Aston Martin DBS coupe (2008-2012)
"The Aston Martin DBS manages to combine style and performance better than any previous Aston"
Pros
- Most advanced Aston ever
- Incredible brakes
- Fantastic to drive
Cons
- Very expensive
- Lots of switchgear from Jaguar and Volvo
- High running costs
The Aston Martin DBS is a quintessential British sports car. It's powered by a 510bhp 6.0-litre V12 petrol engine that sounds simply incredible on the move. An adaptable suspension system means you can alter the DBS' stiffness, so you can make it as aggressive or comfortable as you desire at the touch of a button. A sophisticated, comfortable interior and impressive levels of leg and headroom mean that the DBS is the complete package. But all this comes at a price in excess of £150,000.
The DBS has now been discontinued, but is effectively replaced by the Aston Martin DB11. You can read our review of that here.
MPG, running costs & CO2
With mpg figures in the low teens and insurance costs as high as they go, the DBS is about as expensive to run as a car can get. They do hold their price reasonably well though.
Engines, drive & performance
Powered by the same 6.0-litre V12 engine as the DB9, the DBS sounds incredible above 3,000rpm, its lightweight construction means that it is even faster than the DB9, too.
Interior & comfort
Firm suspension and a low ride height means that handling and grip is exceptional, but the DBS can struggle on bumpy surfaces. Far better suited to smooth surfaces, given the right road, the DBS is extremely impressive.
Practicality & boot space
For a two-seater and considering the DBS' sports pedigree, it is actually very practical. Interior space is better than the majority of its rivals and the boot is equally impressive. There is not enough room for a spare wheel though and it can feel claustraphobic if you choose the optional Kevlar racing buckets.
Reliability & safety
Unlike Aston's of the past the DBS is generally reliable. Constructed at the British manufacturers brand new state-of-the-art plant in Gaydon, it is the most reliable Aston in recent memory.
Price, value for money & options
The DBS' £160,000 price tag is a mouth-watering £50,000 more than the standard DB9,. For the extra money you only get an extra 60bhp, some styling differences and a more sophisticated interior, but you do get a much more desirable car. The DBS also holds onto its value remarkably well for such a high-priced car.
