2023 Aston Martin DB12 V8 Review

The supercar market never lacks topics, but the arrival of the 2023 Aston Martin DB12 V8 still has many car enthusiasts turning their heads—it not only continues the brand's iconic GT style but also features targeted upgrades in power and configuration, aiming directly at high-end users who want both daily practicality and uncompromising performance. This time, we got our hands on the actual car, and our main goal is to verify whether it truly balances the dual attributes of being "drivable daily" and "track-ready."

At first glance, the exterior of the DB12 V8 is unmistakably Aston Martin—its signature long hood and short front overhang proportions are paired with sleek fastback lines, maintaining the elegance of a GT sports car, but with added aggressiveness in its details. The front end features a larger trapezoidal grille with a black honeycomb design, sharp LED headlights on both sides, and carbon fiber trim added to the front lip and side skirts, giving it a lower visual stance. The side profile has clean lines, with 21-inch multi-spoke rims paired with wide tires, size 275/35 R21 in the front and 315/30 R21 in the rear, further enhancing its sporty vibe. The rear design is more restrained, featuring horizontally arranged taillights with highly distinctive LED lighting when lit, while the dual round tailpipes on each side retain the traditional sports car aesthetic.

Sitting inside the car, you'll notice that the interior of the DB12 V8 emphasizes technology more than the previous model. The center console adopts a layered design, with a 10.3-inch touchscreen on the upper section and a few physical buttons retained below, such as the air conditioning adjustment knobs and driving mode switch, combining convenience in operation. Regarding materials, nearly the entire cockpit is wrapped in genuine leather, with seat upholstery, the steering wheel, and the inner door panels offering a fine leather texture. Certain areas are also accented with Alcantara material. The front seats are electrically adjustable, providing excellent lateral support that stays comfortable even on long drives. The rear seats are also covered in leather; while space isn't generous, they're suitable for short trips or emergency use. Moreover, rear air conditioning vents add an element of practicality. Configuration-wise, features like a 360-degree panoramic camera, automatic parking, keyless entry, and an 11-speaker sound system are included, and the addition of a 220V power outlet makes it convenient to charge electronic devices during long trips.

In terms of space performance, the DB12 V8's dimensions are 4725mm × 2060mm × 1295mm, with a 2805mm wheelbase, making it a typical two-door GT sports car. Front headroom is adequate for passengers around 180cm tall, with plenty of legroom; rear legroom is relatively tight, better suited for children or adults on short journeys. For storage capacity, the door bins and central armrest box aren't spacious but are sufficient for essentials such as phones and wallets. Although the trunk's exact volume is unspecified, it can hold two carry-on suitcases, meeting the needs of daily commuting or short trips.

Performance is one of the core selling points of the DB12 V8—it is equipped with a 4.0T V8 twin-turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum output of 680PS and peak torque available between 2750-6000rpm, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. During actual driving, the power response at startup is very sharp, and even a light press of the accelerator delivers a noticeable push. In sport mode, the throttle feedback becomes more direct, and the transmission shifts gears faster, achieving 0-100km/h acceleration in just 3.6 seconds. During mid-speed acceleration for overtaking, the power reserves are ample with virtually no lag. The steering wheel provides precise feedback with minimal play—it is light at low speeds but becomes reassuringly heavy at high speeds, giving the driver confidence. The chassis adopts a front double-wishbone and rear multi-link independent suspension, with three adjustable modes: Normal, Sport, and Track. In Normal mode, most road vibration is absorbed, making daily driving comfortable without feeling overly stiff. In Sport mode, the suspension stiffens significantly, providing a clearer road feel; it controls body roll effectively during cornering and remains stable during high-speed lane changes.

In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 12.2L/100km. During our actual test, the fuel consumption on city roads (including congestion and slow traffic) was around 15L, while on highways it dropped to about 10L, which is in line with the expectations of a large displacement V8 engine. The braking performance is impressive, with a 100km/h braking distance of roughly within 35 meters. The feedback from the brake pedal is linear, and the car maintains a stable posture during emergency braking. In terms of noise control, the DB12 V8 performs exceptionally well. Wind and tire noise are not noticeable during high-speed driving, and only when the throttle is pressed deeply does the roar of the V8 engine resonate within the cabin; however, the sound is rich and not unpleasant.

Overall, the key highlights of the DB12 V8 are very clear: First, the powerful performance — the 680PS V8 engine meets performance needs; second, the luxurious interior and practical configurations ensure convenience for daily commuting; third, the balanced chassis tuning makes it suitable for both daily driving and light track experiences. Compared to its same-class competitor, the Porsche 911 Turbo S, the DB12 V8 has a more pronounced GT attribute, offering better comfort and long-distance capability. Compared to the Bentley Continental GT, it stands out with its superior sporty performance.

This car is most suitable for those with a certain level of financial capability who seek the performance and brand prestige of a supercar, but also need a car that's practical for daily driving and occasional short family trips — such as business executives, seasoned car enthusiasts, or consumers looking for a "versatile" sports car. If you're aiming for pure track performance, it might not be the optimal choice. However, if you're looking for a "luxurious GT car that can be your daily driver," the DB12 V8 is absolutely worth considering.

All in all, the 2023 Aston Martin DB12 V8 lives up to its reputation as a "GT sports car." It retains the brand's elegance and performance while making significant improvements in practicality. It is truly a car that can "go from the garage to the track and then back home" with ease.