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.
The DBS will come to the end of its life in late 2023, with a limited-edition model called the DBS 770 Ultimate that will conclude the model’s production. Don’t bother, all 499 vehicles are already sold…
As of January 2024, the Aston Martin DBS holds a New Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 58%. Although it has received excellent reviews from the media, its enormous ownership costs weigh down its scores in our calculations.
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 convertible
Engine: petrol
Price: From £161,500 on-road
Launched: Summer 2018
Last updated: N/A
End of production: Late 2023
Image gallery
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 overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The DBS Superleggera spearheads Aston Martin’s assault on the luxury performance car market with huge capability and sense of occasion.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Volante
Score: 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: 770 Ultimate
Score: 10 / 10
“Last-of-the-line DBS paves way for DB11 replacement and sets tone for all next-generation Astons – the 770 Ultimate is probably the finest Aston of the modern era.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Volante
Score: 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.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Coupé
Score: 10 / 10
“New flagship super-GT has world-class fast grand touring capability, handling and driver involvement.”
Read review
Car
Model reviewed: Volante
Score: 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.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Coupé
Score: 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: Volante
Score: 7.8 / 10
“The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante is the ultimate four-seater convertible”
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Model reviewed: Coupe
Score: 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: Coupé
Score: 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.”
Read review
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: Coupé
Score: 8 / 10
“The Aston Martin DBS offers crushing performance paired with impressive long-distance comfort and an old-world GT charm. It’s Aston at its best.” (Adam Towler)
Read review
Model reviewed: DBS Volante
Score: 8 / 10
“The lack of a roof only adds to the DBS’s appeal as an immensely fast and super GT.” (Adam Towler)
Read review
Model reviewed: Volante
Score: 9 / 10
“A truly fabulous machine.”
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Motoring Research
Model reviewed: DBS 770 Ultimate coupé
Score: 9 / 10
“More than ever, driving a car like this feels like a privilege, an experience to be savoured while we can. Frankly, I can’t imagine an electric supercar ever feeling this visceral and emotive. Whatever comes next, the DBS 770 Ultimate has earned its place among the Aston Martin greats.”
Author: Tim Pitt
Read review
Model reviewed: Coupé range
Score: 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 Intercooler
Model reviewed: DBS 770 Ultimate
“For decades, Aston Martins have never been the fastest in their class, nor the most thrilling. They have instead subsided on a diet of pure charm, born from their looks, their power and that name. And this DBS is one of the very best examples of this work.” (Andrew Frankel)
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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)
Read review
Model reviewed: Volante
Score: 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 coupé
Score: 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: Volante
Score: 10 / 10
“If you can afford it, there are few more glamorous and exciting ways to get around – especially on sunny days.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Coupé
Score: 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.”
Read review
Safety rating
No safety rating
As of January 2024, the Aston Martin DBS has not been crash tested by Euro NCAP. 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
As of January 2024, 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…
Reliability rating
As of January 2024, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Aston Martin DBS to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusive from extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the DBS, 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 | 21 mpg | E | 21 – 21 mpg | E – E |
| CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Petrol models | 306 g/km | D | 306 – 306 g/km | D – D |
| Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| All models | 50 | F | 50 – 50 | F – F |
It will come as no surprise to anyone that the Aston Martin DBS is a very expensive car to run, with fuel economy, emissions and insurance figures that are some of the most expensive on the market. Mind you, this news is unlikely to put off any potential customers.
We don’t currently have servicing data for the DBS, but it’s highly likely to be just as expensive.
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
Aston Martin DB11 | Bentley Continental GT | Bentley Continental GT Convertible | Ferrari 812 Superfast | Lamborghini Aventador | Lexus LC | McLaren GT | McLaren 720S | Mercedes-AMG GT Coupé | Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster
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 for less money.
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