As in the past, Aston Martin has upgraded their Mercedes-sourced engine in order to achieve more power through larger turbos and improved cooling systems. Furthermore, an innovative suspension system and improved infotainment display were added as enhancements for more than just driving performance.

All this makes for a car that is relatively straightforward to drive well, accelerating swiftly and handling twisty roads with sports-car agility. But with Sport or Sport+ mode selected, its driving dynamics become significantly more demanding.

The Engine

As traffic dissipated and the Alps came into view, I twisted the exquisitely knobbed drive mode selector two notches towards Sport Plus to activate red graphics that indicated my Aston Martin was ready to pound pavement with uncompromising efficiency.

The 2024 Aston Martin DB12 is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 that produces 671 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque – an increase of 150 ponies and 100 pound-feet over its predecessor DB11.

Aston engineers have revised the chassis to match the increased power of the DB12, increasing torsional rigidity by 7% thanks to modifications made to key components like the engine cross brace, front and rear undertrays and front cross member. Aston has also installed stiffer anti-roll bars and intelligent dampers – becoming the first Aston vehicle ever equipped with Electronic Rear Differentials (E-Diffs), which work seamlessly with its Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system to enhance cornering performance.

Combining better suspension tuning with an aggressive powertrain yields a sports coupe that’s as happy to deliver hard on its power than it is to coddle. Such gracious duality is hallmark of grand tourers; all the more impressive when considering that the DB12 clocks in at just 3.5 seconds to 60 mph with a top speed of 202mph.

The Exterior

As soon as you see the 2024 DB12, it could easily be mistaken for its predecessor – they both share similar silhouettes, front fender vents that cut into wheel arches, floating C-pillars and more. But to do so would be disingenuous and unfair to this car which marks the first heavy refresh since 2013 of an existing DB9 model.

Amedeo Felisa has brought a renewed focus and specialization to Aston Martin under his tenure as CEO, evident by its mesmerizing DB12 that bridges two automotive eras.

The new grille on the DB12 may be larger, but it’s complemented by its updated hood line and wider front track. Redesigned headlights with horizontal running lights that align more perfectly with its side strakes also come standard on this car, while new 21-inch wheels match its wider track perfectly and rimless mirrors help reduce visual mass.

Aston boasts that their DB12 can hit 60mph in just 3.5 seconds and reach 202 mph top speeds – both impressive performances for any grand tourer, but more notable still is how easily and smoothly the car navigates city streets, speed bumps and highway exit ramps; that is truly impressive. Furthermore, as Aston’s first “connected” car it will receive updates such as maps or music streams over-the-air with its Bowers & Wilkins sound system.

The Interior

Once you get used to how the new Aston Martin DB12 hits corners, you’re amazed at its agility and driving pleasure. Thanks to adaptive Bilstein dampers coupled with electronic differential, driving this long-nosed British sports car becomes a corner-carve menace while Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires give this long-nosed British sports car grip on slippery roads while maintaining stability throughout.

As one would expect from a super-luxury automaker, Aston Martin’s engineers have put special consideration into designing the DB12 interior to feel luxurious rather than simply look spectacular. You’ll be welcomed by hand-stitched Bridge of Weir leather seating surfaces and a gear selector conveniently situated within reach of your right hand.

Aston has wisely decided against making everything on their infotainment screen touch-sensitive, which has become a common complaint with modern luxury cars. This decision is also beneficial, since you still require your hands in order to operate all of its controls (and there are plenty!). While at first glance it might appear unchanged from previous models, closer examination will reveal substantial modifications underneath its skin – definitely something worth investigating further!

The Technology

At first glance, the 2024 Aston Martin DB12 may look similar to its predecessor DB11. But this spectacular sports tourer features several important upgrades that elevate its status even further. These improvements include upgrades in terms of interior features and powertrain options that help it achieve even higher speeds and acceleration.

First and foremost, that massive 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8 now delivers more linear surges of torque. Aston engineers adjusted throttle mapping and transmission shift points to broaden dynamic responses allowing you to find your preferred way of enjoying this powerful engine.

This linear throttle response enhances the DB12’s ability to navigate tight corners with ease, thanks to adaptive Bilstein dampers, an electronic differential, and Michelin’s new Pilot Sport S 5 tires (note their name change!). Together these components create an exceptional grand tourer capable of corner-carve with ease.

The steering precision of the DB12 is also exceptional, allowing it to track with pinpoint precision while remaining stable on any road surface. Front track width has increased six millimeters while rear track is 22 mm wider while rimless side mirrors reduce visual mass.

Aston Martin’s HMI offers an elegant aesthetic and feel, which is a distinct improvement over the somewhat disjointed setup in the DB11. While you still have two basic display configurations available to you for instrument cluster and central touchscreen displays, physical controls have now been implemented for many controls, with many being knurled and tactile (the touchpad being haptic). Furthermore, standard equipment includes a 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system that supports over-the-air software updates.