The New 2024 Aston Martin DB12: A Tour of Quirks, Features, and Brutal Power
Today’s review is made possible by Aston Martin of Newport Beach, the number one Aston Martin dealer in the world. A huge thank you to them for providing the stunning DB12 you see here.
Let’s dive into everything that makes the DB12 so impressive.
Under the Hood: A Hand-Built Power Upgrade
Our tour starts under the hood, but getting there requires the first of many Aston quirks: the hood release is located in the *passenger* side footwell. This is a holdover from its British right-hand-drive origins.
Once open, you see the biggest change from the DB11.
Exterior Design: Evolution, Not Revolution
The running lights are six distinct light blocks that look fantastic. When you activate the turn signal, the blocks on that side blink sequentially—a very cool effect.
It’s not a bad thing that the design is evolutionary. The DB11 was one of the most beautiful cars on the road, and the DB12 carries that torch brilliantly.
A few other exterior notes: Regulatory Quirk:Notice the small “bumperettes” next to the license plate? They’re an arcane regulatory requirement for crash tests, seen on other cars like the Porsche Boxster.
The Price of Beauty:This car’s stunning Satin Aston Martin Racing Green paint is a $15,500 option. The extensive carbon fiber package adds another $23,000.
The Interior: A Massive Tech Leap Forward
This is where the DB12 feels most new. Press unlock, and the door handles present themselves. The iconic swan doors open upward and can be held at any angle, not just preset positions.
Inside, the centerpiece is the beautiful drive mode selector dial that encircles the engine start button. It feels like twisting a finely crafted watch. Below it, a row of physical dials and buttons control climate and volume—a welcome relief from everything being buried in a touchscreen.
A particularly clever feature is the exhaust and suspension button. It doesn’t just toggle; it *changes color*: white for normal, orange for sport, and red for Sport Plus.
The gear selector is a toggle switch, similar to the new Porsche 911. Below it is a wireless charging pad branded with the Aston Martin wings.
The Big Surprise: Less Mercedes Than You’d Think
Aston uses AMG powertrains, and past models have shared a lot of parts with Mercedes. Not so much here. The turn signal stalk is pure Mercedes, and the steering wheel is similar, but that’s about it. Most importantly, the infotainment system is all Aston Martin’s own.
The digital gauge cluster is highly configurable, allowing you to display navigation, media, or car info in the side panels.
The (Practically Useless) Back Seats & Trunk
Yes, the DB12 has back seats. They are tremendously tiny and best used for extra storage or very small passengers in an emergency. There are no amenities back there.
The trunk is decently sized for a grand tourer, but opening it is another quirk: there’s no external button. You must use a button on the driver’s door or the key fob to unlatch it, then lift it open manually.
One side holds the key; the other holds the owner’s manual. Because of course it does.
On the Road: A Brutally Fast Grand Tourer
Behind the wheel, the DB12 feels incredibly solid and well-built. The powertrain is phenomenal—this is the most powerful version of this AMG V8, and the mid-range punch is enormous.
It masterfully blends the dual personalities of a grand tourer:
In GT mode: It’s quiet, comfortable, and luxurious.
In Sport Plus mode: It’s a savage, loud, and brutally fast sports car.
Thank You……