Number One – Smiles All Around
I can’t speak on behalf of other supercar owners, but the Aston Martin DB11 will put a smile on your face and the faces of every single person you drive past. Even just holding the beautifully crafted key in your hand feels good and, from the moment I walked towards the car, opened the door and started that V12 engine, I had a smile on my face as wide as the Cheshire Cat. The DB11 may be a little loud and a little ostentatious, but it will also put a smile on the faces of those around you. Even the eighty-year-old Cotswold pensioner gave me an approving nod of the head as I cruised past in Sport mode. Very British.
Number Two – You Stop Using the Radio
Aston Martin, rightfully, talk about the incredible Bang and Olufsen stereo system that turns the perfectly crafted interior of the DB11 into the Royal Albert Hall. However, despite spending a few minutes confirming the pinpoint sound quality of the high treble and thumping bass, the radio remained firmly off during my time in the Aston Martin. You see, the engine is the soundtrack to the drive in a DB11; all twelve valves in unison can be heard both inside and out, making you feel like a little kid again as you test that 0-60 time. Again.
Number Three – Everything is Faster
This may be stating the obvious, but everything feels faster in an Aston Martin DB11. Aside from the obvious sub-four second 0-60 time, all of the gear shifts, controls and steering feel more responsive. Quite handy when the world whizzes by you, but you really do become accustomed to driving with no delays anywhere. All that’s lacking is the ability to control the traffic around you. Here’s hoping the DB12 fixes that…
Number Four – A Car Becomes Home
With the level of luxury inside an Aston Martin DB11, the interior of this car does really feel more like a home. Generously proportioned seats are wrapped in a dazzling array of well-scented leathers, and extra headroom gives the impression of space rather than claustrophobia. The car is positioned as a grand tourer (complete with GT Mode) and rightly so; you could easily sell your house and clock up six figure mileage along endless country roads. The seats were comfortable and the ride position didn’t put too much stress on your body unless I unleashed my inner boy racer.
Number Five – You Become a Gentleman Driver
Now I would like to note that, on the whole, I am a very polite and considerate driver. I’ll always try to let people out at junctions and be as calm as I can in the face of adversity. However, when you are behind the wheel of an Aston Martin DB11 you do feel like you are being watched and judged that little bit more. In the face of adversity (read: idiot drivers), you still feel compelled to act more Bond than Bravado; a simple, polite smile or a nod was usually the extent of any animation as I concentrated on the things that really mattered. The car. The driving.
