This isn't a race car even though it wears a badge of honour from within Aston Martin's motorsport division.

Aston Martin has moved to replace the 'regular' V12-powered DB11 with an upgraded AMR (Aston Martin Racing) variant just two years after it was first launched, further separating - and defining - the flagship from the more affordable V8 variants that sit below it, and inching it closer to the harder, sharper DBS Superleggera above it.

The DB11 is the first in a series of AMR versions of other models, including the Rapide sedan and an upcoming variant of the new Vantage, which are intended to sit as the pinnacle in each model line.

For the big two-plus-two-seater coupe, that means more power from its twin-turbo charged 5.2-litre V12, uprated suspension and a host of lightweight parts - all designed to file a sharper edge on the Grand Tourer.

Is it right for me?

If you're already lucky (and wealthy) enough to have a DB11 in the garage, you probably won't be rushing out to trade it on the AMR as the changes don't alter the look or driving character of the car drastically.

But if you're looking for a gorgeous grand tourer that wouldn't look out of place pulling up to a red carpet event or, on the other side of the coin, blasting along a back country road then the Aston Martin has but only a handful of rivals.

It is a multi-dimensional sports coupe that is supremely easy to live with, sitting somewhere between the Bentley Continental GT and Ferrari GTC4 Lusso on the dynamic spectrum.

Can I afford it ?

Costing from $428,000 (plus on-roads), the DB11 AMR commands a $35k premium over the regular DB11 it replaces, slightly above the standard asking price for an equivalent V12-powered Bentley Continental GT but significantly less than (by $150k) the V12 Ferrari GTC4 Lusso.

Drive Buying Advantage




Honest reviews from Australia’s top motor journalists to help you decide.


2020 Aston Martin DB11
$1,295 p/w
2 Door Coupe, 4 Seat, 4.0 Litre, P/ULP, Sports Automatic.
2020 Aston Martin DB11
$1,375 p/w
2 Door Convertible, 4 Seat, 4.0 Litre, P/ULP, Sports Automatic.
2020 Aston Martin DB11 AMR
$1,479 p/w
2 Door Coupe, 4 Seat, 5.2 Litre, P/ULP, Sports Automatic.
My maximum budget is 430,000

What do you get for your money?

No matter how big your bank account is, that is a serious sum of money. 

Even still, you get a machine equipped with a generous amount of standard kit, including a beautiful leather-lined cockpit with a digital dash, dual-zone climate control and an 8.0-inch multimedia display with sat nav, Bluetooth connectivty and digital radio plus keyless entry and push button start.

However, you also miss out on some stuff that is standard even in small hatchbacks these days such as Apple CarPlay connectivity and the latest suite of active safety systems such as autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.

Customers do have the ability though to tailor the vehicle with an extensive list of options, and our sinister-looking black-on-black test car had $50k-odd of extras such as its exposed carbon fibre roof, carbon interior trim and a flourish of flourescent green highlights, from the brake callipers to contrast stitching in the cabin and stripes through the seats and roof lining.

Aston Martin DB11 AMR 2018 Review What do you get for your money?Aston Martin DB11 AMR 2018 Review What do you get for your money?

How much does it cost to maintain?

All Aston Martin models are covered by a three-year/unlimited kilometre warranty.

Is it well built?

The British brand is one of only a handful of car makers that genuinely still builds its machines by hand - there is only one robot at the Gaydon factory, and all it does is position the windscreen in place correctly; the rest is created by craftsmen and women. And, amongst luxury connoisseurs, that counts for a lot.

While previously, that could introduce variances in quality and Aston Martin was, even by its own admission, behind the eight ball in terms of modern electronics, neither is an issue anymore as it has a technical tie-up (and part ownership) with Mercedes-Benz' parent company, Daimler, that sees it use key elements, such as the multimedia system, climate control and electrical architecture from the German brand.

Although, it must be said the screen on top of the dash is three generations old in Benz-land already and the interface can be fiddly to use through the rotary controller.

What are the Standout features?

Just look at it!

The DB11 is the first new model created under Aston Martin's second-century plan, which is intended to not only expand its portfolio but offer a clear definition between each model line in terms of design and target audience, something it could not accused of doing in the past.

While it follows a tried-and-true formula of being a two-plus-two seat, front-engined GT car, it eschews some of the classic simplicity of the DB9 it supercedes with a more muscular stance featuring key design elements that take inspiration from the exclusive limited-run One-77 and Vulcan. It's a gorgeous machine from every angle.

There's no obvious differences as part of the AMR treatment but trainspotters may pick out the slightly more aggressive front splitter and the lightweight 20-inch forged alloy wheels. And our test car's appearance not only looks tough-as-hell but showcases the searing flouro green brake callipers and subtly hides the exposed carbon roof and vertical blades in the bonnet vents.

What does it have that others don't?

One of the tricks in the DB11's design is how the shape effects performance, with a series of clever aerodynamic innovations that improve downforce without creating drag.

The first is the vents on the trailing edge of the front wheel arches, dubbed Curly-Q by Aston Martin's creative director Marek Reichman, that draws air out from inside the wheel and directs it along the side of the car to reduce turbulence. The second is the aeroblade at the back that sucks air from the C-pillars and channels it through the body before accelerating it upwards from the bootlid, creating a virtual rear wing that increases downforce without spoiling its aesthetics and helping it achieve a top speed of 330km/h.

How practical is it?

While the DB11 AMR can comfortably be driven every day it isn't a family car. For starters, its rear seats are best used for luggage rather than people (although small kids can squeeze in there at a pinch), and the boot isn't very big either, so you might need to consider something else when heading to the golf course - or take up tennis.

Otherwise, for two, the DB11 AMR's cabin is a beautiful place to be, whether its battling peak hour into the office or cruising to the country estate for a weekend getaway.

While it doesn't actually have a glovebox in front of the passenger or door bins, there is an electric sliding cover on the centre console that reveals a pair of cupholders and a space big enough for small items such as phones and (presumably cash-laden) wallets.

Is it comfortable?

Does a bear... you know the rest.

But, yes, the DB11 has one of the most sumptuous cabins around, with front seats that are supportive yet comfortable and offer plenty of adjustment to suit a variety of drivers. They also feature heating and ventilation to soothe your bottom and back, and are cloaked in the leather so rich you can almost smell the Scottish Highland air where the cows are bred.

Our test car also featured a pin hole pattern in the seats and roof lining like a pair of brogued shoes, which looks rather special, and raw carbon fibre around the voluptuous centre console stack with its glass gear selector buttons and haptic controls for the climate control and audio system.

Aston Martin DB11 AMR 2018 Review Is it comfortable?

Easy in, easy out?

Being such a low-slung machine, the DB11 is the antithesis of luxury SUVs as you fall - rather than climb - into its snug cockpit.

But, as far as supercars are concerned, that's as limiting as it gets, because the long doors open wide, and slightly upward to miss the kerbs, creating a generous aperture; big enough that if you are to use the rear seats those getting in back don't need to contort themselves any more than other luxury coupes.

Space and versatility?

As mentioned previously, the DB11 isn't pretending to be anything other than a stylish Grand Tourer. In that respect, it has generous space for front-seat occupants with decent head room and plenty of width between the driver and passenger - but not much more than that.

The boot is tiny for such a big car, capable of swallowing a couple of soft bags for a weekend getaway (or the weekly groceries, as we did). That's about it.

What's the engine like?

It's all about what's at the other end of the car anyway. 

Nestled under the curvaceous carbon fibre clamshell bonnet is Aston Martin's new-generation 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12, massaged in the AMR to now produce 470kW (up from 447kW in the standard DB11) while maintaining a tabletop torque curve with 700Nm on tap from just 1500rpm.

Driving the rear wheels through a recalibrated eight-speed transaxle automatic, which shifts quicker than before as part of the AMR treatment, it is capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in 3.5 seconds, which is 0.4 seconds quicker than the DB11 it succeeds.

The increased power comes from software changes to boost turbo pressure, but the AMR also has a revised bi-modal exhaust system that has been designed to create a more sonorous soundtrack in the switchable Sport and Sport+ settings.

Aston Martin DB11 AMR 2018 Review What's the engine like?

How much fuel does it consume?

Not that it really matters to those looking to spend half-a-mill on an indulgent sports car, but the DB11 AMR consumes an average of 11.4L/100km. With a 78L fuel tank, it should easily provide around 600km of range in real world conditions, ensuring it can be used as a long-legged, long-distance cruiser.

Is it enjoyable to drive?

In that role, as a conventional GT, Aston has absolutely nailed the brief with the DB11 as it is such a capable, and comfortable, car to drive.

For starters, the V12 is as effortless as it is energetic, offering a real duality in its character that befits its character as an everyday sports car. When left to its own devices in the comfort-oriented GT settings (there's buttons on each spoke of the steering wheel; the left one alters the adaptive suspension through three modes while the right changes the responsiveness of the engine and gearbox plus opens the exhaust system), the DB is a refined cruiser, the engine lazily using its huge slab of torque to lope along at barely-above idle speeds while the gearbox shuffles through the cogs seamlessly.

The suspension is also reasonably compliant over rough surfaces, the razor sharp steering is light across the ratio and the exhaust note has a subdued woofiness about it under acceleration, but won't wake the neighbours during an early morning getaway. It all fits together in a way that gives the DB11 a rather gentlemanly character; one that is sauve and sophisticated.

However, it can also be a hard-ass too. Switch it all into the sharpest Sport+ settings and the AMR comes alive, introducing a snarling soundtrack - as if it was screaming from underneath silk sheets when accelerating and then gargling Dom Perignon when you let off the throttle - a harder edge to its dampers that feels as though it is clawing directly into the tarmac, a quicker throttle map to tap into that mountain of torque and snappier gear changes from the automatic.

It's fast and intoxicating, but never intimidating or violent like a Ferrari when its flat out, which is either a good or bad thing depending on how scary you want your supercar.

The AMR chassis upgrades - which extend to thicker anti-roll bars to prevent it leaning so much in hard cornering and the light weight wheels - make little difference to its everyday abilities, but certainly improve the DB11's at-the-limit cornering prowess as the front-end slices into the apex with more precision, helping it mask, but not entirely hide, its rather portly 1870kg kerb weight.

Does it perform as you expect?

Ultimately, the DB11 is a big car that makes a big statement, and the AMR treatment gives the V12 a bigger voice (literally and metaphorically) within Aston Martin's ever-growing line-up.

Yes, it is expensive and, no, it isn't absolutely perfect. But there is no denying it is a beautiful machine, both to look at and drive.

2018 Aston Martin DB11 AMR Price and Specifications

Price: $428,000 (plus on-road costs)

Engine: 5.2-litre V12 twin-turbo petrol

Power: 470kW at 6500rpm

Torque: 700Nm at 1500rpm

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, RWD

Fuel use: 11.4L/100km

shoot the messenger — 31 Oct 2018 11:44

Wow, they are pure horn. Price is ridiculous and given how good the F Type Jaguar looks, you could get the mad V8 SVR edition for a huge saving and 90% the ... VIEW ALL