2018 Aston Martin DB11 V8 Review

The Grand Tourer market has always been a niche yet discerning field locally. Consumers want both the looks and performance of a sports car without compromising on long-distance driving comfort—after all, when driving from Kuala Lumpur to Penang over the weekend, or heading south to Johor Bahru, you need a car that can "cruise calmly and shine brightly when in motion." The 2018 Aston Martin DB11 V8 was designed precisely with this demand in mind. It’s lighter and more agile than the V12 version while retaining the brand's signature luxury and design language. In this test drive, we primarily want to see if it can strike the perfect balance between "daily practicality" and the "soul of a GT sports car."

At first glance, it’s hard not to be captivated by the proportions of the DB11 V8. Measuring 4,739mm in length and 1,940mm in width, its low-slung body (1,279mm) and long wheelbase (2,805mm) create a classic GT stance. The large front grille continues the family design language, and the chrome trim around the grille is not overly ostentatious, yet it enhances the sense of refinement under sunlight. On the hood, two raised lines extend forward from the A-pillars, complementing the LED headlamps on either side. The structure within the lamp clusters is simple, and the daytime running lights form slender strips with high recognizability when illuminated. A waistline runs across the side of the body from the front fenders to the rear, while the "Side Vent" near the rear doors is not just for decoration—it’s reportedly designed to optimize aerodynamics. The rear design is relatively understated, with the ducktail spoiler integrating seamlessly into the body. The horizontally-oriented LED rear tail lights align with the dual-exhaust tailpipes on both sides. The overall design avoids any unnecessary elements, radiating sophistication in every detail.

Opening the door, the keyless entry system responds smoothly. The interior materials exhibit the standards of a luxury brand: the seats, steering wheel, and most areas of the center console are covered in genuine leather, offering a refined tactile feel. The decorative panel of the center console can be customized with carbon fiber or wood textures. The model we test drove featured dark wood paneling paired with black leather upholstery, achieving a steady yet sporty vibe. The center console layout is very orderly, with an 8-inch touchscreen positioned at the top. The interface is logically designed, making it not too complicated to use, but it runs slightly slower compared to newer-generation systems. The multi-function steering wheel has a medium-sized diameter with a firm, comfortable grip. Buttons on the left control multimedia and phone functions, while the right side manages driver-assist systems. The seats provide excellent support, with adjustable lumbar and thigh support to ensure comfort during long-distance drives. An outstanding feature of the DB11 is its rear seating. Despite being a 2-door sports car, the rear seats are primarily for occasional use. However, a passenger standing 175cm tall can have about one fist’s worth of legroom and sufficient headroom, making it more practical than many other GT sports cars in its class. Regarding storage space, the front trunk capacity isn’t very large but can fit two carry-on suitcases. The door panel storage compartments can hold water bottles, and the central armrest box can accommodate some small items, which are generally sufficient for daily use.

Once seated in the driver’s seat and after adjusting your position, pressing the start button ignites the 4.0T V8 twin-turbocharged engine. Its exhaust note isn’t overly aggressive, but its deep growl instantly ignites the desire to drive. This engine delivers a maximum power of 600PS and a maximum torque of 700Nm, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Switching to "GT" mode results in a very linear power output; the start is smooth, and as you press the accelerator, power is gradually released, making it suitable for daily cruising. When switching to "Sport" or "Sport+" modes, the gearbox shifts noticeably faster, and the accelerator becomes even more responsive. Pressing the accelerator firmly delivers an immediate surge of acceleration, fulfilling the official 0-100km/h time of 3.9 seconds. During high-speed overtakes, pressing the accelerator triggers the gearbox to downshift instantly. The power reserves are abundant, and overtaking is clean and effortless.

The steering feel is very precise, with almost no slack, and the steering effort changes with speed—light at low speeds for convenient parking and stable at high speeds, giving enough confidence. The suspension system adopts a front double-wishbone independent suspension and a rear multi-link independent suspension. In "GT" mode, the suspension can filter out most of the small bumps on the road and does not feel stiff over speed bumps. Switching to "Sport" mode makes the suspension slightly stiffer, with clearer road feedback, but it does not sacrifice too much comfort. When driving on mountain roads, the body roll is well controlled, the grip of the 20-inch tires is sufficient, and the posture during cornering is very stable, giving the driver a great sense of confidence. Regarding fuel consumption, we drove half the distance in the city and half on highways, with an average fuel consumption of about 12L/100km. Considering its performance, this result is quite reasonable.

In terms of driving comfort, the DB11 V8 performs beyond expectations. During high-speed cruising, wind and tire noise are well controlled, and unless you roll down the windows, they basically won't affect conversations inside the car. The ventilated and heated seat functions are very practical in the local weather, especially the ventilation function, which ensures long drives are not stifling. The 360-degree panoramic camera and automatic parking functions are indispensable for a sports car of this size, helping to avoid scratches when parking. Safety features are also comprehensive, including automatic emergency braking, body stability control, and front and rear parking sensors, providing greater peace of mind during daily driving.

Overall, the biggest advantage of the 2018 Aston Martin DB11 V8 lies in its balance—it offers the performance and aesthetics of a sports car while maintaining the comfort and practicality of a grand tourer. Compared to competitors like the Porsche 911 Turbo S, the DB11 V8 offers more rear space and greater comfort for long-distance travel. Compared to the Bentley Continental GT, it delivers a more sporty driving experience and comes at a more accessible price (local guide price around RM 1,800,000). It's suitable for consumers who want a luxurious sports car that makes a statement but also need it for occasional long-distance drives or short trips with family—for instance, weekend driving enthusiasts who are entrepreneurs or young executives seeking quality of life.

If you're looking for a GT sports car that balances performance, luxury, and practicality, the DB11 V8 is worth considering. It’s not the most aggressive, nor is it the most cutting-edge, but it delivers a "just right" experience—offering satisfaction whether from driving pleasure or daily use.