Aston Martin DB12

Aston Martin makes things easy for buyers by giving the DB12 only one engine choice.

4.0L Twin-Turbo V8

British engineers got rid of the DB11’s V12 engine and gave the DB12 a V8 instead. This one offers a mix of long, rapid highway trips and fun weekend drives on open roads. It packs a huge wave of power right from the low range, so expect driving to be as smooth as possible.

Driving Modes & Performance Tech

There are many drive modes for the DB12, like GT, Sport, and Sport+. The GT setting makes the adaptive dampers softer and keeps the exhaust note quiet. When you go to Sport or Sport+, the throttle response picks up, the gears stay in place longer, and the exhaust valves open for a raw note.

The driving experience of the Aston Martin DB12 aptly explains what the 'Super Tourer' badge is all about.

City Driving

Low-speed drivability is quite well done in the DB12. The steering lightness keeps manoeuvring easy, but the incredibly long bonnet requires you to be a bit careful in tight spaces. The 8-speed torque converter gearbox, meanwhile, smartly avoids the jerkiness of dual-clutch transmissions. While the suspension over potholes and speed breakers is firm, the adaptive dampers in GT mode filter out very sharp jolts.

Highway Driving

Overtaking is as easy as it gets with this car, allowing you to go past slower traffic without any issues. Even at triple-digit speeds, it remains planted, and a cruising speed of 120 kmph feels like a gentle jog for this machine. The steering actively listens to input, giving you confidence around fast corners, and braking confidence is equally strong, with massive discs shedding speed rapidly. This high-speed stability is complemented by minimal body roll in the firmer drive modes, too.

The Aston Martin DB12 price in India relates to a simple hierarchy, focusing primarily on one fully loaded configuration.

V8 Coupe

As the standalone offering, the V8 Coupe comes packed with key features, including the new infotainment system, adaptive suspension, and a full suite of luxury touches. The target buyer is someone who wants the ultimate front-engine, rear-wheel-drive experience without having to navigate a confusing options list just to get the essentials. While there is a Volante (convertible) available globally, the Coupe remains the definitive driver's choice.

The ARAI mileage for the Aston Martin DB12 is rated at 12.75 kmpl. However, a real-world estimate places it much lower, yielding roughly 8 kmpl in the city and around 10 kmpl on the highway if driven with a light foot.

The body style of the DB12 looks like a classic grand tourer coupe, but on some accounts, it looks far more aggressive than the DB11.

Front Profile

The front houses a massive, redesigned Aston Martin grille that feeds more air to the V8 engine. New LED headlights with distinctive daytime running lights sit alongside a beautifully sculpted clamshell bonnet, giving the car a focused face upfront.

Side Profile

From the side, the proportions are timeless: a long nose, a set-back cabin, and a short rear deck. It sits on 21-inch alloy wheels, and the flush door handles add to its clean, aerodynamic look. However, the ground clearance is relatively low at 120 mm, which requires careful navigation.

Rear Profile

The rear profile keeps the ultra-slim, C-shaped LED tail lamps that have slowly become an Aston Martin signature. The muscular bumper, meanwhile, has a deep rear diffuser with aggressive twin exhaust outlets.

The material quality used inside the Aston Martin DB12’s completely overhauled cabin is exquisite, with hand-stitched leather, knurled metal dials, and carbon fibre accents.

Front Row

The dashboard layout integrates a sloping centre console that houses physical buttons for essential functions like climate control and exhaust valves, which is a welcome relief from touch-only setups. Seat comfort is exceptional, offering substantial bolstering and support for long journeys.

Second Row

While technically a four-seater, the second row is heavily compromised. The comfort features back here are minimal, making these seats suitable only for small children or as extra luggage space for weekend trips.

Boot Space, Storage & Practicality

The DB12 offers an available boot space of 262 litres. While not massive, it is deep enough to swallow a couple of soft duffel bags or a small suitcase. Pocket spaces are somewhat shallow, and the rear seats cannot be folded down either.

The DB12 has a 10.25-inch infotainment screen that is sharp, responsive, and neatly integrated into the centre console rather than sticking out like an afterthought. Crucially, it supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while other connectivity features are aplenty, allowing owners to interact with the car via a dedicated mobile app.

The fully digital instrument cluster provides a wealth of information and changes graphics depending on the selected drive mode. The steering controls are a mix of capacitive touch and physical switches, allowing easy access to audio and cruise control settings without taking your hands off the wheel. As for passenger-specific features, the car includes dual-zone climate control, heated and ventilated seats, and an incredible surround-sound audio system.

High-end exotics are rarely tested by agencies like Global NCAP or Bharat NCAP, but the safety integrity of the Aston Martin DB12 is beyond question.

Active Safety

On active safety, it is loaded with high-performance ABS, EBD, ESC, and an advanced traction control system that can be tailored to the driver's skill level. More importantly, you get Level 2 ADAS in this car, which hosts driving assistance features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and autonomous emergency braking. There are also high-resolution cameras and radar sensors.

Passive Safety

The DB12 is a fortress on the inside. It features 10 airbags, including front, side, and curtain protection. The build quality of the bonded aluminium platform also ensures maximum energy absorption during an impact. ISOFIX mounts can be found in the rear seats, and standard three-point seatbelts come with pre-tensioners.

Most of its rivals offer a different take on the luxury coupe formula, with some of the Aston Martin DB12’s closest competitors being the Ferrari Roma, Bentley Continental GT, and Mercedes-Maybach SL 680.

Ferrari Roma

The Ferrari Roma is lighter and offers slightly sharper handling on a tight road. However, the Aston Martin DB12 is vastly more comfortable over long distances and boasts a more user-friendly interior.

Bentley Continental GT

The Bentley Continental GT is better at isolating occupants from the outside world and feels more opulent inside. On the flip side, the DB12 is more agile in the long run, feeling like a true sports car.

Mercedes-Maybach SL 680

The Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 focuses entirely on soft, effortless cruising and open-top glamour. The DB12 easily wins in terms of dynamic performance, steering feedback, and raw visual presence.

The DB12 is no doubt a phenomenal machine, but like all exotics, it has its drawbacks and benefits.

The Aston Martin DB12’s major strengths lie in its breathtaking exterior styling, the thunderous performance of its AMG-sourced V8, and a vastly improved interior that feels thoroughly modern. Its ideal buyer is a wealthy enthusiast who desires a high-performance coupe that is comfortable enough to drive across states without fatigue.

But, at the same time, the car’s rear seats are not practical enough, and the 120 mm ground clearance requires constant vigilance on Indian roads. The after-sales network is also tiny across the country. But if you can live with these shortcomings, the Aston Martin DB12 remains the most well-rounded ‘Super Tourer’ on sale today. It is a stunning piece of automotive art that you can actually enjoy driving without worrying about comfort or performance.