Aston Martin DB11 review

• For: Styling, performance, sense of occasion
• Against: Interior quality, cramped rear seats, expensive
• Verdict: An enthralling blend of style and performance

Is the Aston Martin DB11 the most beautiful car on sale? It’s certainly in with a shout. Inspired by Ian Callum’s now-classic DB7, the DB11 is a near-flawless piece of design.

Launched in 2016 with a V12 engine, a 535hp V8 arrived a year later. In 2018, the ‘standard’ V12 was replaced by the DB11 AMR, which gained 31hp – for 639hp in total – plus a sharper chassis and (optional) go-faster stripes.

The AMR was designed to maintain some breathing space between the cheaper, and previously not-much-slower, DB11 V8.

It worked, because the AMR is a proper supercar. Flawed in some areas, notably its dated interior and infotainment, but so wonderfully talented and desirable. The headline numbers are 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds and 208mph.

A DB11 Volante is available for the open Aston Martin experience, but all versions share the same explosive performance, snarling soundtrack, poised handling and supple ride.

Now nearly six years old, the DB11 has started to show its age. Even so, few cars can match it for feelgood factor.

KEY INFO

• Launched: 2016
• Facelifted: 2018
• Due for replacement: TBC