Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Review: The Ultimate Ego-Stroker
It's well-known that Aston Martin is capable of building a truly focused track car - the extreme Vulcan was proof of that a few years ago. But really, the British brand's sweet spot still seems to be in producing beautiful, brutally powerful grand tourers. The DBS Superleggera is one such machine, being based on the DB11 V12 but pushing the performance envelope by using a 5.2-liter twin-turbo V8 producing an astonishing 715 horsepower, and enabling a 0-62 mph run of only 3.4 seconds. Although the Superleggera name - translated to 'superlight' - promises an especially lithe coupe, the DBS is still quite heavy, so it lacks the ultimate agility and handling precision one may expect. It's still a blast to drive, though, with a sonorous V12 scream. And because of Aston Martin's obsession with proportioning, the DBS Superleggera is yet another breathtakingly styled machine. The Mercedes S-Class Coupe may pamper its occupants even more, but it doesn't provide the emotional qualities of the DBS.
2021 DBS Exterior
Dimensions
Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
185.5 in | 110.4 in | 50.4 in | 77.5 in | 65.6 in | 64.8 in | 4,068.0 lbs |
2021 DBS Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
The Superleggera moniker may lead you to believe that the DBS is a stripped-down racer, but it still weighs around 4,000 lbs so, although it is lighter than the DB11, the difference isn't massive. The advantage to this is that on the highway in GT mode, the DBS Superleggera is comfortable and refined, able to cover vast distances at high speeds while keeping the driver feeling fresh. It's not as isolated from bumps and noises as the Bentley Continental GT or Mercedes S-Class Coupe, but the adaptive damping suspension does more than enough to justify the coupe's position as a GT.
In Sport Plus mode, the DBS takes on a harder edge. For the most part, the steering feels well-weighted and precise in guiding the DBS through a few acute turns, although the coupe never fully shrinks around the driver. Around town, the heavy-ish steering, lengthy hood, and mediocre visibility can make positioning the DBS a bit of a chore, but with more space to exploit its power, the Aston thrills. Powering out of corners can cause some squirm from the rear-end, which can sometimes be alarming, yet also makes for a car that keeps the driver on his toes. The engine dominates the experience, and with so much power underfoot, you can alter the car's dynamic behavior depending on how aggressively you're willing to mash the throttle. Finding the balance between power and control is a game that the DBS Superleggera requires you to play, and although the outcome isn't always exactly what you wished for, it's never anything less than an utterly immersive experience.
2021 DBS Interior
2021 DBS Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion |
---|---|---|
3 Years / Unlimited Miles | 3 Years / Unlimited Miles | 10 Years / Unlimited Miles |
Verdict: Is the 2021 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera A Good car?
Even our favorite superheroes have flaws, but we've seen how those imperfections can add depth of character. Perfection, it seems, can get wearisome after a while. And where German luxury cars are often described as clinical and businesslike because they're just so hard to fault, they can sometimes leave their drivers cold for the same reason. The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera isn't a flawless car, but that's part of what makes it so intoxicating. With 715 hp from its screaming V12, the DBS can overwhelm its rear tires when not kept in check, and its sheer weight and size requires one's full attention at the limit. But it never stops rewarding with its blinding acceleration, acoustic thrills, and stunning design. This is Aston's flagship coupe, and it reminds you of that each time you get behind the wheel and wind up that V12. Yes, the Bentley Continental GT is more of a polished performer more of the time, but it lacks the visceral edge of the DBS. Aston Martin has created another GT that's more than worthy of that famous winged emblem.
2021 Aston Martin DBS Comparisons
2021 Aston Martin DBS vs McLaren 720S
Whereas the 720S is more of an all-out supercar with phenomenal handling characteristics, the DBS Superleggera also needs to play the role of a refined GT. But at nearly the same base price and with those illustrious badges, it's hard not to compare these two. The McLaren generates 710 horsepower and weighs in at a comparatively light 3,139 lbs, so the Aston can't match it off the mark, with the 720S reaching 60 mph in a miraculous 2.8 seconds. The vicious acceleration of the 720S is matched by astounding cornering abilities, with super quick steering offering loads of feedback, massive grip, and exemplary body control. The Aston feels, and is, the much heavier car here. But the DBS claws back some points with a more luxurious cabin and extra packing space because the 720S has no back seats. So, razor-sharp supercar or massively powerful grand tourer? Each will satisfy a different kind of buyer.
2021 Aston Martin DBS vs Bentley Continental GT
The Bentley Continental GT is a palace on wheels, with all of the glitz you'd expect of the British automaker, both inside and out. Interestingly, both cars produce nearly identical torque figures (in the case of the Continental W12), but the full-fat Bentley is down on power at 626 hp. Even so, the Continental GT W12 isn't much slower to 60 mph. Despite being much heavier, the Bentley is surprisingly accomplished through the corners, with its all-wheel-drive system helping it carry immense speeds when the road gets twisty. The DBS is the more playful car, though, but the Bentley comes into its own on the highway, munching up the miles in near silence and with an unmatched ride. The Bentley's cabin is also something to behold, with even finer materials than the Aston and the availability of more features. If you prefer your GT with a naughtier streak, get the Aston. If you want something that prioritizes comfort and luxury, the Bentley takes it.