Aston Martin DB12: grand-tourer coupe with a luxury tech focus

Responsible: ad hoc news Lifestyle & Consumer Desk. Reviewed prior to publication on June 12, 2026 at 8:49 PM ET. Details in the imprint.

Aston Martin’s DB12 is the brand’s latest front-engine grand-tourer, replacing the DB11 with more power, a stiffer structure and a completely overhauled interior focused on modern infotainment and driver-centric controls. According to Aston Martin, the DB12 is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 tuned to deliver 671 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, enabling a claimed 0 to 60 mph time of around 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 202 mph. The car launched globally in 2023 as a 2+2 coupe, with US-bound cars priced from roughly $245,000 before options, positioning it in the upper tier of luxury GTs. For US buyers, the DB12 is available through Aston Martin dealers in major metro areas, with build slots often tied to bespoke specifications.

Performance, chassis and day-to-day usability

At the heart of the DB12 is a revised version of Aston Martin’s bonded aluminum architecture, reinforced for greater torsional stiffness compared with the DB11 to improve handling precision and ride quality. The 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, sourced from Mercedes-AMG and re-engineered by Aston Martin, features revised cam profiles, a larger turbocharger setup and updated cooling, lifting output to 671 hp without relying on a V12. Power is sent to the rear wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission, with a revised final drive and shorter lower ratios intended to deliver stronger in-gear acceleration. An electronic rear differential (E-diff) works alongside the stability system and is designed to go from fully open to locked in milliseconds to enhance traction out of tight corners. Aston Martin quotes a 0 to 60 mph time of about 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 202 mph, figures that place the DB12 alongside other high-performance GT coupes from Europe.

The chassis setup uses adaptive dampers with a wider bandwidth than the previous generation, offering distinct modes that range from a compliant GT setting to more focused Sport and Sport+ calibrations. According to early test drives by outlets such as Top Gear and Autocar, the DB12’s steering is weighty but precise, with the car feeling more agile and tied down than the DB11 it replaces. Optional carbon-ceramic brakes reduce unsprung mass and are aimed at buyers planning repeated high-speed use, although standard steel brakes are tuned for everyday comfort. On typical US highways, the DB12 is intended to operate mainly in its GT mode, where Aston Martin has prioritized low cabin noise and refined damping for long-distance comfort. Fuel economy data is modest for the segment, with EPA estimates expected to fall broadly in line with comparable V8 GTs, although detailed official US figures can vary by wheel size and specification and should be confirmed at the dealership.

From a practicality standpoint, the DB12 maintains the classic 2+2 layout with small rear seats best suited to children or short trips for adults. Luggage space is sized for weekend bags or a pair of carry-on suitcases, placing the car firmly in the grand-tourer category rather than as a full four-seat daily driver. The DB12’s ride height and wide doors are designed to make entry and exit manageable compared with lower supercars, which may matter for owners using the car for regular commuting. Buyers can choose a range of wheel designs, including 21-inch options that visually fill the arches but can transmit more road texture on rougher US pavement, making a test drive on local roads advisable.

Interior design, infotainment and technology

The DB12’s cabin represents one of the biggest changes from the DB11, moving to a new in-house infotainment system developed by Aston Martin rather than relying on an older Mercedes COMAND interface. A central 10.25-inch touchscreen with capacitive touch technology sits in the middle of the dashboard, supporting features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, online navigation and over-the-air updates for certain software components. Importantly, Aston Martin has retained a bank of physical switches and rotary controls for key functions like climate, drive modes and volume, addressing complaints that fully touch-driven interfaces can be distracting. The digital instrument cluster ahead of the driver offers configurable layouts, with performance-oriented views highlighting tachometer and shift information when more dynamic modes are selected.

Material quality and craftsmanship remain a core focus, with extensive use of hand-stitched Bridge of Weir leather, Alcantara and optional carbon fiber or wood veneers. Aston Martin offers a wide color palette, including contrasting seat inserts, piping and headliner options, allowing US buyers to tailor the interior to their taste. Customization can extend to embroidery, seat quilting patterns and laser-etched speaker grilles for the available Bowers & Wilkins audio system, which is configured to match the specific cabin acoustics of the DB12. Ambient interior lighting with configurable color themes is designed to emphasize the car’s sculpted dashboard and door shapes at night. Seating is focused on long-distance comfort, with multi-way power adjustment, heating and ventilation available depending on specification, and the driving position is relatively low but adjustable enough to accommodate a range of driver heights.

On the technology front, the DB12 includes driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and traffic sign recognition, with availability and exact configuration depending on market and model year. A surround-view camera system helps with parking, which can be particularly helpful in urban US environments where the DB12’s width might otherwise be challenging. Keyless entry and push-button start are standard, and a connected app is expected to offer features such as remote locking status, location services and certain vehicle-status checks, although functions can vary by region and software version. Over-the-air update capability is intended to allow Aston Martin to refine infotainment features and add incremental improvements without requiring a workshop visit.

Design language and positioning in Aston Martin’s lineup

Visually, the DB12 evolves Aston Martin’s traditional GT formula with a larger front grille, slimmer LED headlights and a more aggressive stance compared with the DB11. The front end incorporates a new lighting signature and a reshaped hood, while the side profile keeps the familiar long hood and swept-back cabin proportions that have defined Aston Martin coupes for decades. Flush door handles, frameless door glass and a cleaner rear deck with integrated spoiler elements are intended to balance aerodynamics with classic GT elegance. Wheel designs and finishes, including multi-spoke and Y-spoke patterns, can dramatically change the look of the car, and Aston Martin offers satin and gloss paint finishes along with optional contrasting roof treatments for further differentiation.

Within Aston Martin’s current range, the DB12 is positioned as the core grand-tourer, sitting between track-focused specials and the more practical DBX SUV. The model effectively replaces the DB11 and serves as the latest representative of the DB series lineage, which has long been central to the brand’s identity. Compared with the Vantage, the DB12 is more comfort-oriented and spacious, with a higher level of luxury appointments, while also offering more power in V8 form than the outgoing Vantage V8. For buyers cross-shopping within the broader market, the DB12 competes with high-end GTs and coupes from other European manufacturers, typically those combining strong performance with a focus on long-distance comfort.

For Aston Martin Lagonda, the DB12 is intended to be a key pillar of the brand’s product strategy, both in terms of image and revenue contribution, as grand-tourers have historically been central to the company’s sales mix. Shares of Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings (ISIN GB00BN7CG237, ticker AML) last traded at around 40.85 pence on the London Stock Exchange’s main market on June 12, 2026, according to market data compiled by Fidelity.

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