2022 Aston Martin DBS Volante Review: The Ultimate In Al Fresco Motoring

Purchasing a convertible such as the 2022 Aston Martin DBS Volante is an entirely emotional decision. Sensible concepts such as practicality and gas mileage are relegated to the cramped rear seats and play second fiddle to emotive wants such as panache and performance.

It may look like a reserved boulevard bruiser, but don't let the graceful styling fool you. Under the clamshell hood, there lives an absolute brute of an engine - the twin-turbocharged 5.2-liter V12 produces a colossal 715 horsepower and 663 lb-ft of torque, which is sent exclusively to the rear wheels via a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission. With this much potency at its disposal, the drop-top Aston is capable of hitting 62 mph in a mere 3.6 seconds.

But as a two-door convertible, the DBS Volante is so much more than its claimed performance. It's a thing of beauty, an expression of good taste - and wealth. But, with an MSRP of $349,800, it's an expensive statement. Both the DB11 Volante and Bentley Continental GT Convertible are considerably cheaper and, while they don't quite have the performance of the DBS, the pair redeem themselves with a more sumptuous ride quality and laid-back persona - desirable attributes in a roofless grand tourer. Meanwhile, more expensive rivals like the Ferrari 812 GTS and Bentley Continental GT Speed are perhaps less focused than the DBS.

Is the roofless wonder from Gaydon the one to have? Let's find out in this Aston Martin DBS Volante review.

DBS Volante Exterior

Designer Marek Reichman can be proud of his achievement. The DBS is a work of art and its design carefully straddles the line between aggression and elegance. It's not quite as racy-looking as a McLaren or Ferrari but appears more athletic than a Bentley Continental GT Convertible.

No matter which angle you look at it from, the Aston Martin DBS Volante V12 exudes beauty and restrained menace from every pore. If we're being critical, perhaps the large grille won't be to everyone's taste - but there's no denying it lends the convertible plenty of presence. The front end puts us in mind of earlier Zagato-bodied Astons, which is a good thing.

It's not just there for show, though. Together with the front splitter and sporty air dam, Aston Martin has been able to improve underbody airflow which aids high-speed stability. Like the front facia, the rear makes use of LED lighting which gives the Volante even more visual presence when the sun goes down.

Slim taillight clusters (also available in a smoked design) are neatly incorporated into the rear, which also receives a subtle trunk lid spoiler and quad tailpipes for the 12-pot to sing through. Naturally, Aston Martin offers an assortment of customization options.

Buyers can choose from as many as five 21-inch wheel options, ranging from forged to lightweight designs. Those wanting an even sportier look can opt for the Carbon Fiber Lower Body Packages and colorful brake caliper finishes. Operating the roof is a breeze; the multi-layered cloth top can be opened in just 16 seconds and closed in a quicker 14 seconds. Of course, the acoustically enhanced item is available in an assortment of shades.

Aston Martin pulls no punches when it comes to color choices, with a palette so vast it would make Dulux blush. Monied buyers can select from nearly 60 shades of paint, ranging from more demure hues such as Jet Black and Xenon Grey to more vivid tones like the delightfully named Golden Saffron and Royal Indigo. Traditionalists won't look at anything but the Heritage shades. 1959 Racing Green is particularly eye-catching and so too is Seychelles Blue, the color of choice for Prince Charles and his DB6 Volante.

Dimensions

It may be a two-door, but the Aston Martin DBS Volante convertible takes up plenty of real estate on the road. At 185.5 inches long, it's not a particularly lengthy vehicle, but with side mirrors included, the Volante measures 84.4 inches wide, nearly as girthy as a Range Rover Sport. The svelte Aston sits just 3.5 inches away from the tarmac and measures 51 inches tall. Thanks to a 110.4-inch wheelbase, the interior is surprisingly roomy.

The Volante's performance and dynamic prowess become more impressive once you realize just how heavy it is. With a dry weight of 4,107 pounds, it explains why Aston Martin dropped the Superleggera moniker.

DBS Volante Performance

Engine and Transmission

The DBS Volante is available with just one engine and gearbox combination. Sadly, there's no manual. The lusty 5.2 L V12 engine utilizes twin-turbocharging to produce an incredible 715 hp and 663 lb-ft. These phenomenal figures translate into mesmerizing performance, with 0 to 62 mph dispatched in just 3.6 seconds. With the accelerator buried deep into the soft carpeting, the RWD DBS Volante will nudge 211 mph, leaving the Bentley Continental GT trailing in its wake.

It may be a grand tourer, but the DBS goes and stops like a bona fide supercar. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and plays a big role in the Aston's horizon-hunting speed. But, with power sent to the rear wheels, you had better have your wits about you. From a standstill, full bore starts can result in some fairly dramatic bouts of wheel spin. When driven conservatively, the DBS Volante is as gentle and refined as you'd expect it to be.

Handling and Driving Impressions

The driving dynamics of the 2022 DBS Volante demonstrate the grand tourer's dual personality best. As a coastal cruiser, it's perfectly happy to dawdle at lower speeds and, despite the large 21-inch wheels, it soaks up the bumps and potholes with aplomb. That being said, it's not as smooth-riding as the Bentley Continental GT.

There's a nice heft to the steering and, while not as sharp as some rivals, the DBS Volante is still plenty of fun to hustle around the bends. Push it too hard, however, and the V12 convertible won't think twice about biting you. With 715 hp being channeled through the rear wheels, it can easily become enthusiastic in the corners, which can result in some sudden tail-happy action if you're not paying attention.

It's part of the Volante's charm, though - treat it with respect and it will reward you with a driving adventure that is to be savored. For the full experience, Sport Plus stiffens the adaptive dampers which makes a big difference in how the drop-top approaches the bends.

Unlike most Italian exotics, popping down to the shop isn't a stressful affair. If you can stomach its voracious thirst for gasoline, the DBS Volante can genuinely be used every day. The brakes are well-modulated and are perfectly at home in traffic or at the racetrack.

DBS Volante Gas Mileage

Even if you're wealthy enough to afford a DBS Volante, the fuel bills are still exorbitant enough to worry your wallet. EPA ratings show the V12-powered convertible drinks gas at 14/22/17 mpg on the city/highway/combined cycles but, if you plan to explore the Volante's capabilities, expect those figures to plummet.

With a 20.5-gallon gas tank, the DBS Volante should be able to travel 348.5 miles between trips to the pumps. Still, we don't expect many owners to see an estimated range as strong as that - not with that addictive soundtrack.

DBS Volante Interior

Seating and Interior Space

Aston Martin may market the DBS Volante as a 4-seater, but the cramped rear seats aren't even big enough for small children. Still, there's plenty of space up front with occupants enjoying all the opulence afforded by the expensively constructed trimmings. Even occupants over six feet tall will be comfortable as there's plenty of head- and legroom on offer.

Not only are the leather-trimmed pews supremely comfortable, but supportive too. Standard heating lends further convenience to the lush seats, which also boast power adjustment with a memory setting. with the soft top closed, outward rear visibility is limited but the 360-degree camera will prove handy in tricky situations.

Getting in and out of a low-slung two-door can often be a challenge, but it's not too bad in the DBS Volante. Those who suffer from back pain may not appreciate the kerfuffle of entering the leather-lined cabin. What you can't complain about, however, is the build quality. The DBS justifies the excessive asking price through sheer attention to detail.

DBS Volante Trunk and Cargo Space

The 2022 DBS Volante wasn't designed to be practical. This is reflected by the minuscule trunk capacity of just seven cubic feet which is smaller than the 8.3 cubes of packing space of the Continental GT Speed Convertible. While the Aston Martin isn't best suited for the monthly grocery run, the compact trunk will easily swallow a couple of Louis Vuitton suitcases for an impromptu luxury getaway.

The small trunk opening means loading oddly-shaped items will prove challenging but, again, the DBS wasn't designed to be a load-lugger. In-car storage isn't much better; the cupholders feel like an afterthought and, curiously, there's no glove compartment. The cramped rear seats come in handy here, as they can be repurposed as a rudimentary parcel shelf. Save for the center console and door bins, cabin storage is limited.

Features

The Aston Martin DBS Volante specs are impressive. It is packed full of luxury features to make commuting an absolute pleasure. There's no need to fumble for a key fob as the cabrio receives keyless entry, and push-button start to awaken the marvelous V12 from its slumber.

Once you've positioned the power-adjustable seats (with memory and heating functionality) just so, your eyes will land on the beautifully styled dashboard, where the standard dual-zone climate control resides. Sited just above is the screen which boasts a 360-degree camera aided by front and rear parking sensors.

If the aforementioned features still don't prove helpful in a tricky situation, the auto parking system will simply guide the vehicle into tricky spots. But if you just want to cruise with the top down, the electrically-operated cloth top will quietly fold itself away, allowing for some delightful al fresco cruising - here, the cruise control will come in handy.

Should it become draughty, Aston Martin does include a wind deflector to assuage high-speed buffeting while an optional heated steering wheel will keep your fingers toasty.

Infotainment

We arrive at what is undoubtedly the chink in the Volante's armor. Positioned atop the dashboard is the small eight-inch infotainment screen that, disappointingly, is lacking in essential features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. As a consolation, there is an onboard navigation system, USB ports, and Bluetooth connectivity which will allow you to stream music and take calls.

If the layout looks familiar that's because Aston Martin still makes use of the outdated Mercedes-Benz COMAND system. It's intuitive and easy to master but there's no denying the interface is lagging behind rivals and, as such, has no place in a car with such a hefty price tag. The cumbersome touchpad isn't to our liking but the old-school rotary scroller is a delight to use.

The standard nine-speaker Aston Martin premium audio system should be a source of delight for audiophiles but if it isn't up to scratch, the optional Bang and Olufsen Beosound Audio System is worth the extra outlay.

DBS Volante Problems and Reliability

The DBS Volante dispels the notion that British cars suffer from poor build quality. At the time of writing, neither the 2022 nor 2021 models have suffered recalls. While serious, just 21 units were affected, including other models and body styles.

We can't comment on reliability as J.D. Power is yet to evaluate the DBS Volante but, should anything go wrong, Aston Martin provides a limited three-year/unlimited mileage warranty (for the powertrain, too) but with no complimentary scheduled maintenance, owners will have to shell out for servicing.

Warranty

DBS Volante Safety

Both the NHTSA and IIHS don't have the heart to sacrifice Gaydon's beauties to treacherous crash tests which means there are currently no safety reviews for the 2022 Aston Martin DBS Volante. The sleek Brit does have a decent amount of safety kit, including LED headlights, ABS brakes with EBD, stability control, emergency brake assist, and blind-spot monitoring.

If that's not enough to keep you out of the ditch, the DBS Volante provides ample passenger protection courtesy of the dual front, side-impact, knee, curtain, pelvis, and thorax airbags. We can't say we're impressed with the lack of key driver assists, even as options - features such as a pre-collision system and lane-keep assist ship standard on many vehicles costing 10 times less. Blind-spot monitoring and emergency brake assist are standard, too.

Verdict: Is the 2022 Aston Martin DBS Volante A Good car?

When it comes to evaluating vehicles such as the 2022 Aston Martin DBS Volante, it's difficult to remain objective. Buying a car like this is a purely emotional decision; downfalls such as the outdated infotainment system and small trunk will be of little importance to prospective buyers who will be hypnotized by the incredible performance and bewitching looks.

The DBS Volante is content with pottering around town or cruising down the highway but, at the drop of a coin, it's able to thrill occupants with its mesmerizing V12 engine and superb dynamic capabilities. Let's not forget the top speed of the Aston Martin DBS Volante is 211 mph. What's more, it looks absolutely sensational and has a meticulously crafted interior that feels hewn from the solid.

Yes, the bizarre lack of driver assistance features is abominable in this day and age, but we can forgive the Volante its shortcomings as it manages to combine the comfort of a Continental GT Convertible with the excitement of a Ferrari. Good? It's excellent.

What's the Price of the 2022 Aston Martin DBS Volante?

If the performance doesn't shock you, the Aston Martin DBS Volante price certainly will - it has an MSRP of $349,800. That hefty figure excludes the $1,000 gas guzzler tax and $3,086 destination and delivery fee, as well as licensing, registration, tax, and incentives. The astronomical price tag is already alarming, but add a few choice extras and the price will rise close to the $400,000 mark.

What Aston Martin DBS Volante Model Should I Buy?

Like its hardtop equivalent, the 2022 DBS Volante is available with just one engine and transmission. Thankfully, it's a good one - the twin-turbo 5.2-liter V12 engine provides all the excitement you could want and sends its 715 hp and 663 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

All that's left to do is wade through the options list. If it were our money, we'd specify the DBS in the gorgeous 1959 Racing Green with the tasteful 21-inch forged wheels in Gloss Silver, uplifted by gray-painted brake calipers. To complement the delightful paintwork, we'd opt for the monotone Oxford Tan upholstery with the "Inspire" interior environment.

In terms of cabin decorations, we'd pay tribute to Aston's of old with the Dyed Tamo Ash Open Pore inlays and opt for satin silver interior trim, to uplift the ambiance. Sticking with the classic theme, we'd spend our theoretical dollars on the full titanium exhaust system with bright finishers for a classier look and more soulful sound. Lastly, we'd throw in the carbon-fiber engine cover and Bang and Olufsen Beosound Audio System to round everything off nicely.

2022 Aston Martin DBS Volante Comparisons

2022 Aston Martin DBS Volante vs Bentley Continental GT Convertible

If you've got your heart set on an ultra-luxurious British drop-top, perhaps the Continental GT Convertible is worth a look. It's not quite as athletic or sporty as the DBS Volante, but the Bentley strikes back with an even smoother ride, more interior space, and superior refinement.

If the interior of the DBS Volante impresses, the Continental GT will bowl you over. It takes luxury to another level, with gorgeous trinketry littered across the cabin and a far better infotainment system. What's more, it boasts far more standard safety features, too.

No longer available with a W12 unless you spring for the Speed, buyers of the Bentley will have to make do with a V8 powertrain. It's no slow coach - there's 542 hp and 568 lb-ft to play with. In terms of outright performance, the Continental is outclassed by the DBS, needing four seconds to reach 60 mph.

Not that it matters to buyers in this class, but the Bentley does get better gas mileage and has a far more palatable price tag. Of more importance is the standard all-wheel-drive and bigger trunk. If you want your grand tourer infused with sports car performance, look no further than the DBS - but if you plan to do long trips that require a smooth ride, the Bentley is unrivaled.

2022 Aston Martin DBS Volante vs Aston Martin DB11 Volante

If the Bentley comes across as too nouveau riche, Aston Martin has a cheaper alternative to the DBS Volante. It may not be as quick as its bigger brother, but the DB11 Volante can still hustle thanks to its twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine which produces 528 hp.

Despite being slower than both the DBS and Continental GT, the DB11 is able to strike a fine balance between the two. It's also exquisitely styled; not as aggressive as the DBS but not as gaudy as the Bentley, either. It may not be able to keep up with its V12-powered sibling through the bends but will run circles around the Continental while offering nine-tenths of its sumptuous ride quality.

Unless you simply cannot live without 12 cylinders, the DB11 Volante is the most sensible choice here. It's fast enough, beautiful to look at, and represents the perfect compromise between the hard-edged DBS and the softly-sprung Bentley.