Review of the 2023 Aston Martin DBS
Aston Martin DBS Overview
American muscle cars pair a big engine with rear-wheel drive and powerful straight-line speed. The 2023 Aston Martin DBS follows the same idea, but in true British style, it’s much more elegant, with a classy look and high-quality interior. It also costs a fortune. Wealthy people lucky enough to buy one of these beauties will find the 715-hp V-12 engine both smooth and very powerful, but the DBS isn’t a dedicated sports car. Similarly expensive cars, such as the McLaren GT and the now-discontinued Ferrari 812 Superfast, are both more fun to drive, but the Aston is better at covering long distances with comfort and ease.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The DBS is a very fast touring car, able to hit 60 mph in a claimed 3.2 seconds for the coupe, with a top speed of 211 mph for both coupe and convertible models. It features a twin-turbocharged 5.2-liter V-12 engine that produces 715 horsepower in the standard DBS and 759 horsepower in the 770 Ultimate models, sending power to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. When you press the gas pedal, the DBS accelerates like a rocket. On twisty roads, the DBS is fun—if a bit tricky—to drive quickly. The ride is smooth over rough roads, but don’t expect the same level of comfort as a Mercedes-Benz S-class.
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Acceleration (0-60 mph) | 3.2 seconds (claimed) for the coupe |
Top Speed | 211 mph (both coupe and convertible models) |
Engine | Twin-turbocharged 5.2-liter V-12 |
Horsepower | 715 horsepower (standard DBS), 759 horsepower (770 Ultimate models) |
Transmission | Eight-speed automatic |
Drive Type | Rear-wheel drive |
Acceleration Feel | Rapid acceleration, described as “like a rocket” when gas pedal is pressed |
Handling | Fun to drive on twisty roads, though can be challenging |
Ride Quality | Smooth over rough roads |
Comfort | Not as comfortable as a Mercedes-Benz S-Class, which is known for its high level of comfort |
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Like other powerful exotic sports cars, the DBS isn’t very fuel-efficient. However, its 22-mpg highway fuel economy rating from the EPA is better than similarly expensive sports cars like the now-discontinued Ferrari F8 Tributo (19 mpg highway) and the Lamborghini Huracán (18 mpg highway).
Aspect | Description |
---|---|
Fuel Efficiency (Highway) | 22 mpg |
EPA Rating | Better than Ferrari F8 Tributo (19 mpg) and Lamborghini Huracán (18 mpg) |
Comparison | Shows the DBS is more fuel-efficient compared to similarly priced sports cars |
Aston Martin DBS Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The DBS is a grand-touring sports car, so it comes standard with many luxuries to make your trip comfortable. It has leather-wrapped, power-adjustable sports seats with heating and memory settings. You can choose from several trim options for the interior, including open-pore ash wood, carbon fiber, and satin-finished chrome. We don’t know how many carry-on suitcases will fit in the DBS’s trunk because we haven’t tested one in our office. However, Aston Martin offers a four-piece custom luggage set that’s color-matched to the interior of your specific car.
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Type of Car | Grand-touring sports car |
Standard Features | Leather-wrapped, power-adjustable sports seats with heating and memory settings |
Interior Trim Options | Choices include open-pore ash wood, carbon fiber, and satin-finished chrome |
Luggage Capacity | Specific carry-on suitcase capacity not tested |
Custom Luggage Set | Aston Martin offers a four-piece custom luggage set that matches the interior color of your car |
Aston Martin DBS Infotainment and Connectivity
All DBS models feature an 8.0-inch infotainment display with navigation, along with Bluetooth for phone and audio streaming. The infotainment system is a slightly modified version of Mercedes-Benz’s COMAND software, and a click wheel and touchpad on the center console make it easy for the driver or passenger to navigate the menus. Overall, it’s a user-friendly system. A nine-speaker stereo comes standard, but buyers can opt for an upgraded Bang & Olufsen sound system.
Aston Martin DBS Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Aston Martin offers limited driver-assistance features on the DBS. For more information about the DBS’s crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard front and rear parking sensors
- Standard 360-degree exterior camera system
- Standard airbags and electronic stability control
Aston Martin DBS Competitors
Competitors of the Aston Martin DBS include high-performance luxury sports cars like the McLaren GT, Ferrari 812 Superfast, and Bentley Continental GT. The McLaren GT offers an exciting drive with its sharp handling and light weight. The Ferrari 812 Superfast, known for its powerful V12 engine and quick performance, is a great choice for those looking for a more track-focused car.
The Bentley Continental GT combines luxury and performance, offering a comfortable interior with advanced features while still being fast and agile. Each of these competitors offers a unique mix of luxury and performance, challenging the DBS in different ways.
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