Aston Martin DB11 is still one of the fastest and luxury cars

Being an Aston Martin driver is one of those life experiences that not everyone will have. Although Dodge, Ford, and Chevy have made high horsepower more accessible to the general public by installing large engines in their trucks and SUVs, nothing compares to the thrill of operating an Aston Martin DB11.

The powerful 630-hp twin-turbo V-12 coupe is an even grander tourer than the thrilling 528-hp twin-turbo V-8 standard car. The rear wheels are driven by an eight-speed automatic gearbox and both engines produce lovely soundtracks.

The DB11 sounds amazing as it accelerates through the quarter-kilometer in just 11.7 seconds. The performance of the DB11 is achieved without compromising comfort. Even at its firmest setting, the suspension on its bonded and riveted aluminium chassis doesn't break teeth. The DB11 experience is enhanced by the rich leather and stitched seat patterns. Despite the DB11's small and antiquated infotainment screen, its unique design and exclusivity never go out of style.

Our opinion to buy

The Volante convertible model, in our opinion, offers the greatest DB11 experience. Regretfully, the drop-top is only available with the V-8 engine, so those who prefer the extra character of the V-12 engine will be let down. We would add the Bang & Olufsen audio system and touchpad control for the infotainment system after deciding on our favourite paint colour, exterior trim, and interior preferences. Blind-spot monitoring and a heated steering wheel are the only additional features we would advise getting.

Engine and gearbox

There are two engine options available for the DB11: a 4.0-liter V-8 twin-turbo or a 5.2-liter V-12 twin-turbo. While the latter produces 516 pound-feet of torque and 630 horsepower, the former produces 528 horsepower and 513 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic gearbox in both vehicles sends all of that torque to the back wheels.

Performance

Its powerful push, agile movements, and a menacingly melodic exhaust note. The eight-cylinder engine can be almost as fast and have an equally menacing sound as the V-12, as the DB11 coupe demonstrated. Similarly, our breathtaking experience of the south of France came from driving a droptop DB11 Volante. Fortunately, performance is not compromised by the Volante, even though it isn't compatible with the V-12.

Pros

The V-12 is pure Aston Martin glory - an engine note that is impossible to ignore.

Cons

A few build quality problems with the interior, token back seats, and outdated infotainment are to be expected.

Safety and driver assistance

• Standard 360-degree camera setup

• Standard parking sensors on the front and back

• Self-parking functionality available