Aston Martin DB12 - long-term review

Sunshine and Sky. Ebony and Ivory. Rhubarb and custard. Memorable pairings, though not ubiquitous enough to spawn their own Instagram accounts and hashtags. Green over tan on the other hand, that’s got out of control. It’s the inside-outside colour combo of the connoisseurs and Insta-aspirational that somehow sends algorithms into a spin. Well, if that’s the case, ice down the servers as we may go viral with Top Gear Garage’s latest addition: an Aston Martin 'Racing Green over Oxford Tan' DB12.

Since the DB12 was revealed in May 2023, Aston Martin's been lost in a busy few years of headlines, including the good (achingly beautiful new model releases, anniversaries, and motorsport intentions) and bad (its Baumgartner-esque base jumping share price). So it’s probably worth a quick reminder, because, after all, this is now Aston Martin’s core product.

It’s the replacement for the DB11, which was only around for seven years. Things move fast nowadays. Including this DB12. Thanks to a twin-turbo 4.0-litre AMG-derived V8 that develops 671bhp (a 150bhp uplift!) and 590lb ft, good for a 3.6-second 0-62mph sprint and 202mph top speed. Aston thought it was such a radical departure from the normcore that the DB12 demanded a new definition, leapfrogging out of its previous category, warranting a new epithet altogether. Enter the world’s first Super Tourer. Overstated? We'll be the judge over the next few months.

It may use the same chassis and suspension set-up as its predecessor, but this isn’t a facelift. It’s more major than that. With imposing British muscularity, tailored, sweeping lines, broad second row-spec haunches, and hilariously stubby overhangs. It’s gorgeously elongated – with wheels shoved as far into each corner and then the bodywork fed through a mangler to make it, low, long, and sleek. But also wide. Track width has increased by 6mm at the front and 22mm at the rear. There’s a gaping all-new front-end (blacked out for us), new headlights, and the latest evolution of the iconic Aston Martin wings badge. But you’d have to be a nerd like us to know the difference from old.

But what spec are we dealing with? A gorgeous one, that’s what. Quick tip - if you ever need time to burn, head over to the Aston Martin configurator and have a go for yourself, you quickly get lost in a mirage of colours, interior jewellery, and options. It’s very easy to get things wrong, make it overly fussy and expensive. So ours is subdued and classic with a hint of new world Aston. So we’ve obviously got green over tan, paired with 21in multi-spoke forged wheels finished in satin black. Full disclosure, we didn’t get a choice on the spec, and if it were us, we’d have gone for the gorgeous washed-out gold rims. Sounds dreadful on paper, but they look amazing.

Behind the wheels are the optional carbon brakes. Do you need them on a GT? No. Do you need them on a supercar? Yes. A self-confessed super tourer? Who knows – so may as well try them. There are benefits, they’re bigger, reduce brake fade, and save 27kg in unsprung mass compared to the standard brakes, which should benefit ride quality and steering response. There are carbon fibre accents (fangs, really) up front which look fit for a fight with a high kerb, a fantastic panoramic roof that bathes light into the cabin which features Bridge of Weir hides, flawless stitching, carbon twill, dark chrome, and the optional 16-way adjustable with heating and ventilation and steering wheel heating. Oh, and there’s also the Bowers & Wilkins' 15-speaker. But one of those is already rattling.

The interior is a massive improvement from the DB11 and deserves its own comprehensive update in the future. But the trim materials, upholstery, and switchgear feel fabulously expensive. But, more importantly, and about 10 years too late, it finally has a touchscreen. A trend-bucking anamorphic, letterbox touchscreen which feels cinematic and simplified. In the world of luxury, this kind of pared-back look trumps ostentation.

All of this comes at a price though. A hefty one. Base models start at £185k, but ours with all its options is £240k, nearly £55k on top. But remember, the DB12 is playing in the big leagues, competing against the Bentley Conti GT in the luxury stakes and the Porsche 911 Turbo S and Ferrari Roma in the performance stakes. Where it lands, we’ll find out. But one thing's for certain — it feels extraordinarily special already.