The appearance of the model Aston Martin DB11 marked the beginning of a new era for the legendary British brand. This car was not just a replacement for the outgoing DB9 model, but a bold step into the future, where tradition is harmoniously intertwined with advanced technology. The company's engineers tried to create the ideal grand tourer, capable of providing incredible comfort over long distances, while remaining sharp and controllable on winding mountain serpentines.
The appearance of the car evokes awe even among people indifferent to technology. Aerodynamics here is not just a set of numbers, but an art carved into aluminum. Body panels made of the lightest alloys, which made it possible to reduce the overall weight and improve weight distribution. When you first get acquainted with the car, you will be struck by the absence of traditional rear-view mirrors in the basic versions - they are replaced by cameras, although many owners prefer the classic version for the sake of aesthetics.
The interior greets the driver and passengers with the aroma of expensive leather and the cold shine of metal. There is no room for cheap plastic or sloppy assembly. Every interior detail DB11 speaks of luxury and attention to detail. The ergonomics are designed so that even after traveling for many hours you will not feel tired in your back, which is the main criterion for the Grand Tourer class.
Body design and aerodynamics
Appearance Aston Martin DB11 is the result of hundreds of hours of work in the wind tunnel. The designers used the principle of “strength through beauty”, where each line has a functional purpose. The rear part of the car, where the technology is introduced, deserves special attention Aeroblade. Air flows through special channels in the pillars and out through a thin slot in the trunk, creating a virtual spoiler that presses the rear to the road without increasing drag.
The car's profile looks aggressive yet elegant. Expressive wheel arches hide wide wheels, and the characteristic curve of the roof flows smoothly into the trunk. The front end with its huge radiator grille leaves no doubt that it belongs to a noble family. Aston Martin. The lighting technology has also been modernized: LED headlights have a complex internal structure that provides excellent illumination of the path at night.
Painting the body is a different story. The basic palette has dozens of shades, but the program Q by Aston Martin allows you to order any color that the owner can think of. The quality of the paint job is on a jewelry level, with multiple layers of varnish creating the effect of depth.
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing a used copy, carefully check the condition of the paintwork for chips. Repairing original aluminum alloy panels requires specialized equipment and is extremely expensive.
Powertrains and dynamics
With my heart Aston Martin DB11 There can be one of two engines, and the choice between them determines the character of the car. The flagship of the line for a long time remained the 5.2-liter V12 with two turbines. This engine produces 608 horsepower and is capable of accelerating a heavy coupe to hundreds in less than 4 seconds. The sound of this engine is a deep, growling bass that vibrates your chest.
However, the real hit of sales was the version with a 4.0-liter V8 engine, developed in collaboration with Mercedes-AMG. Despite the smaller volume and number of cylinders, this unit produces 510 horsepower and provides almost identical acceleration dynamics. The difference is in character: the V8 is more responsive at low revs and sounds higher, but no less emotional.
The secret of the ZF transmission
An 8-speed ZF 8HP70 automatic transmission is paired with both engines. It is famous for its shift speed and ability to predict the driver's actions, choosing the right gear depending on the road terrain and driving style.
The transmission transmits torque to the rear wheels, which requires some skill from the driver when actively driving on wet roads. The stabilization system works unobtrusively, allowing you to go into a controlled drift if you want it.
Choosing between the V12 and V8 is a choice between sheer power and prestige versus a more balanced balance of weight and everyday handling.
Interior and multimedia system
Getting inside DB11, you find yourself in a cockpit where technology serves comfort. The central place is occupied by a 10.25-inch multimedia system screen. The interface was developed jointly with Mercedes-Benz, which guarantees fast operation and clear menu logic. However, the British added their own unique features, such as a rotary volume control, which, when pressed, changes the color of the backlight depending on the driving mode.
The finishing materials deserve special praise. Leather Bridge of Weir stitched by hand, and inserts made of open carbon, aluminum or rare wood are available as an option. The seat ventilation operates silently, and the interior fragrance system allows you to choose one of four signature scents developed specifically for the brand.
- 🎵 Bang & Olufsen audio system with 13 speakers and a pop-up central tweeter creates surround sound.
- 📱 Support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allows you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone into the on-board network.
- 🌡️ Climate control has separate zones for the driver and passenger, as well as sunlight sensors.
Despite the sporty nature, the rear row of seats (which should rather be called a luggage rack) allows you to accommodate children or small bags. The trunk with a volume of 270 liters is quite suitable for weekend trips for two with a set of clubs or suitcases.
Maintenance and Reliability
Owning a car of this level requires not only financial investments, but also an understanding of the specifics of maintenance. Engines Aston Martin sensitive to the quality of fuel and engine oil. The regulation calls for changing the oil every 12,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. For the V12 version, this procedure can be quite labor-intensive due to the dense layout of the engine compartment.
The brake system, especially if it is ceramic (Carbon Ceramic option), requires careful handling in the first thousand kilometers and regular checking of the condition of the calipers. Steel brakes are more prosaic to maintain, but their service life is also long during quiet driving.
| Parameter | DB11 V8 | DB11 V12 | DB11 AMR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine size | 4.0 l | 5.2 l | 5.2 l |
| Power (hp) | 510 | 608 | 630 |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h | 4.0 sec | 3.9 sec | 3.5 sec |
| Flow (mixed) | 11.4 l/100km | 12.6 l/100km | 12.9 l/100km |
☑️ Check before buying a used DB11
Car electronics are complex and require regular software updates. Owners of early versions of the DB11 (2016-2017) sometimes encountered “glitches” of the multimedia system, which were treated by flashing the firmware from an official dealer. Ignoring scheduled maintenance may result in loss of warranty and costly repairs in the future.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use cheap analogues of consumables. Aston Martin engines have a high degree of boost and require oils with specific tolerances specified in the service book.
Handling and behavior on the road
Despite its impressive dimensions, DB11 surprises with its turning ability. The electric power steering is tuned to provide precise force that increases in proportion to speed. In mode Comfort The steering wheel is soft and comfortable for city driving, allowing you to park without any extra effort. Switch to mode Sport or Sport+ instantly changes the character of the car: the steering wheel becomes heavier, and the response to turns becomes razor-sharp.
The suspension with adaptive shock absorbers works wonders, smoothing out uneven asphalt. Even on 20-inch wheels with a low rubber profile, the car does not “goat” at the joints of the plates. System Electronic Differential (E-Diff) with mechanical preload helps effectively transfer power out of corners, minimizing slip.
On the highway the car stands like a glove. Aerodynamic downforce begins to work at speeds above 80 km/h, pressing the car to the road surface. The cabin's noise insulation is performed at the highest level: wind whistle and tire noise practically do not penetrate inside, which allows you to carry on a conversation even at speeds above 200 km/h.
To preserve the service life of the brakes and transmission in the city, use the “Comfort” mode more often and do not abuse sudden starts from a standstill in a cold car.
Cost of ownership and liquidity
Purchase Aston Martin DB11 This is just the first financial step. Maintaining such a car is not cheap. Insurance, luxury tax (depending on the country of registration), the cost of tires and brake pads - all this costs an order of magnitude higher than that of mass brands. However, compared to competitors like Ferrari or Lamborghini, the DB11 is considered more "civilian" and less expensive to drive on a daily basis.
The liquidity of the model on the secondary market remains consistently high. British coupes rarely lose value as quickly as their German counterparts, especially when it comes to V12 versions or limited edition AMRs. A good service history and the absence of accidents are key factors that allow you to save up to 60-70% of the cost after 3-4 years of ownership.
When selling, it is important to have a complete package of documents. Collectors and connoisseurs of the brand are willing to pay a premium for a transparent history. The presence of additional options, such as carbon ceramics or individual interior color, also has a positive effect on the final amount of the transaction.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How reliable is the V12 engine in the Aston Martin DB11?
The 5.2 V12 engine of Aston Martin's own design is considered a fairly reliable unit, subject to timely and high-quality maintenance. Major problems can arise with the cooling system and turbines at high mileage if you ignore replacing antifreeze and oil. The engine life with proper operation exceeds 200,000 km.
Can the DB11 be used as a daily driver?
Yes, DB11 was created precisely as a Grand Tourer for daily use. It has a soft suspension in Comfort mode, good visibility (for a sports car) and a spacious trunk. However, the low ground clearance requires caution when parking near high curbs, and the wide wheels are sensitive to potholes in the roads.
What is the difference between DB11 and DB11 AMR?
The AMR (Aston Martin Racing) version is a more track-oriented modification. It has an uprated engine (630 hp for the V12), stiffer suspension settings, redesigned aerodynamics, lower ground clearance and unique carbon fiber trim. AMR is aimed at more aggressive driving.
What is the real fuel consumption of the Aston Martin DB11?
In the combined cycle, the rated consumption is about 11-12 liters. In reality, with quiet driving on the highway, you can fit in 10-11 liters. In city mode with frequent traffic jams, consumption easily rises to 18-22 liters, and with active driving it can reach 30 liters per 100 km.