Here's an In-Depth Review of the DBS Superleggera:
Here's a insight at the ownership experience of the DBS Superleggera from the owner's point of view.
The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera is one of the best GT cars you can buy right now and this article that primarily focuses on the owner and his experience he has had with his DBS Superleggera. Huge thanks to the owner, Micheal for sharing his views and experiences with it. You check him out on Instagram:
Now onto the questions:
What are the other cars you considered before the DBS Superleggera? Why DBS?
I'd always loved the styling of the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta and the advent of the 812 Superfast was appealing. An additional option was to go back to the Vanquish, a car I loved especially with the launch of the Vanquish S Ultimate Edition limited to 175 units and with some unique styling options from Q division. Having previously owned an Aston Martin Vanquish and DB11 I had fallen for Aston as a brand. The combination of GT and supercar across the Aston platform meant that these cars could be used as a daily driver and also fit the bill for use as a 'family' car. At the DBS confidential before the public unveil I fell for the car. Its aggressive stance, wider track, Alcantara interior with larger wheels - it just looked immense! The sound from the quad exhaust then ticked the noise box. I was happy that the DBS was a substantial development over the DB11 and the initial test drive confirmed this and more. I drove DB11 and DBS back to back, my word what a step up.
What other cars does the DBS share its garage with?
The DBS Superleggera sits alongside an Aston Martin Vantage GT8, a car developed in homage to the 2016 Le Mans-winning GTE racer. This is the antithesis of the DBS, being a raw, track focussed car as well as being a manual transmission with a NA 4.7 V8. In addition to the two Astons, there is an Audi R8 V10 Plus Spyder, a drop-top for the summer which also has incredible performance from the naturally aspirated V10 as used in the Lamborghini Huracan. The family car is a Mercedes AMG GLC63s First Edition, utilising the AMG V8 which crosses several platforms and is also used in the new Aston Martin Vantage.
How much did it cost in total? What is the spec of your DBS?
The base specification of the DBS comes to £225,000. With several additions from the list of options the final on the road price of the car was, deep breath, £257,000. The DBS is finished in Skyfall Silver Pearlescent paint with contrast carbon roof and mirror caps. The front splitter and rear diffuser are also in carbon. Interior is black Alcantara and leather with carbon backed seats, carbon inserts and Alcantara steering wheel.
What do you like the most about it? Can you name a few interesting quirks?
The ride is extremely refined with the option to customize the driving experience via three drive modes across both the power train and chassis. GT, Sport and Sport+ have notably different characteristics across both areas. Combining these in different situations offers a broad range of drive styles, which can maintain the enjoyment level. GT is great for cruising down the motorway - cylinder deactivation ensures the car is frugal as well as comfortable (with the double-glazed windows, a great quirk). Step up to Sport and the note of the exhaust changes, gear shifts become more aggressive and allow RPM to increase before shifting. In terms of the chassis, Sport firms up the suspension, not too much but enough to encourage corners to be attacked with more vigour. "What do I like most?" Sport+ across both power train and chassis!. The aggression level is set to high. If in auto the transmission hangs onto the gear to push the revs and make the most of the quad exhaust with pops and bangs, downshifts are extremely aggressive. The chassis becomes rigid and cornering at speed is a thrill. Downshifting at just over 3000rpm creates the most crackles from the exhaust and never gets boring. Outside of the degree of variance from GT cruiser to aggressive supercar, the most enjoyable facet is the acceleration. Torque is limited in gears one, two and three. Once in fourth the full power of the car is realised, once you develop an understanding of how to apply the power it is relentless, truly breath-taking and addictive.
What is it like to drive both on open roads and urban areas?
The DBS can be remarkably compliant when needed. In urban areas, it is relatively easy to navigate although the bonnet is long, very long; when in GT mode it is refined and quiet. My daughter fits in the back with ease so around town it becomes the family car. Once free of the suburbs the dynamic characteristics of the car become apparent. It corners well for a car which is almost 5m long. The drama offered by the Sport+ settings also ensure the ride is engaging, additionally, if you dare you can reduce the level of interaction from the traction control with 'track mode' or even risking life and limb with 'off'. In general, the Sport setting is enough to provide a balance of aggression and control. The steering is precise and with the square' ish steering wheel you rarely have to move your hands, the 51/49 distribution of weight means the car doesn't feel back end happy. Driving on country roads is extremely satisfying and once you master applying the throttle without too much vigour, especially in slower corners as the car can squirm a little until you become accustomed to the power delivery.
How much have you driven it so far? Has there been any issues so far?
To date, the DBS has covered 11,700 miles in 16 months. It has been used as a family cruiser for long motorway trips as well as a daily driver for the commute to work. Only one issue so far, the engine warning light advised that the power had been cut to six cylinders due to exhaust emissions, the exhaust box was replaced immediately, and the issue has never returned. A sensor delayed its measurement of emissions by a split second which meant the car limited the power.
The DBS isn't a cheap car by any means. Do you think the price is justified?
Starting at £225,000 and when specified being a quarter of a million British pounds is expensive. Compared to the DB11 I appreciate the pricing but essentially, I believe the DB11 and DBS to be slightly overpriced. Residual values show the initial depreciation is substantial. For something like the DBS, the standard price should be £175,000 with options. Besides, this would be reflective of other cars available and still ensure premium pricing. DB11 could start at £145,000 or similar.
The DBS is marketed as a "Grand Tourer". Do you think it lives up to that name?
The DBS is a super GT. It combines the refinement of a GT with the performance of a sports car. Also, it has a boot which has sufficient space for a trip and the rear seats are great for kids, my daughter is 11 and fits in with plenty of space and a 200-mile drive is easy. The comfort level within the DBS is excellent and driver aids help to make the car an all-round GT tourer; 360-degree surround-view camera for easy parking, Bang & Olufsen stereo, Mercedes sat nav (so it works) and so on. Even though lower than a DB11 it has good ground clearance and relatively easy to maneuver and park. Is it the best in the segment? I think so yes, the Bentley Continental GT and perhaps the Ferrari GTC4 Lusso is compelling rivals but sometimes your love for a brand precludes you to looking elsewhere, also for me the shape and styling of the DBS are a cut above the rest.
What is one thing you are not a fan of with the DBS?
The only thing which is a frustration is the lack of differentiation of the interior switchgear over the DB11, although upholstery is different the control panel and navigation screen could and should have been a step up for the DBS. The tech borrowed from previous gen Mercedes works well but for a car costing north of £200k should be more up to date. Oh and depreciation.
It has some crazy figures on paper, does it reflect when you're driving?
Indeed, the 715BHP and enormous torque (900Nm) is a huge amount of power to traverse through the rear wheels. Torque is limited in the first three gears to ensure power can be put down and to give a slightly more naturally aspirated feel from the twin-turbo V12. Mashing the accelerator is a no go as the application of power has to be managed with some thought. The biggest issue and the overall nemesis of the car is wet. In the dry, you can use the car's powerband being careful coming out of corners. In the wet, the car simply cannot cope with the power and even when the traction control becomes intrusive the back end is a little too happy to step out.
Have you done any mods to it?
I tend to prefer to keep my cars as stock, probably a bit of OCD on my part. With the DBS the only two changes since collection have been investing in some winter tires and wheels. More recently I have added the Aston developed titanium exhaust which was not available at launch. It provides a much more aggressive note with more rasp along with significant drama in Sport+.
Can you give a short review of the DBS?
I fell for the DBS Superleggera the moment I saw it. I fell for the car at the DBS confidential before the public unveil at the Aston Martin HQ. The expansive grille and flared arches provide the typical Aston styling for this Super GT model. Although sharing the DB11 platform this is a very different car, only the doors are carried over from the DB11. The 'Superleggera' element means the bonnet, roof and rear of the car are carbon and overall some 70kg lighter than the DB11. More aggressive styling is evident with the grille and nostrils while sitting slightly wider. It is a beautiful car, in my eyes at least.
The DBS is muscular in looks and power delivery. The power is relentless and the noise from the quad exhaust impressive for a turbo. The styling tweaks also provide some much-needed downforce, 180kg to be exact. While the DB11 suffers from front lift the DBS does not and with the new "air blade" 2 spoiler system; combined with modified chassis system and upgraded ZF gearbox the DBS is a hybrid of GT and supercar. The adaptability if this car sets it apart from many other GT models. Sedate and refined when required, or raw and aggressive at the other extreme. The guys at Aston called it a brute in a suit and having owned one I can understand why. Best way to describe it? Composed, refined, powerful and dynamic.
Thanks for reading
There you have it, that was the in-depth and honest opinion about the DBS by the owner. If you have any more questions leave them in the comments section and I will try to get you the answers.
Thanks for reading once again.
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Comments (12)
Gotta say I'm a bit jealous you got to do an in depth review of such a car
Haha hate to break it to you but my friend Dhyanesh is only 14 years old. He interviewed the owner for the review. 🤣🤣🤣
Epic truth moment
I love it, just wish it have three pedals.
Honestly, in my opinion a manual would not be very good in a GT car. A GT car is meant to be driven across long distances and that would probably involve sitting at red lights and a manual wouldn't make the most sense. On the motorway you would...
Read moreCurrently deciding between this or the 600LT. Don’t know if I want pure racing or a little bit of both luxury and racing
Here’s hoping 🤞
I am a huge DB9 fan. I know it’s the Ford era. That exhaust note from the V12 is so evocative and one of the best sounding “stock” Exhausts. Mercedes definitely knows how to make a Turbo engine sound amazing and AM did their best to make it their own.
After seeing he car on the Grand Tour I was disappointed with the DB11. I still feel like 2 groups of designers were put on 2 different continents to design each half. I really do not like that rear.
A couple years later and Jeremy drove the DBS and the tweaking of that rear as this car made a huge difference in the balance of proportions front to rear. I still hate that steering wheel.
I hope that Aston can survive to build more amazing cars and I hope the DBX is a success to infuse the needed cash. I am glad this car has been rather trouble free.
Lastly, as much as a “German partnership “ is clearly saving beloved brands, I’m a little sad Aston Martin doesn’t stay a sole British car for long stretches.
Aston Martin will not die tbh, such an iconic brand... Somebody will pitch in even if they do start going downhill