Aston Martin DB12 in America: Is the ‘Super Tourer’ Worth It?

Aston Martin calls the DB12 a “Super Tourer,” not a grand tourer. From twin?turbo V8 power to a brand?new in?house infotainment system, here’s what US reviewers love—and what might annoy you—before you wire six figures.

Bottom line up front: The Aston Martin DB12 is finally landing in US garages as a brutally fast, surprisingly usable "Super Tourer"—but its new tech, price, and personality wont be for everyone.

If youre eyeing something more emotional than a 911 Turbo S and more luxurious than a McLaren GT, the DB12 is exactly the car you should be looking at right now.

What users need to know now: the DB12 is the first of Astons new generation, with a completely overhauled interior, in-house infotainment, and a sharper chassis that US reviewers say finally backs up the looks.

Analysis: Whats behind the hype

The DB12 replaces the DB11 as Aston Martins core front-engine coupe, but its not a mild refresh. Almost every early US review points to the same three shifts: more power, more focus, and much better tech.

Instead of chasing outright track times like a mid-engine supercar, the DB12 leans into being a car you can genuinely road-trip across states in—then rip down a canyon road on the way home.

Key specs at a glance

Spec	Aston Martin DB12 (US model)
Engine	4.0L twin-turbo V8 (hand-built, rear-wheel drive)
Power	Approx. 671 hp (industry-quoted figure, check dealer for exact US spec)
Torque	Approx. 590 lb-ft (industry-quoted figure)
Transmission	8-speed automatic
0–60 mph (claimed)	~3.5 seconds (varies by source and test conditions)
Top speed (claimed)	~200 mph (manufacturer-quoted class figure)
Drive layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Body style	2+2 coupe (two adult seats, occasional rear seats)
Infotainment	New Aston Martin in-house system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired/wireless availability may vary by market)
Approx. US starting price	High $200,000s before options (consult US dealer for live pricing)

Performance: Super Tourer, not track toy

US and UK reviews from outlets like Car and Driver, Road & Track, Top Gear, and Autocar converge on one message: the DB12 feels vastly more alive than the DB11.

• The twin-turbo V8 pulls hard from low revs and keeps piling on speed, with reviewers describing the in-gear acceleration as "ferocious" yet "effortless."
• Steering is consistently described as quicker and more communicative than the DB11s, giving you more confidence on fast B-roads or winding US canyon routes.
• The adaptive damping and new chassis tuning strike a middle ground: firm enough to feel locked down at speed, but still compliant enough for long-distance drives.

If youre coming from a Mercedes-AMG or Porsche, the DB12 will feel a bit more theatrical, less clinical. Several reviewers note that while a 911 Turbo S will outrun it on a track, the DB12 wins in how special it feels at 40 mph as much as at 140.

Interior: finally, a cabin that matches the badge

One of the biggest pain points with the DB11 was its aging infotainment—essentially a re-skinned older Mercedes system. The DB12 tosses that out for Astons own software and a much cleaner layout, and thats where US reviewers say the car feels “new money.”

• Materials: Expect the usual hand-stitched leather, real metal, and bespoke color/trim options that look and feel several notches above German rivals when you spec them right.
• Interface: A new central touchscreen is paired with physical buttons for core climate and drive functions, which reviewers appreciate after so many touch-only cabins.
• Ergonomics: Front seats get praise for long-distance comfort, though the back seats remain occasional at best for adults.

Early feedback is that the infotainment is a huge step forward—snappier, better-looking, and more logically arranged—though some testers say the interface still feels less mature than Porsche or Mercedes in tiny details like menu depth and speed.

Tech & usability: built for the US daily-driver fantasy

For US buyers considering using a DB12 as a semi-daily, the core questions are ride comfort, visibility, tech, and storage. On those fronts, expert reviews and user comments are cautiously optimistic.

• Ride comfort: In GT mode, damping soaks up imperfect pavement reasonably well, making highway cruising on American freeways realistic, even on larger wheel options.
• Infotainment & CarPlay/Android Auto: Integration is there and works, although some reviewers wish Aston offered even more customization and over-the-air update clarity.
• Driver assistance: The DB12 doesnt chase Tesla-level autonomy; it focuses on essentials like parking aids and basic assist systems, reflecting its sporting orientation.

Storage remains GT-sized—fine for a weekend bag or two, but this is not a Panamera. If your lifestyle involves significant luggage or family hauling, the DB12 is your second (or third) car, not your only one.

Availability and relevance for the US market

The DB12 is very much aimed at North America. Dealers in major US cities (Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Dallas, etc.) are allocating early slots primarily to long-time clients, but the car is available for new buyers with patience.

• Pricing (US): Industry reports and dealer guidance put the Aston Martin DB12s US base price in the high $200,000s before options and destination. With common options (carbon trim, premium audio, bespoke paint), real-world transaction prices can quickly rise well beyond that.
• Wait times: Depending on your spec and dealer relationship, you may face a wait of several months for a custom order, while a few pre-configured cars may show up in inventory.
• Competition in the US: Natural cross-shops include the Ferrari Roma, Bentley Continental GT, Porsche 911 Turbo S, and high-spec Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe.

For American enthusiasts, the DB12s value proposition is emotion and rarity. Youll see far fewer DB12s than 911s or even Bentleys in most US cities, and the design still turns heads in a way that looks instantly recognizable as "Aston" without feeling retro.

What real owners and fans are saying online

Dive into Reddit threads and YouTube comments and a pattern emerges: car people are paying close attention to the DB12 because it feels like the first truly modern Aston of the new era, not just a facelift.

• Hype: Enthusiasts love the exterior design tweaks—wider stance, bigger grille, and more aggressive details that make the car look less "granddad GT" and more "Bond went to the gym."
• Concerns: Some threads raise questions about long-term reliability, software updates, and service experience in the US, especially outside major metro areas.
• Sound: Purists on forums mention the loss of a V12 option, but many concede the V8 tune is characterful and loud enough, with most of the soundtrack youre really after.

Youll also find aspirational posts—people who know theyre not buying one soon but are saving config builds and arguing about spec: satin green over tan? Stealthy black with bronze wheels? The DB12 is doing its job as a poster car.

What the experts say (Verdict)

Across recent tests from major outlets and seasoned reviewers, the consensus is that the DB12 is the most complete front-engine Aston in years. It doesnt try to be the ultimate lap-time hero; it aims to make every drive feel cinematic.

Pros

• Stunning design: The updated exterior has real presence on US streets without losing Astons elegance.
• Huge performance bandwidth: Plenty quick enough for supercar-level thrills, yet calm enough to cruise long-distance.
• Massively improved tech: New in-house infotainment and cockpit layout finally feel modern and mostly intuitive.
• Characterful V8: Strong, flexible, and emotive, with sound and response that fit the super-tourer brief.
• Exclusivity: You wont see one at every stoplighteven in wealthy US zip codes.

Cons

• Price & options: Once you add bespoke paint, interior tailoring, and carbon extras, the final US price can soar far beyond the base number.
• Back seats & practicality: The 2+2 layout is more theoretical than truly usable for adults on a regular basis.
• Tech maturity: While better than before, some reviewers say the software polish still lags the very best German systems in tiny details.
• Dealer network: Depending on where you live in the US, servicing and support may require traveling to a major city.
• V12 nostalgia: If youre wedded to twelve cylinders, the V8s performance may not fully ease that emotional itch.

Should you buy one in the US? If youre already shopping in the $250k–$300k+ coupe space and want something that feels more special than a 911 but less ostentatious than some Italian exotics, the DB12 belongs on your short list.

For buyers who value daily usability above all and live deep in the suburbs, a Bentley Continental GT or Porsche 911 might still make more rational sense. But if your criteria include emotion, sound, design, and the sense of owning a future classic, the DB12 delivers where its predecessor fell short.

The real story here isnt just one car. The DB12 is the first visible proof that Aston Martins next era is serious about tech, quality, and performanceand if this is the baseline, the rest of the lineup could get very interesting for US buyers.