Hello car enthusiasts and future luxury car owners! Choosing your dream car in India involves more than just admiring its beauty. You consider your budget, the safety features for your loved ones, the monthly maintenance burden, the latest technology it offers, and of course, the company's service network. Today, we're diving deep into a car that checks many of these boxes with a dash of pure exhilaration: the new Aston Martin DB12 Coupe. Known as the world's first Super Tourer, the DB12 promises a blend of breathtaking performance and luxurious comfort. Let's see if it truly lives up to the hype and if it's the right fit for your garage in India.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

• Engine Type: 4.0-litre Twin-Turbo V8
• Max Power: 680 PS (671 bhp) at 6000 rpm
• Max Torque: 800 Nm from 2750-6000 rpm
• 0-100 km/h: 3.6 seconds
• Top Speed: 325 km/h
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic

Design Overview

Exterior: The DB12 is a head-turner, no doubt. It retains the classic Aston Martin elegance but with a bolder, more aggressive stance. The front grille is significantly larger, hinting at the immense power beneath the bonnet. Sleeker, redesigned LED headlights and a wider body give it a more muscular and purposeful look. The iconic Aston Martin silhouette is perfectly sculpted, flowing gracefully from the long bonnet to the muscular rear haunches. It truly looks like a car built for speed and sophistication.

Interior: Step inside, and you are greeted by a cabin that blends traditional luxury with modern technology. The redesign is significant, moving away from previous Mercedes-Benz-derived infotainment. You get exquisite materials like Bridge of Weir leather, Alcantara, and a choice of premium wood or carbon fibre trim. The cockpit feels driver-focused, yet passenger comfort is paramount. The new digital instrument cluster and a sleek central touchscreen elevate the premium feel.

Key Features

• Infotainment System: New 10.25-inch central touchscreen and 10.25-inch digital driver display
• Connectivity: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, integrated navigation, Over-The-Air (OTA) updates
• Sound System: Standard 390W 11-speaker Aston Martin audio system, optional 1170W Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system
• Climate Control: Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Camera: 360-degree camera with parking sensors
• Charging: Wireless phone charging pad
• Comfort: Electrically adjustable heated seats, keyless entry and start
• Other: Adaptive LED headlights, active aerodynamics, multiple drive modes

What is the Ground Clearance of Aston Martin DB12 Coupe?

The Aston Martin DB12 Coupe has a ground clearance of approximately 100-110 mm. This is typical for a high-performance grand tourer, designed for optimal aerodynamics and handling. While great on smooth roads, owners in India might need to be extra cautious over large speed breakers and uneven surfaces.

What is the Boot Space of Aston Martin DB12 Coupe?

The DB12 Coupe offers a practical (for its class) boot space of approximately 262 litres. This is enough for a couple of weekend bags, making it suitable for short road trips or daily essentials, but do not expect it to swallow large suitcases.

What are the Dimensions of Aston Martin DB12 Coupe?

• Length: 4725 mm
• Width: 2060 mm (with mirrors)
• Height: 1295 mm
• Wheelbase: 2805 mm

Powertrain Options

The Aston Martin DB12 Coupe is offered with a single, highly potent powertrain option: a 4.0-litre Twin-Turbo V8 engine. This decision by Aston Martin focuses on delivering a cohesive, powerful, and exhilarating driving experience without diluting the brand's Super Tourer vision with multiple engine choices.

Safety Features

While exotic cars like the DB12 are not typically crash-tested by independent agencies, Aston Martin equips its vehicles with a comprehensive suite of safety technologies:

• Multiple Airbags (Front, Side, Knee)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
• Torque Vectoring by Braking (TVBB)
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Lane Departure Warning
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

NCAP Rating Table

It is important to note that due to their low production volumes and high cost, vehicles like the Aston Martin DB12 Coupe are generally not subjected to formal crash tests by organisations like Bharat NCAP or Global NCAP. Therefore, there are no official NCAP ratings available for the DB12. Buyers typically rely on the brand's engineering prowess and internal safety standards.

Rivals of Aston Martin DB12 Coupe

The DB12 operates in a very exclusive segment, competing with some of the finest luxury grand tourers and sports cars globally. Its key rivals in India would include:

• Bentley Continental GT
• Ferrari Roma
• Porsche 911 Turbo S
• McLaren GT

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Advantages of the Aston Martin DB12 Coupe

• Stunning Design: A truly gorgeous car that turns heads everywhere, blending classic Aston elegance with modern aggression.
• Immense Power: The V8 engine delivers breathtaking performance and a thrilling driving experience.
• Luxurious Interior: High-quality materials, exquisite craftsmanship, and a comfortable, driver-centric cabin.
• Improved Technology: A much-needed upgrade to the infotainment system, offering seamless connectivity and modern features.
• Exclusivity: Owning an Aston Martin is a statement of refined taste and exclusivity.
• Super Tourer Capability: Strikes a great balance between outright sports car performance and grand touring comfort.

Disadvantages of the Aston Martin DB12 Coupe

• High Price Tag: Being an exotic luxury car, the Aston Martin DB12 comes with a substantial price, making it inaccessible for most.
• Low Ground Clearance: A significant concern for Indian road conditions, requiring extreme caution over speed breakers and rough patches.
• High Maintenance Costs: Servicing and maintaining such a sophisticated machine can be very expensive.
• No Official NCAP Rating: While built to high safety standards, the absence of an independent crash test rating might be a concern for some.
• Limited Practicality: While better than a pure sports car, boot space is limited and rear seats are non-existent, making it a strict two-seater.

Conclusion

The Aston Martin DB12 Coupe is more than just a car; it's an experience. It's a statement of luxury, performance, and exquisite British craftsmanship. For prospective buyers in India who are looking for a powerful grand tourer that offers unmatched style, a driver-focused interior with modern tech, and a thrilling V8 soundtrack, the DB12 is a compelling choice. While the low ground clearance and high running costs are points to consider for Indian conditions, these are often secondary for buyers in this segment. If your budget allows, and you prioritise passion over pure practicality, the DB12 could very well be the Super Tourer of your dreams, ready to conquer both the open highway and the hearts of onlookers. Always ensure you check with authorised Aston Martin dealerships in India for the most up-to-date pricing and service information before making your final decision.