Name: Aston Martin DBS (2018 - 2023) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: Aston Martin DBS Superleggera
Rating: 54.0

Table of contents – Aston Martin DBS

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Summary

The Aston Martin DBS was unveiled in 2018 in both coupe and two-seat convertible form, as the famous UK brand’s V12 GT flagship. Originally known as the DBS Superleggera, from summer 2021 it was simply called the DBS. Production ended in 2023.

Replacing the Vanquish, it was 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 pumped 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 highlighted the power, which in the convertible is “almost twice as much as a basic Porsche 911 Cabriolet,” and added that this comes with considerable weight saving from replacing most of the aluminium panels with carbon-fibre.

Auto Express liked 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 was not lost on testers; “It is a disarmingly easy supercar to get to know, and live with every day,” said 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 was disappointing. “The instrument panels are a bit ZX Spectrum and the air vents shouldn’t be this plasticky,” said Autocar.

Auto Express added 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 came to the end of its life in late 2023, with a limited-edition model called the DBS 770 Ultimate that concluded the model’s production. An all-new V12 flagship is due to be launched in late 2024, which is rumoured to see the return of the Vanquish name.

As of August 2024, the Aston Martin DBS holds a Used Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 54%. Although it has received excellent reviews from the media, its enormous ownership costs weigh down its scores in our calculations.

More Aston Martin Expert Ratings, new car reviews, news and features

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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: Summer 2023

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road tests 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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

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”
Read review

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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

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

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

No safety rating

The Aston Martin DBS was not crash tested by Euro NCAP during its production life. This is not unusual, given the car’s price and exclusivity.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The Aston Martin DBS was not lab tested by Green NCAP during its production life.

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

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of August 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 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 DBS, we’ll publish the results 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.

Recalls

Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Aston Martin DBS

Date: October 2020
Model types: All DBS, DB11 and Vantage
Build dates: 08/2016 to 05/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 20
Defect: Certain fixings on the front seat airbag may not have been tightened to the correct torque.
Remedy: Examine the front seat airbag fixings and if necessary secure the fixings.

Date: November 2019
Model types: All DBS, DB11 and Vantage
Build dates: 11/2017 to 02/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 15
Defect: Vehicles may not have had their passenger airbag fixings tightened to the correct torque specification.
Remedy: Examine the passenger airbag fixings and if necessary secure the fixings.

As of August 2024, there have been two DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the Aston Martin DBS, which also affect the DB11 and Vantage models. These cover airbag mountings.

Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Aston Martin dealer.

If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used DBS, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.

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 for less money.