Name: Aston Martin DB12 (2023) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: Aston Martin DB12
Rating: 59.0

Summary

The Aston Martin DB12 is a two-door high-performance grand tourer that arrived in UK showrooms in 2023, replacing the DB11 range. Initially launched as a coupé, the DB12 will also be available in a ‘Volante’ convertible guise.

Using the same chassis and suspension as its predecessor, reviewers consider the DB12 to be an evolution of the old DB11 model, instead of an entirely new car. “But, rather than feel like yesterday’s reheated leftovers”, says Car‘s Alan Taylor-Jones “the DB12 is a substantial step on from its predecessor.”

Though the foundations remain the same, the Top Gear team explains that Aston Martin has introduced several mechanical upgrades that have improved the coupé’s body control, engine response and brake feel, making the DB12 “vastly better supported, more accurate and predictable through corners than the DB11.”

However, reviewers agree that the DB12’s biggest upgrades can be found inside. Thanks to a new infotainment system, plusher and more supportive seating, and improved forward visibility, Steve Sutcliffe of Auto Express concludes that this latest DB iteration is “a much nicer vehicle to travel in, with a cabin that feels far higher in quality.”

A few outlets have shared their disappointment that the powerful V12 petrol engine available in the DB11 range is no more, but the V8-powered DB12 manages to produce an output of 671hp – 71hp than the old V12 DB11.

As of January 2025, the Aston Martin DB12 holds a New Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 59%. It might be a fantastic car to drive, but it’s also a very expensive car to live with – not that this will come as any surprise to potential customers. We don’t have safety data (and don’t expect Euro NCAP to be crash-testing the DB12 anytime soon), and it’s too soon to have any reliability data, either.

DB12 highlights

Convincing blend of comfort and performance
Significant interior upgrade over DB11
Fantastic build quality
More fun to drive than other luxury grand tourers
Stylish exterior looks

DB12 lowlights

Alternatives have softer suspension
Relatively small boot
Rather cramped rear seating
Not as agile as the smaller Vantage

Key specifications

Body style: Coupé
Engines: petrol
Price: From £185,000 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2023
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express+

Model reviewed: Coupe
Score: 9 / 10
“The DB12 is a truly significant car for Aston Martin. Not only does it represent a new era for the company, but it also proves that perseverance, serious commitment to the cause and a sizeable increase in budget can produce spectacular results. England now has a convincing answer to a Ferrari grand touring car, and on first inspection, Aston might well have surpassed this incredibly high standard.”
Author: Steve Sutcliffe
Read review

Auto Trader+

Model reviewed:
Score: 9 / 10
“Sitting somewhere between traditional GT comfort and supercar excitement, the Aston Martin DB12 nails its ‘super tourer’ brief in style.” (Erin Baker)
Read review

Car+

Model reviewed:
Score: 10 / 10
“Rather than feel like yesterday’s reheated leftovers, the Aston Martin DB12 is a substantial step on from its predecessor. The interior alone makes it a far more tempting prospect than the DB11, no longer feeling like a portal to the 2010s and instead like a genuine competitor to the Bentley Continental GT.”
Author: Alan Taylor-Jones
Read review

Evo+

Model reviewed:
Score: 9 / 10
“Ultimately, the DB12 is the car Aston Martin needs it to be. It doesn’t just pick the goalposts up and drive off into the sunset with them, but it’s created a new game for the firm. It’s an Aston Martin sports, GT, supercar – call it what you will – that requires no more excuses.” (Stuart Gallagher)
Read review

Motoring Research+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“Aston Martin’s own journey from here is, as ever, filled with uncertainties. But the impressive new DB12 is a solid bedrock for whatever comes next.” (Tim Pitt)
Read review

Parkers+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.8 / 10
“Put simply, the DB12 is the best Aston Martin road car yet. The interior is a major step up in quality and usability, with up-to-date electronics that no longer feel like a decade old relic. There’s also enough space to consider using it for a weekend away or a trip out four-up with the kids.”
Author: Alan Taylor-Jones
Read review

The Sunday Times+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“Although the body looks very (very) much like the DB11, 80 per cent of the car is new and the extensive work that has gone into the responsiveness of the chassis has paid dividends — DB12 is sharper and more intense than the car it replaces, while retaining the comfort necessary for long distance journeys.”
Author: Will Dron
Read review

The Telegraph+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The DB12 is a supercar-cum-gran turismo with a balance of power, poise and informed steering – even if it was unclear what gear it was in.” (Andrew English)
Read review

Top Gear+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“New found dynamism and modern interior help make this the most accomplished Aston Martin we’ve driven in years.” (Ollie Marriage)
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

No safety rating

As of January 2025, the Aston Martin DB12 has not been assessed by Euro NCAP. Based on its price and exclusivity, it’s unlikely to happen.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of January 2025, the Aston Martin DB12 has not been assessed by Green NCAP.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of January 2025, don’t have enough reliability data on the coupé to generate a reliability rating on the Aston Martin DB12.

The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops.

As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the DB12, we’ll publish the score here.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumption	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	23 mpg	E	23 – 23 mpg	E – E

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	277 g/km	D	276 – 278 g/km	D – D

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	50	F	50 – 50	F – F

Unsurprisingly, the near-700hp, petrol-powered, £200K DB12 is an expensive car to live with, according to running cost data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our technical partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

We don’t have servicing and maintenance data just yet, but given that every other measure is at the expensive end of the marketplace, you can expect those numbers to be high as well.