Aston Martin DB11

One of the strongest suite of Aston Martin as a brand is its attention to detail. The soft, hand-stitched leather seats coupled with leather trims and carpeted floor devoid the cabin of any plasticky feel. With fine craftsmanship are modern features like the fully electronic instrument cluster with mode-specific displays as the background to a leather-wrapped adjustable multi-function steering wheel with paddle shifts. Within the same eye level is the center-mounted 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with capacitive switching that is partnered to a 400-Watt Aston Martin Audio System. The only downside, the system is exclusively compatible with an iOS operating system with its iPod and iPhone integration set up. However, connectivity wise, the DB11 comes with USB, Bluetooth, audio and phone streaming, and a Wi-Fi hub. For added comfort, the automatic temperature control with a dual-zone climate control AC system ensures cool air circulates the cabin that can seat four passengers in the utmost luxury.

The Aston Martin DB11 brings back the classic, recognizable silhouette albeit reinterpreted to satisfy a contemporary, modern lifestyle. First is the massive iconic front grille that becomes a statement piece of the front fascia accentuated only by the British luxury car badge. The upsweep LED headlights come integrated with daytime running and cornering lights. The clamshell hood with cinching latches, front wing, ducts, intakes, and crease lines supported by a light yet durable bonded aluminum body structure makes for perfect aerodynamics. Boomerang LED taillights, deployable spoiler, dark anodized brake calipers, and graphite splitter, diffuser and sills round up the sporty look. This English luxury vehicle measures 4,739 mm long, 2,060 mm wide, 1,279 mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 2,805 mm. With a near perfect balanced weight distribution, the DB11 rides on a set of 20-inch 10-spoke silver wheels diamond turned rims wrapped in 9J x 20” Bridgestone S007 255/40 ZR20 for the front and 11.0J x 20” Bridgestone S007 295/35 ZR20 for the rear.

Driving the Aston Martin DB11 is pure exhilaration and a thrill in itself. It’s a sports car designed for highspeed and long distance driving with its combination of performance and luxurious comfort. The smell of warm leather from the plush bucket seats and an electrically adjustable driver’s seat is a welcoming invite to take this luxury ride for a spin. The automatic gearbox is highly responsive and seamlessly transitions between the three driving modes without much notice. The suspension system that uses a combination of independent double wishbone, coil springs, anti-roll bar at the front and Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar at the rear is further enhanced by an adaptive damping system (ADS). The adaptive dampers on both front and rear can individually adjust the shock absorbers forces to match the DB11's load, road conditions, and even the driving style. This means a cushioned and smooth ride every time regardless if driving on rough terrains or smooth pavement.

The Aston Martin DB11 is equipped with two engine choices, the first is the 5.2L twin-turbo, 48 valves V12 engine with stop/start cylinder deactivation that delivers 600 hp of maximum output at 6,500 rpm and 700 Nm of peak torque between 1,500 to 5,000 rpm. The V12 engine can go from zero to 100 kmph in just 3.9 seconds and can reach a maximum speed of up to 322 kmph which makes the DB11 one of the fastest GT cars and the fastest model in the British automaker’s current portfolio.

For the entry-level DB11, there’s the 4.0L Mercedes Benz M177 bi-turbocharged V8 engine that generates 503 hp of power at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 675 Nm at 2,000 to 5,000 rpm. The V8 has a maximum speed of 300 kmph and can accelerate from a standstill to 100 kmph in 3.9 seconds. Both engines are mated to a rear mid-mounted -speed automatic transmission with an electronic shift-by-wire control system that sends power to the rear wheels. To adjust the intensity of the drive, there are also 3 driver-selectable dynamic modes to enhance performance on the road: GT, Sport, and Sport Plus.

Despite its powerful performance, the DB11 is surprisingly fuel-efficient for a grand tourer. According to official European government test results, the Aston Martin DB11 can clock in 13.5L to 16.6L per 100 km for urban driving and 7.6L to 8.5L per 100 km for extra-urban to make for a combined fuel economy between 9.9L and 11.4L per 100 km.

For stopping power, this English grand tourer is fitted with ventilated two-piece steel brake discs with six-piston calipers at the front and ventilated co-cast piece steel brake discs with four-piston calipers at the rear. The braking system is further enhanced by electric park brake, dynamic stability control (DSC), anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), emergency brake assist, traction control, hydraulic brake assist, positive torque control, dynamic torque vectoring, and launch control.

Active and passive safety features abound starting with an airbag system that consists of dual stage driver and passenger front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side and knee head airbags, pelvis and thorax seat mounted airbags. Noteworthy standard features also include 360-degree cameras coupled with front and rear parking sensors, cruise control with speed limiter, tire pressure monitoring, security alarm, and engine immobilizer. For added convenience, there is also the remote-control central door locking and boot release and keyless entry and go system. However, despite the gamut of safety specs in the DB11, driver-assist technology like blind-spot monitoring and auto parking is not a standard feature.

The Aston Martin DB11 does not disappoint. All the accolades about this luxury sportscar live up to the hype. From its exhilarating speed to its fine-tune acoustic, the DB11 has a commanding road presence worthy of ogling looks. Besides performance, luxury, and a sense of exclusivity, the DB11 is one of the rare luxury ride worthy to be a status symbol.