Aston Martin DBS Superleggera 2019 Review

In the luxury GT segment in Malaysia, the 2019 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera 5.2L is an absolute "rare species" — it not only inherits the brand's century-long sports pedigree but also caters to the needs of long-distance driving with the unique luxurious texture of a GT car. Priced at RM 2.88 million, it is aimed squarely at high-end players who pursue extreme performance and style. This time, we got our hands on the actual car for testing. The focus is on verifying its ability to balance "pure sportiness" and "everyday luxury" to see whether it's a track-ready "raptor" or an all-around gentleman capable of urban commuting and long-distance travel.

From a distance, the body lines of the DBS Superleggera are extremely aggressive. The fastback design extends from the A-pillar to the rear, paired with 21-inch large-diameter wheels, giving it a visual impression of a car poised to leap into action. The trapezoidal grille on the front is larger than the DB11, featuring a black honeycomb structure inside. The sharp design of the LED headlights on both sides and the aerodynamic air intakes below contribute to high recognition. At the rear, the iconic LED taillights are given a smoky finish, while a quad-exhaust layout is hidden under the diffuser, unleashing a roar that instantly ignites the desire to drive. It's worth mentioning that the body incorporates extensive carbon fiber materials, including the front lip, side skirts, and rear wing, reducing weight while enhancing its sporty attributes.

When you open the door, a sense of luxury washes over you. The center console is covered in a large area of genuine leather, accented with Alcantara materials, offering a sophisticated and premium tactile sensation. An 8-inch touchscreen display is positioned at the top of the center console with a simple interface and reasonable responsiveness. However, compared to newer models, it isn't particularly advanced, but considering this is a 2019 model, its performance is acceptable. The multifunctional steering wheel features a flat-bottom design with a solid grip and integrates common functions such as volume control and cruise control, making it quite user-friendly. The seats are sporty bucket seats with excellent support, equipped with electric adjustments and lumbar support for a comfortable experience even during long drives. In terms of storage space, the front row includes two cup holders and a central armrest. The trunk space isn't particularly large but can accommodate two carry-on suitcases, meeting the needs of short trips.

Sitting in the driver's seat, the first thing you notice is the compact space — after all, it's a two-door GT coupe. The front seats provide about a fist's amount of headroom, and legroom is just right for passengers around 180cm tall. The rear seats can barely be used for placing bags or for accommodating children on short trips. In terms of features, the 360-degree panoramic camera offers excellent clarity, and the automatic parking feature is particularly practical for a car of this size. Hill-start assist and front and rear parking sensors help reduce the risk of minor accidents during daily commutes. The rear seats lack air vents, but the front air conditioning is highly effective and can quickly cool the cabin.

Starting the engine reveals the low and powerful growl of the 5.2L twin-turbo V12 engine. According to official data, this engine produces a maximum power of 715PS and a peak torque of 900N·m, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.4 seconds, with a top speed of 340km/h. In actual driving, the power output is relatively smooth in normal mode, with no abrupt thrust when starting, making it suitable for city driving. When switched to sport mode, throttle response becomes extremely sensitive, and pressing the accelerator delivers an instant surge of power. The transmission shifts gears noticeably faster, providing great confidence during overtaking.

In terms of handling, the front double-wishbone and rear multi-link suspension system is tuned on the stiff side, offering high steering precision without any slack in the steering wheel. Minimal body roll when cornering instills a strong sense of confidence. However, when passing speed bumps or driving over bumpy roads, the suspension's shock absorption is average, and vibrations from the road are transmitted rather directly into the cabin, sacrificing some comfort. The chassis offers excellent integrity, and the car feels very stable at high speeds, even at 180 km/h, where there’s no sensation of floating.

As for fuel consumption, we tested 100 km in congested urban conditions and recorded an average consumption of 16.8L/100km. On the highway for 100 km, the average fuel consumption was 10.2L/100km. The combined fuel consumption is 13.5L/100km, which is quite consistent with the official figures. The braking performance is also excellent, with a stopping distance of approximately 35 meters from 100 km/h to 0. The brake pedal response is linear, providing a strong sense of safety.

In terms of driving comfort, noise control is handled well. At high speeds, wind noise and tire noise are not excessive. The V12 engine's roar is well suppressed in normal mode, ensuring it doesn’t interfere with in-cabin conversations. In sport mode, the engine roar is amplified, enhancing the driving pleasure. The seats provide excellent support and padding, making long drives less tiring. Notably, this car does not feature an energy recovery system (after all, it’s a gasoline-powered car), so the driving feel is consistent with traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, without any dragging sensation.

Overall, the 2019 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera 5.2L has very clear core advantages: its 715PS V12 engine delivers extreme performance, while the luxurious interior and brand appeal cater to the high-end enthusiast’s taste. Additionally, it performs well in daily driving scenarios. Compared to rivals in the same class, such as the Bentley Continental GT, the DBS Superleggera leans more towards sporty dynamics and comes at a relatively more affordable price point (the Continental GT starts at over 3 million Malaysian Ringgit). However, if you prioritize a more comfortable riding experience, the Bentley Continental GT might be a better choice.

Who is this car suitable for? First, for enthusiasts who love driving and crave extreme performance — its power and handling satisfy your thirst for speed. Second, for high-end consumers who value brand and style, Aston Martin’s century-old heritage and unique design can highlight your status. Lastly, for those who occasionally require a vehicle for long-distance travel, despite the small rear space, the comfortable front seats and practical trunk space can meet basic needs.

As a luxury GT model from 2019, the DBS Superleggera 5.2L remains competitive today — it combines sports car performance with GT luxury. While its features and tech aren’t as advanced as newer models, the charm of the V12 engine and the brand's exclusive appeal are irreplaceable. If you’re a driving enthusiast who values extreme performance and brand legacy, this car is absolutely worth considering.