The Aston Martin DB12 from Aston Martin Lagonda - 680 hp GT pushes into daily use

Reviewed: ad hoc news Bestseller & Flagship desk. Edited and checked on 2026-06-29, 17:29. Details in the imprint.

The Aston Martin DB12 rolls into view with a long bonnet, tight waistline and a low roof that almost brushes your shoulder as you slide into the seat. Inside, the new touchscreen wakes up with a clean chime and sharp graphics, turning the old-school GT into a modern cockpit.

What defines this GT

The DB12 is Aston Martin’s self-proclaimed "super tourer", built as the successor to the DB11 but with a clear shift toward performance and everyday usability. Under the bonnet sits a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 sourced from Mercedes-AMG and reworked by Aston Martin engineers to deliver up to 680 hp and 800 Nm.

Chief creative officer Marek Djordjevic and his team tightened the body surfacing and widened the track, so the car looks planted without shouting. On a narrow country road the steering feels direct yet calm, and the car settles quickly after bumps instead of floating like older GTs.

Engine, chassis, numbers

This V8 sends power to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox, supporting a 0-100 km/h sprint in around 3.6 seconds and a claimed top speed of 325 km/h. The DB12 adopts a new generation of adaptive dampers and a revised electronic stability program, offering GT, Sport and Sport+ drive modes for different moods behind the wheel.

Product boss Roberto Fedeli points out that the DB12 is not just about straight-line pace but about confidence on mixed roads. You notice that when guiding the car through a long, off-camber bend: the front end bites, the body roll stays modest, and the car feels willing rather than intimidating.

New infotainment inside

One of the biggest changes is the DB12’s interior tech. Aston Martin developed a fresh in-house infotainment system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, faster processing and permanent online connectivity. The display responds quickly to swipes, and haptic feedback from the metal-finished buttons around it feels tactile rather than flimsy.

The cabin mixes leather, Alcantara and machined metal, with low seating that makes you feel nestled between the high center console and the door. On a rainy day, you hear the subtle thud of the heavy doors closing, followed by the quiet whirr of the electric seat adjustment and the soft glow of ambient lighting along the dashboard.

Where it stands in the range

The DB12 replaces the DB11 as Aston Martin’s core front-engine GT, sitting alongside more aggressive models like the Vantage and track-focused specials. It is offered initially as a coupe, with a convertible Volante version following later. In the UK, prices start around £185,000 before options, depending on specification.

CEO Amedeo Felisa positions the DB12 as a cornerstone in Aston Martin’s "ultra-luxury" shift, aiming for higher pricing discipline and stronger personalization revenue. Buyers can spec bespoke color schemes, carbon packs and Q by Aston Martin custom details, which are increasingly important profit drivers for low-volume brands.

Driving character and comfort

On the move, the DB12 retains a GT softness in its most relaxed mode. Road noise is muted and the car breathes with the surface rather than hammering over imperfections. A light scent of leather hangs in the cabin, and the steering wheel rim feels smooth and substantial in your hands.

Switching to Sport+ sharpens throttle response and stiffens the dampers. The exhaust note gains a raw edge, but it is still quieter than some rival supercars, keeping the DB12 in the realm of long-distance touring rather than pure track-day drama.

Availability and buyers

The DB12 is built in Gaydon, UK, with customer deliveries initially focused on markets such as Europe, the UK, the Middle East and North America. German availability runs through selected Aston Martin dealerships, where order books are typically filled with heavily personalized cars.

Target customers are drivers who want sports car performance but still appreciate a usable back seat for bags, a reasonably sized boot and a cabin that can carry two adults comfortably for several hours without leaving them exhausted.

Context and one stock note

For Aston Martin Lagonda, the DB12 is more than a new model; it is a signal that the brand is pushing its GT line further upmarket while trying to stabilise earnings with higher-margin cars. Aston Martin Lagonda shares (ISIN GB00BN7CG237) are listed in London, with the Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings realtime price recently quoted around 0.4302 euros on the Tradegate platform.

This article was AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. Product information without guarantee; prices and availability may change at short notice. No investment advice, no buy or sell recommendation. Stock-market transactions involve risks up to total loss.