Video: Aston Martin DB11 first drive review

5 August 2016
Review

The Aston Martin DB11 has some pretty big shoes to fill. Its predecessor, the DB9, bowed out as a much loved British grand tourer that had been the base and inspiration for a whole host of Aston Martin models.

The DB11 does have an all-new turbocharged V12 engine, however, and as demonstrated by the Porsche 718 Cayman and Boxster, turbocharging can substantially improve a car's efficiency.

But when character is more important than performance and engine noise is one of a car's strongest selling points, will the DB11's boosted 12-cylinder engine become its weakest link? Autocar's Matt Prior takes to the roads of Italy to find out.

Read our full web review of the car here

Watch Matt Prior sample Aston Martin's 820bhp Vulcan

Matt Prior

Matt Prior
Title: Editor-at-large

Matt is Autocar’s lead features writer and presenter, is the main face of Autocar’s YouTube channel, presents the My Week In Cars podcast and has written his weekly column, Tester’s Notes, since 2013.

Matt is an automotive engineer who has been writing and talking about cars since 1997. He joined Autocar in 2005 as deputy road test editor, prior to which he was road test editor and world rally editor for Channel 4’s automotive website, 4Car. 

Into all things engineering and automotive from any era, Matt is as comfortable regularly contributing to sibling titles Move Electric and Classic & Sports Car as he is writing for Autocar. He has a racing licence, and some malfunctioning classic cars and motorbikes. 

Latest videos

spartan

Spartan video review: 460bhp track toy driven

Spartan video review: 460bhp track toy driven
0055 LUC

Ford Focus ST Track Pack vs Toyota GR86 track battle

Ford Focus ST Track Pack vs Toyota GR86 track battle
Ford Raptor vs Jeep Wrangler 19 1

Ford Ranger Raptor vs Jeep Wrangler Rubicon video review

Ford Ranger Raptor vs Jeep Wrangler Rubicon video review
View all latest car videos
Aston Martin DB11 5.2 V12 Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 2dr
2016
£69,900
16,000miles
Petrol
Automatic
2
Aston Martin Vantage 4.7 V8 Euro 4 2dr
2010
£34,995
51,956miles
Petrol
Manual
2
Aston Martin DB11 5.2 V12 Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 2dr
2017
£64,975
41,181miles
Petrol
Automatic
2
Aston Martin Vantage 4.7 V8 S Sportshift Euro 5 2dr
2011
£31,995
70,000miles
Petrol
Automatic
2
Aston Martin DB11 5.2 V12 Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 2dr
2017
£56,995
57,650miles
Petrol
Automatic
2
Aston Martin DB11 5.2 V12 Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 2dr
2017
£65,933
39,000miles
Petrol
Automatic
2
Aston Martin Vantage 4.7 V8 Roadster Sportshift Euro 5 2dr
2013
£38,490
35,424miles
Petrol
Automatic
2
Aston Martin V8 Vantage S 4.7 V8 S Roadster Sportshift Euro 6 2dr
2016
£54,680
25,348miles
Petrol
Automatic
2
Aston Martin DB11 5.2 V12 Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 2dr
2017
£65,999
37,290miles
Petrol
Automatic
2
Next
Prev
View all 707 cars
Powered By
View all used car deals
Advertisement
Advertisement

Join the debate

Comments
4
Add a comment…
Speedy123 9 December 2016

DB11

What's not to love AM style, not overdone engine, excellent infotainment it is so gorgeous in the flesh can't wait for mine
miket 16 August 2016

Design and proportions

I have had a Rapide since 2011. It is an absolute joy to look at, start and drive. I read reviews that find fault with a zero-60 time that is a tenth or two slower than some other vehicle and i wonder where these people drive their cars. The rapid has more that sufficient acceleration to get past situations than anyone needs. The style is exceptional as the proportions are so well done.
The interior is cleanly and comfortably finished. The B&O system can fill the inside and outside with sound.
It is good that the key has been changed. That focus was not based on user surveys, I am sure.
Changing the generally easy to identify car would be an error. Others are trying to change to better emulate the AM style.
IF YOU OWN ONE, YOU LOVE IT.
Peter Cavellini 6 August 2016

Design, design, design......!!

Tell me,is it impossible to design a NEW Car that doesn't have design cues from other makers?,because this just isn't enough,yes it's an Aston Martin,compared to other Astons it is a move on,i'm not saying Aston Martin should go all Lamborghini,Koenigsigg on us,but at least try not to look like other at first glance?!