Aston Martin DB12: The New Grand Tourer Standard Set in Australia

The Aston Martin DB12 arrived in 2023 as the replacement for the DB11, and it came with a significant upgrade: more power, more technology, and a more assertive personality that positions it directly against the Ferrari Roma and Porsche 911 Turbo S in the grand touring market. In Australia, it is the most complete Aston Martin available and one of the strongest cases for a British grand tourer in the current market.

What Changed from the DB11

Aston Martin describes the DB12 as a “Super Tourer” rather than simply a grand tourer – a distinction that reflects the substantial power increase over the DB11. The twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 (sourced from Mercedes-AMG) produces 456 kW (620 hp) in the DB12, compared to 404 kW in the DB11 V8. Torque is 800 Nm.

The 0-100 km/h time is 3.5 seconds. Top speed is 325 km/h. These are competitive figures against the Ferrari Roma (3.4 seconds, 320 km/h) and represent a meaningful improvement over the DB11.

The interior has been substantially updated. The infotainment system is now a 10.25-inch portrait-orientation touchscreen with significantly improved functionality. The materials throughout the cabin are better than the DB11, with more consistent quality and better-resolved switchgear.

The Driving Experience

The DB12 drives with more confidence and more character than its predecessor. The power delivery is linear and strong. The 8-speed ZF gearbox shifts more crisply than in previous Astons, and the Sport mode sharpens the throttle and steering responses without compromising the car’s fundamental grand touring character.

The chassis is Aston’s own development, with magnetic suspension offering Comfort, Sport, and Sport Plus modes. In Comfort, the DB12 absorbs Australian road imperfections better than the DB11 while maintaining the composure that makes it safe to drive quickly. In Sport Plus, it is noticeably more engaging – the steering loads up more and the body control is firmer.

Australian Pricing and LCT

The Aston Martin DB12 is priced from approximately $380,000 to $420,000 in Australia before options. LCT adds approximately $99,000 to $111,000. A well-optioned DB12 – with a choice of bespoke colours from Aston’s Q Division, the Premium Audio by Bowers & Wilkins, and the sport package – typically lands above $510,000 on Australian roads.

Aston Martin’s Australian dealer network includes Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

The GT Competition

The DB12 competes primarily with the Ferrari Roma, Porsche 911 Turbo, and McLaren GT in the Australian grand touring market. Against these competitors:

Against the Ferrari Roma: the DB12 is more powerful, slightly less driver-focused, and has more interior volume. The Roma has more emotional appeal for many buyers.

Against the 911 Turbo: the 911 is faster and more technologically advanced. The DB12 is more exclusive and more grand tourer in character.

Against the McLaren GT: comparable performance, but the DB12 is more traditionally luxurious.

Verdict

The Aston Martin DB12 is the new grand tourer standard set in Australia. It is not a perfect car – the infotainment, while much improved, still trails the best German rivals – but it is a compelling package of performance, exclusivity, and British character that no direct rival fully replicates. For buyers who want a grand tourer with genuine personality and the ability to set a slightly different image from the German alternatives, the DB12 makes an excellent case.