2019 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera 5.2L Review

In Malaysia's luxury GT market, models that can balance ultimate performance with long-distance comfort remain a rarity—these cars must have overwhelming power reserves compared to their peers without sacrificing the smoothness required for daily driving. The 2019 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera 5.2L is built for this purpose, with its core selling points being a 715PS twin-turbo V12 engine and iconic British design, while quietly enhancing practical configurations. In this test drive, we aim to verify whether this "speed machine" can genuinely live up to the name of "Grand Tourer" and is not merely a track toy.

From a distance, the outline of the DBS Superleggera exudes a strong sense of aggression: the elongated hood accounts for almost one-third of the body, the fastback roofline transitions smoothly from the A-pillar to the rear, complemented by the wide-body rear wheel arches, creating a typical front-engine, rear-wheel-drive GT proportion. The large honeycomb grille at the front and the sharp LED headlights give it a highly recognizable look; the two raised lines on the hood hint at the explosive power of the V12 engine underneath. The sides of the body are free of unnecessary decorations, and the 21-inch alloy wheels (265/35 ZR21 specification for both front and rear) perfectly complement the low-profile stance of the car; the "Superleggera" badge on the fender pays homage to its lightweight design. The rear of the car is even more refined, with LED tail lamps adopting Aston Martin's iconic "double-C" design, while the dual twin-round exhaust layout constantly reminds you of its performance identity.

Sitting inside, the first impression is a sense of solid materials: large areas of leather cover the steering wheel, seats, and center console, with almost no hard plastic surfaces in reach. The layout of the center console is simple, with an 8-inch touchscreen located in the center—not particularly large, but it has decent operational smoothness and includes basic features like navigation and Bluetooth connectivity. The multifunctional steering wheel features a flat-bottom design, providing a thick, sturdy grip while also being equipped with a heating function. The buttons on the left side control driving assistance features, while the right side manages multimedia controls, all organized in a clear manner. The seats are typical sports bucket seats, offering excellent wrapping and support for the shoulders and lower back, with options for electric adjustment and memory functionality, making them comfortable even over long distances. In terms of space, as a 2-door 2-seat GT car, the front headroom (with a height of 175cm, there is about a fist's worth of space remaining) and legroom are quite ample, but the rear seats are not practical for passengers and can only be used for placing small items. Storage capability is average; the capacity of the central armrest box and door storage compartments is not large, but the trunk can hold two standard 20-inch carry-on suitcases, which is adequate for short trips.

When the engine is started, the V12 roar resonates through the exhaust system into the cabin—a deep rumble at low RPMs transforms into a high-pitched growl as you press the accelerator, embodying the charm of such vehicles. In terms of performance, the 5.2L twin-turbo V12 engine delivers a maximum power of 715PS at 6500rpm and a maximum torque of 900N·m at 5000rpm, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. During actual driving, the power output in standard mode is already brisk; even a light press on the accelerator elicits noticeable thrust from the car. Switching to sport mode, the transmission's gear-shifting logic becomes more aggressive, with faster downshifts and a more responsive throttle. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time of 3.4 seconds is certainly not overstated. During high-speed cruising, the engine speed stays at around 1500rpm, and the fuel consumption performance (official combined 13.5L/100km) is reasonable for a V12 car in this class. An 80L fuel tank capacity also ensures a commendable driving range.

In terms of handling, the performance of the DBS Superleggera exceeds expectations. The front double-wishbone and rear multi-link independent suspension can filter out most small road bumps in standard mode. Even when passing over speed bumps, the vibrations do not feel stiff. When switched to Sport+ mode, the suspension becomes stiffer, body roll is well controlled, and the support during cornering is excellent. The steering wheel is precise, has minimal free play, and the self-centering force is well balanced, giving the driver sufficient confidence. Noise control is impressive; wind and tire noise are not noticeable during high-speed cruising, and only when the engine revs exceed 3000 rpm does the exhaust note become pronounced, but it remains unobtrusive. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that it comes equipped with a 360-degree parking camera and an automatic parking assist function, which greatly reduce the difficulty of daily parking for a GT car that is nearly 4.7 meters long.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2019 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera 5.2L are very clear: first, the extreme performance experience brought by its 715PS V12 engine; secondly, a chassis tuning that balances sportiness and comfort; and third, its classic and highly recognizable British design. Compared to competitors in the same class (such as the Bentley Continental GT Speed), it holds an advantage in power specifications, while its price (RM 2,880,000) is relatively more affordable. The target audience is very clear: luxury car consumers who pursue driving pleasure but also need to occasionally embark on long-distance travel, or those who want a supercar that can be used for "daily driving" while valuing brand style.

In summary, the DBS Superleggera is not a perfect car—for instance, its infotainment screen functionality is not as rich as those in cars from new brands, and its storage space is not large. However, it accurately meets the needs of its target users: delivering the passion of a V12 engine to satisfy driving desires, while adapting to daily use with a comfortable chassis and practical features. For those who truly appreciate GT cars, this is enough.