2023 Aston Martin DB11 Convertible

　　

2023 Aston Martin DB11 Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　You know it from recent Bond movies. You might know the winged logo, its vaguely Jaguar-esque silhouette, and its reputation for being fast and very expensive. The 2023 Aston Martin DB11 is all those things and more, a svelte two-door coupe full of muscular curves wrapped in tidy English tailoring. Its primary mission? To cover long distances at high speeds in lush comfort.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Aston Martin DB11 V8 Volante 2dr Convertible (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$228/mo  for DB11 V8 Volante

　　DB11 V8 Volante

　　V8 Volante 2dr Convertible (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $233,200 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　Its exterior is both understated and awe-inspiring, skimming the road in ways other automotive attention-seekers can't match. The cabin is a tale of two automakers, blending Aston Martin craftsmanship with Mercedes-Benz in-car tech. The Mercedes connection continues under the hood, with a standard turbocharged V8 of Benz origin, though the optional 12-cylinder still comes from Aston Martin. Each offers a rich soundtrack to complement the spy movie playing in your mind as you crawl through the boutique shopping district.

　　Despite earlier declarations from no less than Aston Martin's chief executive that the 2023 DB11 would see a thorough overhaul, this year's model carries over unchanged. There's an optional set of aluminum wheels for V8 trims that shave about 33 pounds, and they come shod in high-performance Pirelli tires. Beyond that, the DB11 is unchanged from 2022.

　　The Aston Martin is a fantastic grand tourer, but it competes against heavy hitters like the Bentley Continental GT, with its sublime driving capabilities and peerless cabin materials. The Aston interior, appealing as it is, feels a bit dated and uninspired next to its English rival Bentley. And while you're in this price range, the Audi R8, Ferrari Roma and Lamborghini Huracan all merit a look as well. There's also the Porsche 911 Turbo S, understated in its own way, but a sublime blend of extreme performance and everyday usability.

　　

Which DB11 does zzdcar recommend?

As much as we like the idea of a 12-cylinder symphony emanating from the DB11's tailpipe, we're partial to the V8. Coupe or convertible is up to you, but the eight-cylinder carries less weight over the front end and feels more responsive as a result. We'd add ventilated seats, the touchpad infotainment system controller, the Bang & Olufsen audio system, and maybe the new 21-inch forged aluminum wheels since they're a fresh look, offer weight savings and come shod with Pirelli P Zero high-performance tires. We'd also opt for a cool color. Xenon Gray works in James Bond movies, but we'd take a long look at something like Golden Saffron or Ming Blue.

　　

Aston Martin DB11 models

The 2023 Aston Martin DB11 is a four-seat grand-touring car available in coupe and convertible (Volante) body styles. Both come with a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 (528 horsepower, 513 lb-ft of torque). A turbocharged 5.2-liter V12 engine (630 hp, 516 lb-ft) is available only on the coupe. All DB11s come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive.

　　DB11

　　Standard features on all three models are similar and include:

　　20-inch wheels with Bridgestone Potenza S007 summer performance tires Adaptive suspension Power-folding, heated exterior mirrors Imitation suede headliner Power-adjustable, heated front seats with memory settings Dual-zone automatic climate control 8-inch infotainment display with rotary control dial Bluetooth connectivity Eight-speaker audio system Satellite radio Blind-spot warning (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot) 360-degree parking camera (gives you a top-down view of the DB11 and its surroundings for tight parking situations) Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking) Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)Options include:

　　Exterior enhancements such as colored brake calipers, smoked taillights, and cosmetic roof and hood treatments that include carbon-fiber trim Upgraded leather, carpet, interior color and decorative stitching Available leather, gloss black, wood or carbon-fiber interior trim elements Ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, power-adjustable lumbar support 10-speaker audio system or premium Bang & Olufsen sound system Touchpad controller for infotainment system

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