Aston Martin DBS - TopCarNews

Aston Martin DBS (2018 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]

Summary

The Aston Martin DBS was unveiled in 2018 in both coupe and two-seat convertible form, as the iconic UK brand’s V12 GT flagship. Originally known as the DBS Superleggera, from summer 2021 it is now simply called the DBS.

Replacing the Vanquish, it’s based on the DB11 but with bespoke details that make it worthy of both one of Aston Martin’s most renowned nameplates, DBS, and the name of a company that worked with Aston in the 1960s-70s to make the cars lighter in weight.

The 5.2-litre engine pumps out 725hp, producing a 0-62mph time of just 3.4 seconds and 0-100mph in 6.4 seconds – in the Sunday Times Jeremy Clarkson, remarkably, describes it as “almost too fast – treat the throttle with extreme caution.”

What Car? Also highlights the power, which in the convertible is “almost twice as much as a basic Porsche 911 Cabriolet,” and adds that this comes with considerable weight saving from replacing most of the aluminium panels with carbon-fibre.

Auto Express likes the look of the DBS, stating; “Matching the impressive performance with striking styling gives the Aston real presence next to super or even hypercars.” And the ability of the car to eat up the miles is not lost on testers; “It is a disarmingly easy supercar to get to know, and live with every day,” says Evo.

However considering the special status of the DBS, and a price more than £70,000 higher than a DB11, some of the interior trim is disappointing. “The instrument panels are a bit ZX Spectrum and the air vents shouldn’t be this plasticky,” says Autocar.

Auto Express adds that the DBS is not perfect; “There are a few niggles, but these are dwarfed by the positives – the overall result is a car well worth remortgaging the house for.”

In summer 2021, Aston Martin announced that the car would henceforth simply be known as DBS, presumably because the marketing department got tired being asked how to spell ‘Superleggera’ all the time.

As of December 2021, the Aston Martin DBS holds an Expert Rating of 85% based on 19 reviews.

aston martin, autos, cars, aston martin dbs

DBS highlights

Very exclusive
Incredibly powerful
Looks the part
Comfortable long-distance cruiser

DBS lowlights

Power needs skilled handling
Interior not as plush as the price
Infotainment could be better
Very expensive – to buy and to own

Key specifications

Body style: Coupé and convertibleEngine: petrol
Price: From £161,500 on-road

Launched: Summer 2018Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA

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OHMSS Edition

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 9 / 10“The DBS Superleggera spearheads Aston Martin’s assault on the luxury performance car market with huge capability and sense of occasion.”
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Model reviewed: VolanteScore: 9 / 10“While it’s not the most spacious and nor is the cheapest car of its type, there’s no denying the Volante is a seriously impressive car and reveals Aston Martin is currently at the top of its game.”
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Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Volante“The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante is a halfway house between savagery and everyday usability. Fun to drive, engaging and really responsive – this car can make you feel special driving anywhere and at any time.”
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Autocar

Model reviewed: VolanteScore: 9 / 10“This is a car some will pick simply because they want the buzz of that V12, or the nicely honed chassis, or simply because they want the most expensive version of whatever they’re buying.”
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Model reviewed: CoupéScore: 10 / 10“New flagship super-GT has world-class fast grand touring capability, handling and driver involvement.”
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Car

Model reviewed: VolanteScore: 10 / 10“Aston’s drop-top flagship is both a bellowing statement of intent from the marque and a hugely impressive car in its own right.”
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Model reviewed: CoupéScore: 8 / 10“Aston doesn’t want this to be a rival to the Ferrari 812, rather an alternative. But in doing so, although the DBS is definitely a step on from the DB11, it seems to tread on that car’s toes first and foremost.”
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Carbuyer

Model reviewed: VolanteScore: 7.8 / 10“The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante is the ultimate four-seater convertible”
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Model reviewed: CoupeScore: 8 / 10“The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera is a super GT with incredible performance and effortless cruising ability; it feels exactly like an Aston should.”
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Carwow

Model reviewed: CoupéScore: 8 / 10“The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera delivers huge, ear-splitting performance, yet comfort when you want it. Quality is patchy inside, though.”
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Daily Mail

Model reviewed: Volante“The powerful and sumptuous new £247,500 drop-top super grand tourer is not for the faint-hearted, nor sadly at those prices, for those of more modest income.”
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Model reviewed: coupé“The DBS Superleggera replaces the Vanquish S at the top of the Aston Martin pile. It’s a worthy successor to Aston Martin’s beefy long-distance cruising models which over nearly fifty years have been driven on the big screen by British secret agent 007. And ultimately the best of the bunch.”
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Evo

Model reviewed: CoupéScore: 8 / 10“The best resolved of the new-era Aston Martins. Huge performance with long distance comfort, wrapped up in a body with real presence.”
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Model reviewed: VolanteScore: 9 / 10“A truly fabulous machine.”
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Motoring Research

Model reviewed: Coupé rangeScore: 9 / 10“The DBS Superleggera is Aston Martin’s answer to the Ferrari 812 Superfast. On the road, it is a relentless and extraordinary performer.”
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The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: Volante“The DBS Superleggera is almost too fast. On wet roads you would be well advised to treat the throttle with extreme caution or you will have a crash.” (Jeremy Clarkson)
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Model reviewed: VolanteScore: 9 / 10“Aston’s ‘brute in a suit’ rips off its top and reminds us why super GTs rule.”
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Top Gear

Model reviewed: DBS Superleggera coupéScore: 8 / 10“The car that epitomises Aston’s brand values better than any other. Massively potent twin-turbo V12 up front, rear-drive, 2+2 layout inside.”
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What Car?

Model reviewed: VolanteScore: 10 / 10“If you can afford it, there are few more glamorous and exciting ways to get around – especially on sunny days.”
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Model reviewed: CoupéScore: 10 / 10“The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera is the best front-engined, rear-wheel-drive GT we’ve ever driven. What makes the DBS so special is that Aston Martin has harnessed all that power in a chassis that makes you the master of it, rather than its slave.”
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Safety rating

No safety rating

The Aston Martin DBS has not been crash tested by Euro NCAP and, given its price and exclusivity, we’re not expecting that it ever will be tested.

If it does happen, we’ll published the test results here.

Eco rating

No eco rating

The Aston Martin DBS has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. Once again, we’re not holding our breath waiting for it to happen.

It’s a high-performance supercar powered by a V12 petrol engine, so it’s pretty safe to assume that it wouldn’t score highly if it was ever lab tested by Green NCAP…

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Aston Martin DBS has received

2019

Sunday Times Motor Awards – Best Sports Car

2018

Sunday Times Motor Awards – Best-Designed Car

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Aston Martin DBS, you might also be interested in these alternatives

There are several alternatives to the Aston Martin DBS and What Car? suggests one comes from the same brand, arguing that the less powerful DB11 is a better value. The McLaren 720S rivals the DBS on price as does the Ferrari 812 Superfast, though a very different car, while convertible buyers can have a Bentley Continental GT or a Ferrari Portofino for less money.

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