Aston Martin DB11

The Aston Martin DB11 is a grand tourer (GT) sports car produced by the ultra-luxury British marque Aston Martin, officially launched in 2016. Serving as the successor to the DB9, the DB11 is the pioneer model under Aston Martin’s "Second Century Plan" and marks the inaugural product of the brand's technical partnership with Mercedes-Benz. The DB11 is currently available in two bodystyles: the Coupe hardtop and the Volante convertible.

Model Overview

Positioned as a full-size luxury grand tourer, the DB11's core appeal lies in its seamless blend of quintessential British elegance, potent performance, and long-distance touring comfort, serving as a modern expression of Aston Martin's GT heritage. The DB11 is priced between roughly RM2,268,000 and RM3,298,000. Among the variants, the V8 Coupe starts from around RM2,358,000, while the V12 variant starts close to RM3,000,000. The Volante convertible commands a premium over these base figures.

In terms of dimensions, the DB11 measures approximately 4,750 mm in length, 1,950 mm in width, and 1,290 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,805 mm. It features a 2-door, 4-seater layout, with a kerb weight ranging from 1,760 to 1,770 kg. Fuel tank capacity is rated at 78 litres.

Design Language

Penned under the direction of Aston Martin’s Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman, the DB11's exterior is described as being "like a sculpture". Up front, it features a wider signature Aston Martin grille and a distinctive clamshell bonnet, complemented by bespoke LED headlamps. In profile, the car is characterised by its striking continuous roof strake running from the A-pillar to the C-pillar. Its sleek, elongated silhouette and classic short front overhang with long rear overhang proportions deliver a quintessential GT stance. The rear end is defined by a sloping boot lid and sculpted LED tail lamps. Aerodynamically, the DB11 debuts the brand's innovative Aston Martin AeroBlade™ technology—ducting airflow from intakes at the base of the C-pillars through channels inside the boot lid and venting it upwards to create a virtual spoiler that reduces rear lift. Front wheel-arch vents (Curlicues) are also incorporated to alleviate front-end lift.

Inside, the driver-focused cockpit is trimmed in exquisite hand-stitched premium leather. The centre console and door cards can be optioned with unique marble-veined trim inlays. The seats showcase Nexus quilting with celestial perforation detailing. Extensive bespoke personalisation options are available throughout the cabin.

Powertrain and Performance

The DB11 is available with two powertrain options. The V8 model is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine sourced from Mercedes-AMG, delivering 503 to 534 hp and a peak torque of 675 Nm. The 0–100 km/h sprint is completed in around 4.0 seconds, with a top speed of 309 km/h.

The V12 variant is powered by Aston Martin’s in-house developed 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 engine, pushing out 608 to 639 hp and 700 Nm of peak torque. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 to 3.9 seconds, topping out at 322 km/h, making it the most powerful powerplant in DB history. Both engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission (8AT). The V8 variant returns a WLTC combined fuel consumption of around 11.2 L/100 km. Meanwhile, the V12 engine incorporates intelligent cylinder bank deactivation, shutting down cylinders under light loads to enhance fuel efficiency.

Chassis and Handling

The DB11 is built upon a newly engineered bonded aluminium platform, striking a balance between lightweight agility, structural rigidity, and interior packaging efficiency. The chassis setup consists of front double wishbones and a rear multi-link independent suspension, paired with an Adaptive Damping System. Power is delivered via a front-mid engine, rear-wheel drive layout. Drivers can toggle between three drive modes: GT, Sport, and Sport+ —each progressively sharpening the powertrain response, 8-speed automatic gearbox calibration, electric power-assisted steering, and adaptive damper firmness. Stopping power comes from 6-piston front and 4-piston rear brake callipers. A limited-slip differential and Dynamic Torque Vectoring are fitted to the rear axle to enhance cornering stability.

Cabin and Equipment

On the tech front, the DB11 features a 12-inch full-colour TFT instrument cluster alongside an 8-inch central infotainment display. The multimedia system, co-developed with Mercedes-Benz, is operated via a rotary dial, with an optional touchpad supporting handwriting recognition and gesture control. Driver assistance features include a 360-degree surround-view camera and Auto Park Assist. Convenience amenities comprise dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, and cruise control. An audiophile-grade Bang & Olufsen sound system is available as an option. The seats are wrapped in Alcantara or premium leather, incorporating heating, ventilation, and memory functions. Boot capacity stands at approximately 350 litres.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The DB11 comes equipped with a comprehensive airbag package, including front and side airbags. Active safety equipment includes a 360-degree camera system, front and rear parking sensors, and Auto Park Assist. A Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is also standard fitment. Electronic chassis aids include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), and Brake Assist (BA) . The vehicle is backed by a 3-year or 100,000 km factory warranty.

Market Performance and Reception

As the pioneer of Aston Martin's "Second Century Plan", the DB11 occupies a distinct niche in the global luxury GT market, going up against rivals such as the Ferrari Roma and Bentley Continental GT. In China, where it was sold as a fully imported (CBU) model, the DB11 appealed strongly to high-net-worth buyers seeking individuality and prestige, largely driven by its timeless British styling and the allure of its V12 engine. On the used car market, its residual values remain modest—an example specified with over USD 40,000 in options transacted at roughly USD 174,000 after several years. Automotive media have praised the DB11 for its dual personality—seamlessly combining sublime long-distance grand touring comfort with the agile handling dynamics of a thoroughbred sports car. The emotive exhaust note of the V12 and the punchy efficiency of the AMG-derived V8 have both earned widespread acclaim. Criticisms are primarily confined to an ageing infotainment interface and tight rear-seat accommodation. Ultimately, as the modern torchbearer of Aston Martin's grand touring heritage, the DB11 holds a compelling place in the super-GT segment through its blend of design elegance, muscular performance, and bespoke craftsmanship.