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We thought we would cover the differences between the Aston Martin DB11 and DB12. From a quick glance, the DB12 appears like a modestly facelifted version of DB11. In reality, it is a seismic shift forward with 80% of DB12 being new.
A New Era in Grand Touring
When Aston Martin unveiled the DB12, it didn’t just replace the DB11 — it redefined the grand touring experience. Positioned as the world’s first Super Tourer, the DB12 represents a new generation of power, luxury, and innovation that propels Aston Martin into a bold future.
In this article, we’ll explore the difference between the Aston Martin DB11 and DB12 — from design and performance to technology and driving dynamics — to show why the DB12 is a milestone moment for the brand.
Design Evolution: The Grand Tourer Grows Bolder
The Aston Martin DB11 has always been a car of understated beauty. Launched in 2016, it set new standards for grand touring elegance with its sculpted body, flowing lines, and unmistakable silhouette. Its signature clamshell bonnet and aerodynamic form gave it timeless appeal.
The Aston Martin DB12, however, represents a striking evolution. It’s wider, lower, and more muscular — exuding confidence from every angle. A larger front grille, sharper LED headlamps, and refined aerodynamic detailing communicate performance and purpose.
While the DB11 was about grace, the DB12 is about presence. It’s the difference between classic style and contemporary power — a design that demands attention without losing the Aston Martin DNA that defines the brand. Regardless, both designs have that timeless and elegant quality.
Performance: From Grand Tourer to Super Tourer
The step from DB11 to DB12 is not a subtle one — especially when it comes to power.
The DB11 was available with a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 or a 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12, offering between 503–630 bhp depending on specification. The DB11’s performance was smooth, effortless, and perfectly suited to long-distance travel.
The Aston Martin DB12, by contrast, is all about intensity. Beneath its bonnet lies a heavily reworked 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, tuned by Aston Martin’s engineers to deliver 680 PS (671 bhp) and 800 Nm of torque — an astonishing 34% power increase over the DB11 V8.
With 0–62 mph in 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 202 mph, the DB12 lives up to its title as the world’s first Super Tourer. Its power delivery is immediate, responsive, and accompanied by the unmistakable soundtrack of an Aston Martin V8 — refined yet thrilling.
Driving Dynamics: Precision Redefined
The DB12 doesn’t just go faster — it feels entirely different to drive.
Aston Martin’s chassis engineers have redefined the car’s dynamics from the ground up. The chassis stiffness has been increased by 7%, and the car features adaptive dampers, a non-isolated steering column, and a brand-new electronic rear differential (E-Diff) — a first for an Aston Martin GT.
The result is sharper steering, improved body control, and immediate feedback. Critically, this sportiness is achieved in the more focused driver settings but when in GT mode, the DB12 proves even more comfortable. Drivers can choose from five driving modes — GT, Sport, Sport+, Wet, and Individual — allowing the DB12 to transform from a refined cruiser to a focused performance machine at the touch of a button.
The DB11 was a grand tourer in the traditional sense — smooth, luxurious, and composed. The DB12, however, combines those traits with the agility and engagement of a supercar, making it a truly dynamic evolution and an incredible car for a long journey.
Interior: Modern Luxury Meets Cutting-Edge Technology
Inside, the difference between the DB11 and DB12 is like night and day.
The DB11’s cabin was beautifully crafted but relied on an older infotainment system. The DB12 introduces an entirely new digital ecosystem, designed and built in-house by Aston Martin.
Highlights include:
This new tech has been balanced out with some beautifully crafted switchgear. The important controls remain “real” buttons rather than hidden in a touchscreen menu.
Every surface, switch, and stitch is crafted to perfection. The driving position feels more immersive, the controls more intuitive, and the cabin more connected to the road.
The DB12’s interior isn’t just an upgrade — it’s a complete reinvention of what a grand tourer can feel like in 2025.
Technology and Connectivity: The Digital Leap
While the DB11 offered elegance, the DB12 brings intelligence. Aston Martin’s new infotainment system supports advanced connectivity features such as:
This digital advancement ensures that the DB12 remains future-proof, capable of software updates and evolving technology. It’s a luxury GT that seamlessly integrates performance with modern convenience — something the DB11 could never fully achieve.
Engineering Excellence: Built for the Future
The Aston Martin DB12 marks a bold engineering statement for the brand. By refining the Mercedes-AMG-sourced V8 and pairing it with Aston Martin’s proprietary electronic systems, the DB12 feels uniquely British in character but globally benchmarked in execution.
Michelin developed bespoke Pilot Sport 5S tyres specifically for the DB12, ensuring precise feedback and optimal grip. Combined with the E-Diff and extremely high-grade adaptive suspension, the result is a level of control and composure that redefines the grand touring segment.
This is more than an upgrade — it’s a total transformation.
A Legacy Continued: From DB11 to DB12
The DB11 will always hold a special place in Aston Martin’s history. It marked a rebirth for the brand, re-establishing its position as a leader in luxury grand touring.
But the DB12 is the car that carries that legacy forward. It combines the soul and style of the DB lineage with the speed and sophistication of a modern supercar. It’s more powerful, more connected, and more engaging — the perfect evolution of Aston Martin’s grand touring DNA.
As Aston Martin celebrates over 110 years of performance and craftsmanship, the DB12 stands as a testament to the brand’s enduring commitment to excellence.
Experience the Aston Martin DB12 at HWM Aston Martin
At HWM Aston Martin, we are proud to showcase the next evolution of Aston Martin’s grand touring legacy. As the UK’s oldest official Aston Martin dealership, we invite you to explore the DB12 first-hand and experience the extraordinary difference for yourself.
Discover the future of Aston Martin — and the ultimate expression of the Super Tourer — at HWM Aston Martin, Walton-on-Thames.