Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Review

With the competition in Malaysia's luxury GT market becoming increasingly fierce, consumers' demand for a balance between high performance and daily practicality has become more evident. The 2019 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera 5.2L, as the brand's flagship GT model, targets the niche market that pursues extreme performance and luxury with its core selling points of the "Superleggera" lightweight design and 715 horsepower. This test drive aims to validate whether its performance, handling limits, and daily usability align with the positioning of the "ultimate GT," providing potential buyers with a genuine reference.

From a distance, the overall design of the DBS Superleggera continues Aston Martin's classic GT proportions—long hood, short front overhang, fastback-style rear, and low stance (height only 1280mm) complemented by a wide track (width 1968mm), giving it a highly aggressive visual impression. The front features a family-style large trapezoidal grille with a black honeycomb pattern inside, flanked by sharp LED headlights connected to the chrome trim along the upper edge of the grille, enhancing the horizontal visual width. On the side, a deep waistline runs from the front fender to the rear, paired with 21-inch matte black wheels and 265/35 ZR21-spec tires, further reinforcing its sporty feel. At the rear, the most striking feature is the automatic carbon fiber spoiler, which deploys at high speeds to provide additional downforce; the taillights feature the iconic "light chamber" design, with highly recognizable LED light sources when illuminated. Below, the quad-round exhaust layout on both sides clearly highlights its performance identity.

Stepping inside, the interior predominantly features large areas of leather upholstery, combined with carbon fiber trims and aluminum alloy buttons, balancing luxury and sporty ambiance perfectly. The center console layout is simple, with an 8-inch touch screen at the center that supports basic navigation, Bluetooth, and smartphone connectivity, with clear operating logic but average response speed. The multifunctional steering wheel is wrapped in leather, appropriately sized, and offers a solid grip. The left side integrates cruise control and volume buttons, while the right side manages driving mode switching and instrument menu adjustments. The seats are sport bucket seats with ample lateral support, equipped with electric adjustment and lumbar support functions, ensuring good comfort even during long drives. Due to the car's fastback design, the rear seats can only accommodate small items or children, making them more suitable for use as storage space in daily use. Regarding storage capability, the door panel compartments can hold two bottles of water, the central armrest box offers moderate space, and although specific luggage compartment volume data hasn’t been disclosed, it can fit two 20-inch carry-on suitcases, meeting the needs of short trips.

Starting the vehicle, the idle sound of the 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine is deep and robust, not overly noisy but with a strong presence. Official data shows that this engine delivers a maximum output of 715 horsepower (6500rpm) and a peak torque of 900N·m (1800-5000rpm), paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Switching to normal driving mode, the power output is linear and smooth, with no sudden jerks during startup, making it suitable for daily urban driving. Pressing the accelerator deeply, the transmission quickly downshifts, and power is delivered instantly, achieving 0-100km/h acceleration in just 3.4 seconds. The thrust is continuous and strong, providing great confidence during high-speed overtaking. When switched to Sport+ mode, the exhaust valves open, the sound becomes more high-pitched, and the gear shifts become noticeably faster, offering a more aggressive driving experience.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel is precise, with minimal play, and offers clear directional feedback, accurately transmitting road surface information. The suspension system adopts a front double-wishbone and rear multi-link independent setup, tuned with a sporty bias, exhibiting excellent control over body roll. The body remains stable when cornering, while the suspension retains a certain degree of shock absorption, ensuring that common city speed bumps or uneven roads do not transmit excessive harsh vibrations, balancing comfort well. The ground clearance of the chassis is only 90mm, so care must be taken during daily driving to avoid steep slopes or high curbs. Noise control performs excellently, with wind and tire noise suppressed to lower levels during high-speed driving. Only during rapid acceleration does the engine's roar penetrate the cabin, enhancing the driving atmosphere.

In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 13.5L/100km. In actual urban driving, due to frequent stops and low-speed driving, fuel consumption is around 16-18L/100km. On highways during cruising, fuel consumption can drop to 10-12L/100km, which aligns with the expectations of a large-displacement GT model. The braking system performs excellently, with a linear pedal feel, ample and stable braking force, and no noticeable fade even after multiple consecutive braking sessions.

In summary, the core advantages of the 2019 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera 5.2L lie in its powerful V12 engine, precise handling performance, luxurious interior quality, and classic GT design. Compared to its competitor, the Bentley Continental GT, the DBS Superleggera offers superior performance and handling limits, while its price (RM 2,880,000) is relatively lower, providing better value for money. Compared to the Ferrari 812 Superfast, it excels in daily practicality and comfort, making it better suited for long-distance driving.

This car is ideal for consumers who pursue extreme performance and luxurious quality while needing to balance daily driving and short trips. Whether you enjoy experiencing speed and passion on the track over the weekend, or need a car for daily commutes or short family outings, the DBS Superleggera can meet your needs. It is neither a pure track toy nor a luxury sedan focused solely on comfort, but a true “all-round GT” that finds the perfect balance between performance and practicality.

In conclusion, the 2019 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera 5.2L, with its powerful V12 engine, precise handling, luxurious interior, and classic design, becomes a highly competitive choice in the luxury GT market. It is not only a high-performance sports car but also a luxurious grand tourer capable of meeting daily usage needs, making it perfect for consumers who demand more than a standard luxury sedan and seek the ultimate driving experience.