Aston Martin DB12

The 2025 Aston Martin DB12 is powered by a formidable 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, sourced from AMG but heavily re-tuned by Aston Martin engineers. This powerhouse delivers an impressive 670.69 bhp (680 PS) of power at 6000 rpm and a colossal 800 Nm of torque at 2750-6000 rpm. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a new 8-speed ZF automatic transmission, which is rear-mounted for optimal weight distribution.

This powertrain enables the DB12 to achieve a blistering 0-100 kmph acceleration in just 3.6 seconds, with a top speed of 325 kmph. The engine's power delivery is described as progressive and swelling, rather than an abrupt surge, offering a soulful and engaging driving experience. 

The 8-speed ZF gearbox provides smooth shifts, though some reviews note a slight hesitation on sudden downshifts. Despite its immense power, the DB12 is designed as a grand tourer, focusing on effortless high-speed cruising and refined performance. Fuel efficiency is an expected 10 kmpl in the city and 12.75 kmpl on the highway (ARAI).

Ride and Handling

The 2025 Aston Martin DB12 is engineered to deliver a sublime ride and handling balance, combining the agility of a sports car with the comfort of a grand tourer. The chassis is 7% stiffer than its predecessor, contributing to improved dynamic capabilities. It features a thoroughly revised suspension system with adaptive dampers that utilize Skyhook technology, allowing for a broad range of comfort and sportiness.

The steering is precise, sharp, and quick, providing excellent feedback and surprising agility for a vehicle of its size. This allows the DB12 to tackle corners with confidence and precision. Despite its performance focus, the ride quality remains remarkably composed and comfortable, effectively absorbing road imperfections, making it suitable for long-distance cruising. 

Cabin insulation is excellent, ensuring a quiet and refined interior even at high speeds. The overall driving experience is engaging and rewarding, striking a near-perfect balance between exhilarating performance and luxurious comfort, truly living up to its "super tourer" moniker.

The interior of the 2025 Aston Martin DB12 represents a significant leap forward in terms of design, material quality, and technological integration. The cabin is a luxurious sanctuary, meticulously crafted with high-grade materials such as premium leather, Alcantara, and a choice of exquisite wood, metal, or carbon fibre accents. The overall layout is entirely new, featuring a more user-centric design.

A prominent feature is the high-set "waterfall" center console, which seamlessly integrates the new 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Physical buttons for key functions like climate control, suspension settings, exhaust mode, and ESC are thoughtfully retained, offering a tactile and intuitive user experience.

 The seats, available in Comfort, Sport, or Race specifications, offer exceptional support and comfort, with options for heating, ventilation, and even massage functions. 

While technically a 2+2, the rear seats are largely symbolic, best suited for small bags or very occasional, short-distance use for children. Boot space is a modest 262 litres, typical for a grand tourer, suitable for weekend luggage. The cabin ambience strikes a perfect balance between traditional Aston Martin craftsmanship and cutting-edge modern luxury.

Infotainment

The infotainment system in the 2025 Aston Martin DB12 is a completely new, in-house developed system, marking a significant technological upgrade. It is displayed on a crisp 10.25-inch Pure Black touchscreen with full capacitive single and multi-finger gesture control. This system is highly responsive and intuitive, offering a modern user interface.

A major highlight is Aston Martin's pioneering integration of Apple CarPlay Ultra, which extends beyond the central infotainment display into the digital instrument cluster. This allows for a highly customizable and integrated experience, displaying maps, media, and various customizable dials across multiple screens. The system also supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless smartphone connectivity. 

A fully digital instrument cluster provides customizable driving information. Physical controls for frequently used functions are retained for ease of use. A premium 390-watt 11-speaker Aston Martin Audio System is standard, with an optional Bowers & Wilkins 15-speaker, double-amplified, 1170-watt immersive sound system available for audiophiles. The DB12 also features full online connectivity, satellite navigation, USB ports, and a 12V charging socket.

The exterior design of the 2025 Aston Martin DB12 is an evolution of the brand's iconic aesthetic, showcasing a more assertive and muscular stance while retaining its inherent elegance. The front fascia is dominated by a significantly larger, more imposing grille, which contributes to a more aggressive and modern look. New, slimmer LED headlights with integrated daytime running lights flank the grille, giving the DB12 a distinctive visual signature.

The sculpted bonnet and flared wheel arches emphasize its powerful proportions. The DB12 rides on large 21-inch forged alloy wheels, wrapped in specially developed Michelin Pilot Sport 5 S tires, which fill the wheel wells beautifully and enhance its athletic posture. The signature "swan wing" doors open slightly upwards, adding a touch of theatricality.

 At the rear, the design maintains a familiar elegance with slim, C-shaped LED taillights and a subtly integrated deployable spoiler, which is part of Aston Martin's Aeroblade system. Dimensions are approximately 4725 mm in length, 2145 mm in width (including mirrors), and 1295 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2805 mm. Ground clearance is a low 120 mm, typical for a high-performance grand tourer.

While specific crash test ratings from Indian agencies like Bharat NCAP are not typically available for ultra-luxury sports cars, the 2025 Aston Martin DB12 is engineered to meet stringent international safety standards, reflecting its premium positioning. It is built on a rigid and robust chassis, providing a strong safety cell for occupants.

The DB12 is equipped with a comprehensive array of passive safety features, including 10 airbags (driver, passenger, side, curtain, and driver knee airbags). Active safety features include Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control (TC), Hill Assist, and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

 Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) are also part of the package, including standard automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Automatic high-beam headlamps, front and rear parking sensors, and a rear camera with guidelines further enhance safety and convenience.

The 2025 Aston Martin DB12 operates in the exclusive segment of high-performance luxury grand tourers and sports cars, facing competition from other prestigious marques.

Its primary competitors include the Ferrari Roma and Bentley Continental GT. The Ferrari Roma offers a blend of classic Italian elegance with modern performance and technology, appealing to buyers seeking a more overtly sporty experience. 

The Bentley Continental GT, on the other hand, emphasizes ultimate luxury, refinement, and effortless performance, making it a direct rival in the grand touring space. The DB12 differentiates itself with its unique British charm, a more driver-focused approach than the Continental GT, and a more comfortable touring capability than the Roma.

Other indirect competitors include the BMW M8 and high-performance variants of the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, which offer strong performance and luxury but may not carry the same level of exclusivity or heritage as Aston Martin.

 Supercars like the Lamborghini Huracán EVO or McLaren 720S offer more extreme performance but lack the grand touring comfort and practicality of the DB12. The DB12 carves its niche by offering a compelling blend of stunning aesthetics, immense power, and a luxurious, technologically advanced cabin, all wrapped in the allure of the Aston Martin brand.

The 2025 Aston Martin DB12 is a triumphant return for the iconic British marque, successfully redefining the grand touring experience. It masterfully combines a breathtakingly beautiful design with a potent twin-turbo V8 engine, delivering exhilarating performance without sacrificing the comfort and refinement essential for a true grand tourer. The significantly upgraded interior, featuring a cutting-edge infotainment system with Apple CarPlay Ultra and exquisite craftsmanship, elevates the cabin to new levels of luxury and technology.

While its ultra-premium price point places it in an exclusive league, the DB12 justifies its cost with its unparalleled driving dynamics, sophisticated features, and the sheer prestige of the Aston Martin badge.

 For discerning buyers in India who demand a high-performance luxury coupe that excels in both spirited driving and long-distance comfort, the 2025 Aston Martin DB12 stands as a compelling and highly desirable choice. It truly embodies the spirit of a "super tourer," offering an unforgettable automotive experience.