2022 Aston Martin DB11 Coupe Review: Irresistible
Call it the "beauty premium" or "beauty bias," but several studies have found that good-looking people are likelier to earn more, have increased confidence levels, and even be perceived as more competent. It's a cruel deficiency of human nature, but this same deficiency is the reason that Aston Martin remains one of the world's most desired automotive brands. These cars may not always be the quickest, fastest, or best built, but it's impossibly hard to take your eyes off them, and the same holds true for the DB11 Coupe with its seductive proportions. The interior is also easy on the eye and replete with expensive-feeling materials. Under the hood, a choice of either a 528-horsepower twin-turbo V8 or a twin-turbo V12 with 630 horses each provides more than enough power, while the cabin's layout is much improved over older Astons. A true GT, the DB11 thrives at a high-speed cruise. So, while it isn't the most practical grand tourer and rivals like the Bentley Continental GT feel even more opulent inside, the irresistible style of the DB11 will have you making all kinds of excuses for its few flaws.
2022 DB11 Coupe Exterior
Dimensions
Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Curb Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|
186.6 in | 110.4 in | 50.8 in | 76.7 in | 3,880.0 lbs |
2022 DB11 Coupe Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
When the DB11 Coupe was first launched, it didn't handle with the assurance that was expected. Driven with enthusiasm, it lacked the precision expected of an Aston Martin, even one that is more of a grand tourer; the V12 engine seemed to overwhelm the car and there was too much discernable weight transfer to inspire confidence. Chassis tweaks have improved matters through the years, though, and while one can't entirely escape the DB11's size and weight, the steering is accurate and keenly communicates what the front wheels are doing. The car is also better at powering out of corners than before.
It's the V8 that feels sprightlier, though, largely the result of it being 243 lbs lighter. Its responsive engine also encourages you to drive it harder, while the V12 is more mellow and better suited to fulfilling the role of a traditional GT. The adaptive damping system offers GT, Sport, and Sport + modes, with each gradually improving body control but maintaining the smooth ride quality. You can cover vast distances in the DB11 and emerge still feeling fresh and ready for more. That is, after all, what a true GT is about. On the downside, the cabin isn't as hushed as the one in the Bentley.
2022 DB11 Coupe Interior
2022 DB11 Coupe Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance |
---|---|---|---|
3 Years / Unlimited Miles | 3 Years / Unlimited Miles | 10 Years / Unlimited Miles | 2 Years / Unlimited Miles |
Verdict: Is the 2022 Aston Martin DB11 Coupe A Good car?
The much-loved Aston Martin DB9 has found a worthy replacement in the form of the DB11. The manufacturer should be applauded for updating the DB11's design with modern styling cues without losing the graceful, effortlessly cool appeal that seems ingrained in every Aston. Inside, too, is an interior that is a welcome step up in quality over its predecessor. Although its Bentley rival has the edge for sheer ride comfort and opulence, the DB11 comes across as a less conservative offering; it not only boasts heaps of showroom appeal, but on the road, has the ability to entertain more than its softer competition. The DB11 also proves that although a brand new model may not be perfect at launch, those flaws can be ironed out - the 2022 DB11 is a much-improved dynamic performer over the initial versions launched a few years ago. Downsides include tiny rear seats, an infotainment interface that feels outdated, and some missing driver-assist technologies. But this beautiful GT is a car that'll always guarantee that you turn back to take another look.
2022 Aston Martin DB11 Coupe Comparisons
2022 Aston Martin DB11 Coupe vs Ferrari Portofino
Not many cars garner as much attention as the DB11, but the Ferrari Portofino qualifies for a place on that abbreviated list. It's a less hardcore product from the house of the prancing horse and is a Ferrari you can genuinely live with every day. A comfortable cabin with 2+2 seating and a similarly-sized trunk to the Aston Martin are examples of this. The Portofino's difference is its retractable hardtop, whereas the DB11 Coupe has a fixed roof. Both cars handle well and have precise steering systems, although both are tuned to provide comfortable grand touring motoring. The Portofino's twin-turbo V8 is more powerful than the DB11's V8, and the Ferrari is even quicker to 60 than the DB11 V12. Inside, the Ferrari has a racier feel than the more luxurious and upscale DB11. Choosing between these two achingly desirable GTs is a foolish exercise and we want no part of it.
2022 Aston Martin DB11 Coupe vs Bentley Continental GT
Dripping with class, the Bentley Continental doesn't just have the "GT" in its name for show, but is perhaps the epitome of what a grand tourer coupe is all about. There is the large-capacity, unstressed engine in the form of a 650-hp 6.0-liter W12. There's the imposing, grand looks. And there is also one of the most special cabins available in any luxury car. A V8 Continental GT is also available and, overall, the Aston and the Bentley provide remarkably similar acceleration runs. On the road, the two deviate a bit more, and a lot of it comes down to weight: the base Continental GT is nearly 900 lbs heavier than the base DB11. As a result, the Aston Martin feels like the nimbler car here. But the Bentley fights back with supreme ride refinement and smoothness. The GT also has a larger trunk and the edge for quality. If you want a traditional GT coupe that feels like a majestic palace, get the Bentley. If you want your GT to have a bit more dynamic sparkle in its blood, go for the Aston.