium ring. It’s attractive.

I’m unsure how I really feel in regards to the stubby little gear selector, however I suppose it’s higher than the dash-mounted buttons which have been seen in Astons for the reason that DB9 – inform me which you like within the feedback!

The switchgear has a very nice clicky and strong motion to it. Up to now, some generations of Aston Martins have been smacked for lack of perceived high quality or shared switchgear from cheaper manufacturers – largely from the Ford period – so it is a very welcome step up.

I additionally must take a second to touch upon the steering wheel, which has a beautiful mushy and supple leather-trimmed rim and options pretty massive aluminium paddle shifters behind it. I might do with out the gloss black multifunction buttons, however the minimalist and basic form of the tiller is beautiful.

Entrance seat consolation is superb for an unique GT promising long-haul consolation. The primary-row chairs are absolutely electrically adjustable and provide loads of bolstering and assist all spherical, and in addition function each heating and air flow.

Our check automotive’s ‘Q Centenary Saddle Tan’ trim will value you further, however it’s undoubtedly a cultured disguise that might simply be transferred to a designer purse. I’m particularly a fan of the detailing.

You possibly can go for slimmer carbon-fibre efficiency seats if you want, however notably for the extra elegant Volante I think about this may be pointless until you’re planning on hitting the observe often – which once more appears unlikely with a convertible.

Being a 2+2-seater, there’s a set of rear seats which are actually greatest left for emergencies. I squeezed two girlfriends of mine in there and, at 5’2″-ish, even they complained there wasn’t a heap of room. Nonetheless, they got here alongside for the trip.

The DB12 gives related boot house to a small hatchback for when you might want to go away for the weekend or cart round further stuff.

With 262 litres of claimed cargo capability, it’s not going to be as sensible as a DBX707 wagon, however will probably be a extra habitable companion than equally priced exotics from the likes of McLaren and Lamborghini.

To see how the Aston Martin DB12 compares with its rivals, try our comparability instrument

What’s below the bonnet?

The DB12 is the primary DB mannequin for the reason that first DB7s of the early ’90s to go with out a V12 engine. The only powertrain choice is uprated model of the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 sourced from Mercedes-AMG.

To see how the Aston Martin DB12 compares with its rivals, try our comparability instrument

How does the Aston Martin DB12 drive?

After all, driving in and round Melbourne in all probability isn’t the DB12’s pure habitat, however little question many house owners use their Aston Martins as high-end luxurious commuters within the metropolis and round prosperous suburbs.

My fast stint with the drop-top GT began at Aston Martin Melbourne in Richmond and took within the Victorian capital’s inner-city suburbs, earlier than hitting the M3 Japanese Freeway after which the winding roads of Warrandyte and additional east.

The DB12 stirs the soul from the second you fireplace up the 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8, with a deep and distinctive exhaust observe that sounds distinctive to Aston Martin. The corporate says that whereas the ability unit is drawn from its partnership with Mercedes-AMG, 30 per cent of the componentry is exclusive to the British marque.

Biking via its numerous modes dials up or winds down the drama, with the default GT setting being greatest suited to on a regular basis driving situations. Nonetheless, I’d have most popular a model of the Vanquish’s V12 symphony to be piped from the rear of the DB12.

A sunny Melbourne spring day allowed roof-down motoring from the get-go, and all occupants on board loved the wind of their hair and the burbly tones of the exhaust out again.

Whether or not you’re placing round in visitors or stretching legs on a freeway on-ramp, the DB12 doesn’t fail to place a smile in your face. Like a correctly high-end unique ought to, it has a manner of creating you’re feeling particular, and there’s no scarcity of heads turning to stare as you waft on by.

Pop the transmission into handbook mode and you may maintain onto gears to make slightly extra noise, which is difficult to withstand in tunnels and below bridges (teehee). It will get even higher because the speeds climb, as a result of you’ll be able to faucet into that monstrous acceleration and listen to the bellowing exhaust at full noise in all its glory.

Numbers on paper usually inform solely a part of the story, and Aston’s 0-100km/h acceleration declare of three.7 seconds is nothing to sneeze at. Certainly, this type of determine was the realm of flagship supercars and hypercars after I was a child.

However with its two turbochargers and a whopping 800Nm of torque, it’s the ferocity of the rear-driven DB12’s acceleration that impresses. Even higher, it’s extremely linear and easy to drive quick. There’s minimal lag or hesitation whenever you bury your proper foot, so long as you’re in Sport or Sport+ driving modes.

There’s additionally minimal tyre scrabble from the rear axle, and you may level and shoot the DB12 in the direction of the horizon with confidence. It thunders alongside freeway onramps and undoubtedly has the brawn to match its gorgeous magnificence.

As soon as at a cruise, it’s additionally superbly comfy and properly settled, as you’d anticipate of a $500,000 tremendous GT.

Get the DB12 onto a winding B-road and it demonstrates succesful cornering capabilities, albeit not fairly as sharp as a few of its extra centered alternate options – however that’s sort of the purpose.

Like I skilled with the V12 Vanquish, the DB12 eats up higher-speed, flowing corners with aplomb. The steering is fluid and correct, if not fairly as fast or sharp as one thing from Ferrari or McLaren. However that’s what makes it extra habitable each day.

It’s a automotive you’ll be able to have enjoyable in with out driving it at 10-10ths, and the addictive soundtrack will make you wish to preserve the transmission in handbook mode and flick via the cogs your self. The burbly overrun and brassy observe on downshifts is nothing wanting wonderful.

There was a time after I thought a convertible supercar appeared slightly naff, given the compromises by way of structural rigidity and the much less interesting silhouette with the material roof up. However within the case of the Aston Martin DB12, the drop-top Volante makes a lot sense as an on a regular basis driver.

For my part, as a each day car in a speed-limited nation like Australia, a convertible supercar or grand tourer means that you can expertise the theatrics of the drivetrain with out having to go to the observe and wring its neck.

To see how the Aston Martin DB12 compares with its rivals, try our comparability instrument

What do you get?

The DB12 is infinitely customisable, however the world normal specification gives a strong baseline.

DB12 Volante gear highlights:

• 21-inch solid alloy wheels
• Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tyres
  • 275/35 ZR21 entrance
  • 325/30 ZR21 rear
• 400mm entrance, 360mm rear brakes
• 6-piston entrance, 4-piston rear brake calipers
• LED headlights incl. auto excessive beam
• LED daytime operating lights
• LED tail-lights
• Deployable spoiler incl. Aston Martin Aeroblade
• Laminated windscreen
• Consolation Seats
  • Seat heating
  • 12-way energy adjustment
• Ambient lighting
• Electrical steering column adjustment
• Keyless begin
• Black Alcantara headliner
• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
• 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment
• Apple CarPlay
• 390W 11-speaker Aston Martin audio system
• AM/FM/HD/DAB radio
• Wi-fi telephone charging
• Satellite tv for pc navigation
• 2 x USB ports
• 12V charging socket

To see how the Aston Martin DB12 compares with its rivals, try our comparability instrument

Is the Aston Martin DB12 secure?

The DB12, like different high-end sports activities vehicles, has by no means been independently crash examined and doubtless by no means will.

Nonetheless, the transfer to Aston Martin’s newest electrical structure and expertise suite brings the hottest superior driver help techniques (ADAS) to the DB12.

Normal security options embrace:

• Adaptive cruise management incl. cease/go
  • incl. Pace Restrict Adaptation
• Site visitors signal recognition
• Lane departure warning
• Lane change help
• Rear cross-traffic help
• Door Open Help
• Fingers Off Detection
• Auto excessive beam
• Driver drowsiness monitor

To see how the Aston Martin DB12 compares with its rivals, try our comparability instrument

How a lot does the Aston Martin DB12 value to run?

Aston Martin covers its present vary with a three-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee in Australia, which is extendable by 12 or 24 months by way of its official sellers, and roadside help cowl can also be obtainable.

Service pricing can also be obtainable upon enquiry at your most popular Aston Martin dealership.

To see how the Aston Martin DB12 compares with its rivals, try our comparability instrument

CarExpert’s Tackle the Aston Martin DB12

This sort of automotive is difficult to evaluate, as a result of it appeals nearly solely to your coronary heart, not your head.

Should you’re lucky sufficient to be buying at this finish of the market and also you’re studying this evaluate, you’ve probably already made up your thoughts that you really want an Aston Martin, and maybe extra particularly the DB12.

Ought to that be the case, I’m positive it’ll be every thing you think about it to be. It’s lovely to have a look at, superbly constructed, and exquisite to drive. Seek the advice of Aston Martin’s Q Division and you may create your individual ‘1 of 1’ instance, too.

As a longtime fan of the model, I’m considerably saddened by the dearth of a V12 below the bonnet, particularly after experiencing the thumping new 12-cylinder that powers the most recent Vanquish.

Even a detuned model of this 5.2-litre V12 would have served the DB12 effectively, and given it an additional sprint of pizazz in comparison with rivals with downsized energy items. Nonetheless, the V8 is a stonking engine and it doesn’t really feel like a coronary heart transplant from a Mercedes-AMG GT.

For extra pragmatic mortals, spending $500,000 on a automotive as a substitute of a property sounds ridiculous. However whenever you’re able to spend this type of cash, it’s exclusivity that issues and this Aston Martin is a standing image par excellence.

The extent of design, craftsmanship and engineering work will make the DB12 really feel appropriately boutique to any self respecting automotive fanatic, and makes it a becoming descendent to the DB7, DB9 and DBS of my childhood.

Certainly, it’ll make you’re feeling like a film star each time you drive it. From the theatrical start-up sequence to the attraction of its elegant silhouette, it should appeal to your consideration as a lot as these round you for a few years to return.

All this is applicable much more so with the Volante convertible, which works fantastically right here. The DB12 appears to be like merely gorgeous with its roof down, when it extra absolutely immerses you in its burbling V8 soundtrack, even when it’s a must to pay an additional $40,000 for the privilege.

However absolutely that’s chump change for the goal purchaser right here.

Concerned with shopping for a Aston Martin DB12? Get in contact with one among CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here

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