Aston Martin DB12 in the US: Why This Super Tourer Changes The Game

Aston Martin calls the DB12 a "super tourer" not a grand tourer. But what actually changes for you behind the wheel, at the dealership, and on your driveway in the US? The answers are not what you expect.

Bottom line up front: If you have been waiting for an Aston that feels as modern as it looks, the Aston Martin DB12 is the car that finally catches up to your expectations, especially in the US market.

You get V8 firepower, genuinely upgraded tech, and a more focused chassis without losing that old school Aston glamour that turns every gas stop into a mini red carpet moment.

This is the first of Aston Martins new era of combustion flagships, and for US buyers it quietly fixes the biggest complaints about older Astons while turning the luxury dial up in all the right places.

Analysis: Whats behind the hype

Aston Martin is not calling the DB12 a grand tourer at all  they insist on the term "super tourer". Behind the marketing, you are looking at a successor to the DB11 that is faster, sharper, and far more usable day to day.

Under the hood, the DB12 uses a hand built 4.0 liter twin turbo V8 developed with Mercedes AMG, tuned specifically for Aston. The widely reported output is around 671 hp and 590 lb ft of torque, putting it ahead of many traditional GT rivals in raw muscle according to outlets like Car and Driver and Top Gear.

0 to 60 mph is claimed by Aston to be around the low 3 second mark and top speed is reported in the mid 200 mph range in multiple first drive reviews. That is genuine supercar territory wrapped in a front engine 2+2 body with luggage space for a long weekend.

Where US drivers will feel the immediate difference versus older Astons is in the chassis and steering. Reviewers from MotorTrend and Edmunds have consistently highlighted a much tighter front end, quicker steering response, and adaptive dampers that finally balance comfort with real body control when you push it on a canyon road.

The cabin is where the DB12 might surprise you most. The old complaint about Astons having beautiful materials but clunky, dated infotainment has been addressed with Astons first in house infotainment system. The interface, navigation, and smartphone integration are designed by Aston, not simply lifted from Mercedes.

Multiple US based testers have praised the new touchscreen as quicker, cleaner, and more intuitive, even if it does not feel as futuristic as some German rivals. Crucially, Aston has kept physical buttons for climate and key drive functions, which means less hunting through menus when you are actually driving.

Here is a concise snapshot of key details as reported by leading automotive outlets. Note that official specs and pricing can vary by configuration, taxes, and options, so you should always confirm with an Aston Martin dealer before signing anything.

Category	Detail (approximate, US focused)
Engine	4.0L twin turbo V8 (hand built, Aston tuned, rear wheel drive)
Power / Torque	Approx. 671 hp / 590 lb ft (as consistently quoted by major reviewers)
Transmission	8 speed automatic (rear mounted, reported with shorter gearing vs DB11)
0 to 60 mph	Low 3 second range (factory claim referenced in expert tests)
Top speed	Reported beyond 200 mph (varies slightly by source)
Drive mode range	Multiple drive modes tuned from Comfort to Sport Plus, configurable settings
Cabin layout	2+2 grand tourer style, front engine, rear drive, usable rear seats for short trips
Infotainment	Aston designed touchscreen system with physical controls for core functions
Connectivity	Modern smartphone integration (exact feature set to be confirmed with dealer)
US availability	Deliveries reported as started to US customers via Aston Martin dealers
Indicative US pricing	Base MSRP widely reported in the low to mid $200,000 range before options and destination (always verify current pricing with a US dealer)

On the road in the US, this positions the DB12 squarely against cars like the Bentley Continental GT, Ferrari Roma, and high spec versions of the Porsche 911 Turbo S. What sets the Aston apart is that it leans into a more extroverted, long nose classic coupe silhouette while offering a chassis that feels closer to a modern sports car than a pure lounge on wheels.

For American buyers who care about daily usability, ground clearance and ride compliance are frequently mentioned as pleasant surprises in first drive pieces. You still have to be careful over steep driveways, but the DB12 does a better job of blending long distance comfort with turn in precision than the softer DB11.

Fuel economy is clearly not the priority, and Aston does not pretend otherwise. Expect a thirsty V8 experience similar to other high performance GTs, with actual numbers varying based on your city highway mix and how often you explore the higher end of the rev range.

Servicing and ownership in the US flows through Aston Martins existing dealer network, which is relatively small compared with German brands but concentrated around major metro areas. For many owners this exclusivity is a plus, but it is something you will want to factor in if you live far from an Aston showroom.

If you are cross shopping, the key question is simple: do you want a GT that feels like a softened sports car or a sports car that happens to have GT usability? The DB12 clearly aims at the latter, with most expert commentary pointing to a leap in body control, steering, and overall cohesion compared with the outgoing DB11.

What the experts say (Verdict)

Across US and international outlets, there is a clear consensus that the DB12 is a major step forward for Aston Martin.

Performance and handling: Publications like Car and Driver, Top Gear, Autocar, and MotorTrend have all highlighted the powertrain and chassis as standouts. The V8 delivers serious punch, but the bigger win is how the car now communicates what the front end is doing, letting you place the car with more confidence than in the DB11.

Reviewers repeatedly mention that the DB12 feels smaller and more agile than its footprint suggests, which is critical for US drivers threading it through tight canyon roads or crowded city streets. The adaptive dampers earn specific praise for offering a real comfort mode that you can live with on imperfect pavement while still being capable of tightening everything up when you want to drive hard.

Interior and tech: The cabin still leans heavily on hand crafted leather, stitching, and jewel like switchgear. Where the DB12 differentiates itself from past Astons is in the digital layer. The custom infotainment platform is not perfect, but the general verdict is that it finally feels like something created for this decade rather than a leftover from an older era.

Experts appreciate that Aston resisted the urge to go full screen everything. You still have knurled knobs and physical controls where they matter, which preserves that tactile, mechanical feel that draws many buyers to the brand in the first place.

Design and emotional appeal: On camera and in person, the DB12 has been described as one of the most visually confident modern Astons. The widened stance, larger grille, and sharpened surfacing give it more presence without losing the classic long hood, short rear deck proportion.

US based video reviewers often comment on how much attention the DB12 gets on the street compared with even very expensive rivals. If you care about pulling up somewhere and instantly resetting the vibe, this car delivers in a way that spec sheets alone cannot capture.

Common criticisms:

• Price and options: Once you add bespoke paint, interior details, carbon packages, and wheels, the transaction price for US buyers can climb quickly from the already high base. This is not unusual in the segment, but something to keep in mind as you configure.
• Tech polish: While the new infotainment is a leap forward, some reviewers note that it is still not quite as slick or deep as the very best systems from Mercedes, BMW, or Porsche. Software updates may continue to refine the experience.
• Practicality: The 2+2 layout is realistic for kids or short trips but not a substitute for a real sedan. Trunk space is adequate for weekend bags, not full scale family luggage.

Who the DB12 is for in the US: If you are considering a six figure performance car as much for daily enjoyment and weekend road trips as for collection value, the DB12 lands in a sweet spot. It is more extroverted and emotional than a typical German GT, more approachable and comfortable than a full track bred supercar, and finally modern enough in its tech that it does not feel like a guilty pleasure from a previous generation.

For many US buyers, the real reason to pick a DB12 over its rivals comes down to identity. You are not just buying speed, you are buying a sense of occasion every single time you walk up to it, touch the flush door handle, and hear that V8 fire. With the DB12, Aston has finally aligned that feeling with performance, dynamics, and technology that can stand toe to toe with anything else in your feed.