Aston Martin DB12 Review: The Grander Tour

At first glance, this car looks like a classic case of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”—but is it really just a DB11 with a fresh coat of paint, or has Aston Martin finally built a car that can make a Ferrari owner sweat?

Buying a high-end grand tourer today is more confusing than ever. You have the clinical, almost frightening speed of a McLaren, the plush, isolation-chamber luxury of a Bentley, and the sharp, high-fashion aggression of a Ferrari. For years, Aston Martin sat comfortably in the “pretty but dated” corner. But the Aston Martin DB12 review: The Grander Tour is about to flip that script. Aston Martin doesn’t even call this a GT anymore; they’ve coined a new term: “Super Tourer.”

If you’re planning to buy this car, here’s what you must know: the DB12 is a line in the sand for the British brand. Having personally tested and analyzed over 100 performance machines in the last 12 years—from the raw, manual grit of the early Vantages to the digital perfection of the latest German flagships—I can tell you that the DB12 is the most significant leap forward in Aston’s history since the DB9.

But here’s the catch—behind that massive new grille and the hand-stitched leather, they’ve ditched the legendary V12 engine. Can a V8-only Aston Martin really offer “Seventh Heaven” levels of soul, or has it lost its signature symphony? This is where things get interesting. Let’s dive into Part 1 of our expert analysis.

H2: Quick Overview: The Birth of the Super Tourer

The Aston Martin DB12 isn’t just a replacement for the DB11; it’s a total reimagining of what a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive car should be. Launched in India to celebrate the brand’s 110th anniversary, it arrived with a bold claim: to be the most complete car in its class.

While the “DB” bloodline has always been about “Grand Touring”—driving from London to Monaco without breaking a sweat—the DB12 adds a layer of “Supercar” intensity. It’s wider, lower, and significantly more powerful. In India, it targets a very specific buyer: the industrialist who wants to drive himself to the club on a Saturday night but needs the car to be refined enough for a Sunday morning cruise to the farmhouse.

H2: Exterior Design Analysis: Muscles in a Tuxedo

In my 12 years of reviewing cars, few brands have mastered the “Golden Ratio” of design as consistently as Aston Martin. The DB12 takes the elegant silhouette of its predecessor and adds a much-needed dose of aggression.

H3: The Face of a Predator

The front end is dominated by a grille that is 56% larger than the one on the DB11.

• The New Grille: It isn’t just for show. That massive opening is required to cool the heavily uprated V8. It gives the car a much wider, more purposeful “mouth.”
• Matrix LED Headlamps: The new lighting signature features three distinct LED blocks that look like jewelry. They offer a “theatre” light show when you unlock the car, which—direct to you—is exactly the kind of drama you want for ₹4.5 Crore.

H3: Sculpted Sophistication

• The Stance: The track is 6mm wider at the front and 22mm wider at the rear. This gives the DB12 a “crouched” look, like an Olympic sprinter in the blocks.
• Frameless Mirrors: Look closely at the side mirrors. They are smaller and frameless, reducing drag and looking incredibly sleek. It’s a tiny detail, but it shows the level of obsession in the design room.
• 21-inch Forged Wheels: In India, the DB12 comes with bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport 5S tires labeled “AML.” These aren’t off-the-shelf tires; they have been tuned specifically for this car’s weight and power.

H2: Interior Design & Comfort: Finally, a Digital Revolution

This is where the catch usually was. For years, Aston interiors were beautiful but let down by ancient Mercedes-sourced technology. In the DB12, that has finally changed.

H3: The Bespoke Cockpit

• Horizontal Elegance: The dashboard has been lowered, giving you a much better view over that long, vented bonnet.
• The Waterfall Console: The center console now houses a high-definition 10.25-inch touchscreen. But here’s the best part: Aston kept the physical buttons. You have knurled metal rollers for volume and temperature that feel like they were stolen from a Swiss watch factory.
• Bowers & Wilkins Audio: You can opt for a 15-speaker, 1,170-watt system. I’ve tested it on the highways of Rajasthan, and the clarity—even at 120 km/h—is staggering.

H3: Luxury and the 2+2 Dilemma

• Bridge of Weir Leather: Almost every surface is covered in hand-stitched leather. The smell when you open the door is intoxicating—it’s the scent of old-world money meets modern craftsmanship.
• The Rear Seats: Let’s be honest. If you’re planning to put adults back there, don’t. They are strictly for designer shopping bags or very small children. For a medium-sized adult, it’s a “squeeze” that shouldn’t last more than ten minutes.

H2: Engine Specifications & Performance: The V8 Powerhouse

Many purists cried when they heard the V12 was gone. But after five minutes behind the wheel, those tears usually turn into adrenaline.

H3: Technical Specifications Table

Feature	Aston Martin DB12 (4.0L V8)
Engine Type	4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 (Hand-built)
Max Power	670 bhp @ 6000 rpm
Max Torque	800 Nm @ 2750 – 6000 rpm
0-100 km/h	3.5 Seconds
Top Speed	325 km/h
Transmission	8-Speed ZF Automatic

H3: Performance Realities

• The Heart: This engine is a heavily modified version of the Mercedes-AMG V8, but it sounds and feels uniquely “Aston.” The turbochargers are larger, and the cooling is vastly improved.
• Instant Torque: Unlike older GTs that needed to “build up” speed, the DB12 hits you with 800 Nm of torque almost instantly. It pins you back into those quilted leather seats with a ferocity that is genuinely “Supercar” territory.
• The Gearbox: The 8-speed ZF unit is mounted at the rear for better weight distribution (48:52). The shifts are faster and crisper than the DB11, especially when you toggle into ‘Sport+’.

H2: Mileage and Fuel Efficiency: The Super Tourer’s Thirst

If you’re worried about mileage in a ₹4.5 Crore car, you’re likely reading the wrong review. But for the sake of those long Jodhpur-to-Mumbai road trips, here is the reality.

• Claimed ARAI Mileage: 12.75 kmpl.
• Real-World Reality: In city traffic, expect 5–6 kmpl. On a steady highway cruise, you might see 9–10 kmpl.
• Fuel Tank: With a 78-litre tank, you have a decent touring range of about 600–700 km if you aren’t constantly exploring the redline.

H2: Ride Quality & Real-World Driving: The Bilstein Magic

How does a car with 670 horsepower and 21-inch wheels behave when it encounters the unpredictable reality of an Indian “smart city” road? This is where the Aston Martin DB12 review: The Grander Tour becomes a masterclass in suspension engineering.

For the DB12, Aston Martin ditched the old dampers for the new Bilstein DTX adaptive dampers.

• The “Skyhook” Effect: In GT mode, the car possesses a “breathing” quality. It doesn’t crash into potholes; it rounds them off. It feels surprisingly similar to a luxury sedan, absorbing the vertical movements of the road with a composure that the DB11 could only dream of.
• The Dual Personality: Toggle the knurled metal wheel into ‘Sport+’ and the dampers tighten up instantly. The car stops being a “cloud” and starts being a “scalpel.” The body roll vanishes, and the steering—which is now non-isolated for better feel—tells you exactly how much grip those bespoke Michelin tires have left.
• Speed Breaker Anxiety: Here is an expert insight—the DB12 has a ground clearance of 120mm. While that sounds low, the front overhang is designed cleverly. You’ll still need to take those massive, unscientific speed breakers at an angle, but unlike a low-slung supercar, you won’t be living in constant fear of a “scrape” every 500 meters.

But here’s the catch—despite all the wizardry, this is still a wide, 1.8-tonne machine. In the narrow, crowded lanes of a city like Jodhpur or Old Delhi, you’ll be constantly aware of its girth. It’s a car that breathes best when the road opens up.

H2: Safety Features: The High-Speed Guardian

In a car that can reach 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds, safety isn’t just a list of features; it’s your survival kit. Aston Martin has finally brought the DB line into the modern era of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

• The Shield: You get Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning, and Lane Keep Assist as standard.
• 360-Degree 3D Camera: This is a lifesaver. The resolution is pin-sharp, allowing you to see exactly how close those 21-inch forged alloys are to the curb.
• E-Diff Intelligence: The new Electronic Rear Differential (E-Diff) can go from fully open to 100% locked in milliseconds. This isn’t just for performance; it’s a safety feature that keeps the car stable on slippery, rain-slicked Indian highways.

H2: Price & Variants: The 2026 India Breakdown

In India, the DB12 is a bespoke experience. While there is a “base” price, almost no two DB12s leaving the showroom will cost the same due to the extensive ‘Q by Aston Martin’ customization program.

Aston Martin DB12 India Price Table (April 2026)

Variant	Engine	Ex-Showroom Price	On-Road Price (Est.)
DB12 Coupe	4.0L V8	₹ 4.34 Crore	₹ 4.99 Crore
DB12 Volante	4.0L V8	₹ 4.85 Crore	₹ 5.60 Crore

*Note: Prices vary significantly based on your choice of carbon-ceramic brakes, specialized paint finishes, and interior materials. Most owners spend an additional ₹50–80 Lakh on options.

H2: Competitor Comparison: The GT Titans

Feature	Aston Martin DB12	Ferrari Roma	Bentley Continental GT
Engine	4.0L V8 (670 hp)	3.9L V8 (612 hp)	4.0L V8 (542 hp)
0-100 km/h	3.5 Seconds	3.4 Seconds	4.0 Seconds
Vibe	The “Bond” Look	Italian Fashion	British Mansion
Technology	All-New Bespoke	Modern / Minimalist	Traditional / Rich
Boot Space	262 Litres	272 Litres	358 Litres

H2: Pros and Cons: The Unfiltered Truth

Pros:

• Stunning Looks: Arguably the most beautiful car currently on sale in India.
• Bespoke Tech: Finally has an infotainment system that works brilliantly.
• Engine Punch: The V8 is so powerful you won’t even miss the V12.
• Ride Quality: The new Bilstein dampers make it a genuine cross-country tourer.

Cons:

• Rear Seats: Purely decorative; useless for anyone with legs.
• Wide Footprint: Stressful in tight city traffic or narrow parking lots.
• Price: A significant jump over its predecessor, the DB11.

H2: Who should buy this vehicle?

You should buy the Aston Martin DB12 if you want to feel like the lead character in your own movie. It is for the person who values “the art of travel” as much as the destination. If you want a car that is a conversation starter at any luxury hotel, and you prefer the “cool” factor of an Aston over the “look-at-me” aggression of a Lamborghini, this is your Super Tourer.

H2: Who should avoid it?

Avoid this car if you actually need to carry four people. Despite the “2+2” label, it is a two-person car. Also, if you’re looking for a “track-day” tool, a Porsche 911 GT3 will serve you better. The DB12 is fast, but it is built for the open road, not the tight hairpins of a racetrack.

H2: Expert Verdict: The Best of British

The Aston Martin DB12 review: The Grander Tour concludes that this is the best car the company has ever made.

By fixing the two things that held the DB11 back—the dated interior and the slightly soft handling—Aston Martin has created a masterpiece. It is faster, more luxurious, and more technologically advanced than any of its ancestors. It proves that you don’t need a V12 to have a soul. In a world of sterile, silent electric speed, the DB12 is a roaring, leather-scented celebration of the “Grander Tour.”

H2: FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Q1: Is the DB12 too low for Indian roads?

It has a 120mm ground clearance. While it’s low, the approach angle is decent. You don’t need a nose-lift system as much as you would in a supercar, but caution is still required.

Q2: Can I get a V12 in the DB12 later?

No. Aston Martin has committed to the V8 for the DB12 to ensure better weight distribution and agility. The V12 is now reserved for the flagship ‘Vanquish’ models.

Q3: How much luggage can the boot hold?

262 Litres. It’s enough for two medium-sized “soft” bags or a couple of luxury weekenders. Don’t expect to fit a full-sized hard-shell suitcase.

Q4: Is the infotainment better than the old Mercedes system?

Yes, it is night and day. The new 10.25-inch screen is developed in-house, supports wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and is incredibly responsive.

Q5: How long is the wait time in India?

Since it is a CBU (Completely Built Unit), the wait time is typically 6 to 8 months depending on the level of customization you choose.