The legacies of few carmakers include kings and queens, bespoke builds, stellar performance and mystique. Aston Martin has all of it. But about 50 years after its debut, the British manufacturer was catapulted into the automotive stratosphere: Its DB5 became a James Bond car.
It wasn’t the first spy-versus-spy automobile negotiating mountaintop roads at high speeds. But when the Aston Martin DB5 was cast in the 1964 movie Goldfinger and was driven by the tuxedo-wearing, martini-drinking, fictional spy portrayed by Sean Connery, everything changed. The prototype was sexy and thrilling, equipped with bulletproofing, revolving license plates, a homing device, smokescreens, tire-slashing wheel extensions, machine guns and an ejection seat. And even without all Q’s enhancements, it looked cool.
Through ownership changes, financial woes and varying styles, four Aston Martins are currently crafted — the DBX, Vantage, Vanquish and DB12. The latter is still revered as the modern-day edition of the icon that helped create the enduring allure of espionage movie chase scenes.
When the carmaker turned 110 in 2013 and much of its legend was revisited, company spokespeople announced about 110,000 Aston Martins had been made to date. The average of 1,000 per year roughly matches the tally of Toyotas made in two days.
Offered as a coupe or soft top convertible, the 2025 Aston Martin DB12 continues the vehicle generation unveiled in 2024. It features an amended chassis and powertrain, and is remodeled with a more upscale interior design, not unlike the modernized look and feel of a classy boutique hotel.
What’s also new for 2025 is an optional panoramic glass roof, more steering wheel color choices and a carbon package that includes carbon-fiber paddle shifters and a gloss black exhaust tip.
State-of-the-art technology was missing in the DB11, but the new model has an in-house-developed 10.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as part of the lengthy standard features list. Two USB ports, a wireless charging pad and a 360-degree camera are standard, as is an 11-speaker audio system. Albeit costly ($10,000), the optional 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system is a better choice considering the vehicle’s stature.
Elegance reigns in the DB12’s interior. It’s largely leather, styled beautifully, complemented by comfort and support in multiple configurations. Car colors are never simple, including Aston Martin. But the review vehicle’s combination of Seychelles Blue and All Copper Tan Metallic is as handsome as any vehicle’s color patterns.
The interior design and material quality is superior. Seating for four is listed among the official specs, but the backseats are big enough for only the petite or for not-so-big luggage. Aston Martin has placed seat controls, a wireless charging pad and other controls in logical locations, which is not the case for many luxury vehicles.
The new Aston Martin also defines “grand tourer.” It’s perfect for driving at high speeds and while combining luxury and performance. It’s powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 with an eight-speed automatic transmission and an electronic rear differential. The ride is powerful and balanced, though the top speed of 202 mph is best saved for racetracks.
Differentiating features and nuances among ultimate luxury cars is somewhat futile — why squabble among great works of art on fancy wheels?
The Ferrari 12Cilindri is fine, as is the Rolls-Royce Spectre. The former starts at about $200,000 more than the DB12; the latter begins at about $170,000 more than the Aston Martin. The Bentley Continental GT and Flying Spur exude understated performance and class. The Flying Spur has a starting price of $276,000; the Continental GT begins at $306,000. What’s equally impressive? The DB12’s bigger sibling, the Vanquish, with its starting price of just under $433,000, is also among luxury vehicle icons and it could top the list.
The DB12 is no longer a customized espionage machine; tuxedos aren’t required attire by the driver or passenger(s). But there’s nothing wrong with fun and fantasies of high-speed chases, mechanical gadgetry and good conquering evil. Especially when the ride looks this outstanding.
Facts & figures
Acceleration: 0 to 60 mph, 3.3 seconds
Airbags: 8
Horsepower: 671
Gas mileage: 15 mpg city, 22 mpg hwy
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $245,000
Price as reviewed: $325,000
Manufacturer’s website: astonmartin.com
Warranty: Bumper-to-Bumper, 3 years/unlimited miles; Drivetrain, 3 years/unlimited miles; Corrosion, 3 years, unlimited miles; Roadside Assistance, 2 years/unlimited miles
