Used 2017 Aston Martin DB11

Hand-built in England the all-new Aston Martin DB11 is a sleek, fast coupe crafted for grand journeys and even grander arrivals. Priced from $215,000 the DB11 is a visual feast with performance to match. A massively powerful turbocharged 12-cylinder engine delivers hearty thrust while 3-mode adaptive dampers provide long-haul comfort and, when needed, prodigious cornering abilities. While technically possessing four seats, Aston’s shapely coupe works best as a 2-seater, surrounding its occupants with fine materials, lustful glances and a wealth of Aston-specific quirks. The Ferrari California T, Porsche Panamera Turbo, and Bentley Continental GT hit many of the same notes, but for well-heeled drivers who cherish rich character and bold aesthetics the Aston Martin DB11 is a thrilling indulgence.

Zero to 60 mph transpires in slightly less than four seconds. With unimpeded road 200 mph is possible. You’ll rarely find occasion to exploit this kind of performance but there’s satisfaction knowing you could. Even at less than maximum velocity the new Aston Martin DB11 delivers top-shelf driving enjoyment. The smooth-idling 12-cylinder engine trumpets an enchanting song when provoked; its prodigious power facilitating effortless jaunts past slower traffic. As a grand tourer the DB11 excels thanks to a quiet cabin and an adaptive suspension that admirably soaks up dodgy roadways. While stable at speed when cornering, the quick-ratio electric power-assisted steering can make the car feel nervous. However, with dainty inputs the DB11 remains an effective high-speed collaborator…whichever way the road bends.

With flowing lines and elegant materials the DB11’s cabin is a highly customizable, inviting space that aligns with its lofty price and persona. To be clear, though four seats exist, the cabin is made for two. The micro-sized rear seats are utterly inhospitable cocoons but whatever luggage can’t fit in the small 9.5-cubic-foot trunk should feel right at home. Comfortable, supportive seating is available, just be sure to sit up front. Less impressive are center A/C vents that aim no lower than head height and capacitive audio and climate controls that visually blend, creating a hunt-and-peck experience.

From its tasteful Aston grille, past the curlicue front-fender treatment, along flowing roof strakes leading rearward to blacked-out C-pillars, the DB11 is crafted for maximum aerodynamic and emotional effect. That seductive shape is formed atop an advanced bonded-aluminum platform featuring “Hot Form Quenched aluminum.” Advanced technology though it may be, the listed dry weight is still a hefty 3,900 pounds. To be clear, though, the Aston’s heft does not spoil its ability to have fun.

BANG & OLUFSEN AUDIO SYSTEM
The DB11’s V12 generates aural thrills but for more traditional musical selections the $8,330 Bang & Olufsen audio system is a sure bet. Rich bass, crisp highs, gorgeous speaker grilles; this is in-car audio as the music gods intended.

GT MODE
On the steering wheel you’ll find two critical buttons. One cycles through three increasingly potent powertrain settings, GT Mode being the most aggressive, while the other does the same for the suspension’s adaptive dampers. What lovely temptation it is transforming from reserved to raucous with such ease.

Beyond a meticulously appointed cabin the 2017 Aston Martin DB11’s standard-equipment roster includes front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera system, dual-zone climate control, an 8-inch infotainment system, and 20-inch wheels shod in grippy 255/40 tires up front and 295/35s in back.

For a more sophisticated Aston Martin experience the option sheet includes ventilated seats, a powered armrest of questionable value, a vast range of interior and exterior customization options, a 1,000-watt Bang & Olufsen audio system, and a gesture-controlled touch pad (cribbed from the Mercedes-Benz parts bin) that’s used to control the infotainment system. Interestingly, you cannot equip your DB11 with modern safety aids like dynamic cruise control, forward-collision alert or lane-keep assist. For reference, each of those features can be found on entry-level cars like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic.

With 12 cylinders and a sizable 5.2-liter displacement you might think turbo lag would be a non-issue. Not so. Press the throttle and after a momentary delay power kicks in…hard. Finesse might not be the V12’s strong suit but we are fans of the 8-speed automatic transmission it’s paired with. Though it’s a traditional automatic the refined 8-speed shifts so quickly you might mistake it for a modern dual-clutch transmission. Manual control is achieved through easy-to-use steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters; left for downshifts, right for upshifts. Hold the right paddle and you’re back to automatic mode. Simple. From the transmission power is routed through a limited-slip differential, helping best apportion traction to each of the rear tires.

5.2-liter turbocharged V12
600 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
516 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/19 mpg

Note: Due to changes in EPA testing to more effectively reflect real-world conditions, some 2017 models show slightly lower fuel-economy scores than their 2016 versions.