Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Aston Martin DBS (2007-2012) review

Fearsomely quick and frighteningly expensive Aston Martin DBS is the flagship of the range and a typically showstopping supercar

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
  • Mega 510bhp V12, spellbinding handling, jaw-dropping presence
  • Some cheap switchgear, monumental running costs, a bit flashy for some
Find your Aston Martin DBS
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car
Advertisement

Introduced to the public by none other than James Bond in the 2007 film Casino Royale, the Aston Martin DBS takes over the Vanquish's mantle at the top of the Aston Martin range. With aggressive, beefed-up looks compared to the more svelte DB9, it's been criticsed by some for being too showy and 'in your face' for a classic British sportscar, but this will hardly matter to anyone enjoying the car's 4.3-second 0-60 time or imperious long-distance cruising ability. The DBS is a hand-built masterpiece that embodies all the very best qualities of high-end British manufacturing.

Engines, performance and drive

Adaptive suspension, a special lightweight aluminium chassis and incredibly powerful carbon-ceramic brakes – not to mention that 510bhp engine – make the DBS a very fine driver's car indeed. It faces stiff competition from the likes of the Ferrari 599, which delivers a greater sensation of speed and excitement, but the Aston hits back with a truly spectacular exhaust note from around 3,500rpm. The aforementioned suspension can be tuned to offer a cosseting ride on rough surfaces, or dialed up to its stiffest setting for race-car-like reactions on smoother roads. It's hard to imagine anyone being disappointed with the performance of this car.

MPG, CO2 and Running Costs

The £175,000 purchase price is only the start – Aston Martin DBS ownership also demands that you spend a small fortune on petrol, insurance, road tax and servicing on an ongoing basis. It's simply the price that has to be paid to continue enjoying such a special car. On the plus side, the DBS's rarity makes it less susceptible to depreciation than the less expensive cars in the Aston Martin range, and it's likely to become a valuable and sought-after collector's car in the long term, in the mold of the classic Bond car, the DB5.

Interior, design and technology

The Aston Martin DBS has the same basic Ian Callum-designed body shape as the DB9, but gets its own distinctive look courtesy of wider flared wheelarches and deep cooling ducts set into the long bonnet. There are also chunky sill extensions down the side and a fantastic-looking carbon diffuser at the rear, which hints at the DBR9 GT racing car that inspired the DBS. Inside, it's slightly disappointing to see switchgear sourced from Volvo and Jaguar used on such an exclusive car, but overall the ambience is pure Aston Martin: sumptuous luxury with strong hints of dynamic ability.

Practicality, comfort and boot space

The Aston Martin DBS's hardcore nature is clearly illustrated by the fact that the token rear seats seen in the DB9 are not even available as an option here – it's strictly a two-seater car. Yet unlike some more low-slung supercars, the DBS offers plenty of head and legroom for its occupants, in keeping with its grand touring roots. Driver and passenger will have to travel light, though, as the boot only holds 186 litres of luggage. Engine noise is more noticeable than in lesser Astons, which will suit enthusiasts just fine, but that does make the DBS not quite as relaxing on the motorway as its stablemates.

Reliability and Safety

Reliability was an issue with Aston Martins as recently as the DBS' predecessor, the Vanquish, but the company has made great strides in quality control in recent years, so its current line-up is a lot more dependable. The 6.0-litre V12 engine is basically two Ford V6s joined together, and while it may not be the last word in technology, it is at least a very well proven engine that rarely gives trouble. There's no official crash-test data for the DBS, but the same super-stiff aluminium chassis that makes it such a joy to drive should hold up well in an accident.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Hot Land Rover Defender Octa in high demand with close to 3,000 orders at £150,000 each
Land Rover Defender Octa - front action

Hot Land Rover Defender Octa in high demand with close to 3,000 orders at £150,000 each

Buyers aren’t being deterred by the hefty asking price for the most powerful Defender yet, with 2,900 already signing up worldwide
News
12 Nov 2024
Car Deal of the Day: 641bhp Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is a bargain at this price
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N - front action

Car Deal of the Day: 641bhp Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is a bargain at this price

The 2024 Auto Express Performance Car of the Year is now our Deal of the Day for 7 November
News
7 Nov 2024
Car Deal of the Day: no-nonsense MG ZS EV for £226 per month
MG ZS EV - front tracking

Car Deal of the Day: no-nonsense MG ZS EV for £226 per month

Our Deal of the Day for 10 November comes from Carwow’s new leasing arm, Carwow Leasey
News
10 Nov 2024