Aston Martin DBS Superleggera – Specs, Price, 0-60 Review

The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera represents the British marque’s pinnacle of grand touring performance, a handbuilt two-door coupe that blended supercar acceleration with genuine long-distance comfort. Produced from 2018 to 2023, this flagship model carried forward a legendary nameplate while establishing new benchmarks for Aston’s V-12 powered vehicles.

Positioned above the DB11 and Vantage in the automaker’s hierarchy, the DBS Superleggera served as the ultimate expression of Aston Martin’s philosophy: combining blistering performance with refined craftsmanship. The name itself pays homage to the original DBS from 1967-1972, while “Superleggera” references the lightweight construction techniques pioneered by coachbuilder Touring.

This guide examines the specifications, pricing history, production timeline, and market position of what many consider the last of Aston Martin’s naturally aspirated-inspired V-12 grand tourers before the industry shifted toward electrification.

What Is the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera?

The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera is a high-performance grand tourer built on the DB11 platform, featuring extensive carbon fiber bodywork and a handcrafted twin-turbocharged V-12 engine. Introduced in 2018 as a replacement and evolution of the Vanquish, the Superleggera marked a return to the iconic DBS naming convention that dates back to the late 1960s.

Key strengths of the model include explosive acceleration courtesy of its 715-725 horsepower V-12, the distinctive soundtrack of its free-breathing powerplant, and a level of interior luxury befitting its six-figure price tag. The carbon fiber body panels contributed approximately 70 kilograms of weight savings compared to the standard DB11, despite the model’s substantial curb weight approaching 1,900 kilograms.

Quick Facts

Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Specs and Performance

At the heart of the DBS Superleggera lies Aston Martin’s advanced 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V-12 engine, featuring an aluminum block and cylinder heads with both port and direct fuel injection. This powerplant delivers between 715 horsepower at 6,500 rpm in US specification and up to 725 horsepower in European tune, with torque outputs ranging from 663 lb-ft to an impressive 900 Nm available from just 1,800 rpm.

Acceleration and Speed

The DBS Superleggera’s performance figures place it firmly among the fastest production vehicles of its era. The coupe variant achieves 0-60 mph in just 3.2 seconds, with the 0-100 km/h time completing in 3.4 seconds. Standing quarter-mile times approach 11 seconds, and the model’s electronically limited top speed reaches 211 mph.

Handling and Dynamics

Despite weighing approximately 4,100 pounds, the DBS Superleggera’s handling benefits from a wider track, staggered Pirelli P Zero tires, an aggressive performance differential, and carefully tuned electronic stability programming. The adaptive damping system adjusts to road conditions and driver inputs, maintaining composure during spirited driving while remaining compliant during relaxed cruising.

Fuel Economy

Official EPA ratings for the DBS Superleggera stand at 14 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined. The manufacturer claims approximately 13.5 liters per 100 kilometers in European testing, figures that underscore the reality of operating a 700-horsepower vehicle: efficiency takes a clear second seat to performance.

How Much Does the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Cost?

New DBS Superleggera coupés carried starting prices of approximately $314,186 to $319,125 in the United States market, with the Volante convertible variant commanding a premium at around $337,525. European pricing began at £225,000 in the United Kingdom, while Dutch customers faced ready-to-drive prices of approximately €374,886 including applicable taxes and preparation.

Used Market Values

The pre-owned market offers considerably more accessible entry points for prospective owners. Examples from 2019-2021 with 34,000-50,000 kilometers on the odometer currently list between €229,950 and €269,950 across European marketplaces. Low-mileage specimens featuring carbon fiber interior options command premiums in the €237,000-€250,000 range, demonstrating that Aston Martin’s handbuilt exclusivity retains significant value.

Monthly ownership costs, including depreciation, fuel, insurance, and road tax, have been estimated at approximately €636 or higher, reflecting the financial reality of maintaining a low-volume exotic vehicle with a complex V-12 powertrain.

Is the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Discontinued? Reviews and Comparisons

The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera concluded production in 2023 as part of a broader lineup refresh at the Gaydon-based manufacturer. While the DBX SUV continues and the Vantage carries forward in updated form, the specific DBS slot in Aston’s portfolio remains open with no officially confirmed successor named in available sources.

Critical Reception

Automotive journalists consistently praised the DBS Superleggera for its explosive acceleration, the raucous character of its V-12 exhaust, and superior mid-range torque delivery compared to competitors like the Ferrari 812 Superfast. The engine’s willingness to rev combined with the turbochargers’ instant response received particular commendation.

Interior quality drew more mixed reactions from reviewers. While the cabin offers genuine luxury through leather upholstery and available carbon fiber trim, some critics noted that fit and finish occasionally fell short of expectations established by the vehicle’s substantial price. The 2+2 seating arrangement provides genuine accommodation for rear passengers in emergencies, while the nine cubic foot trunk offers reasonable luggage capacity for grand touring journeys.

Comparison with the Vanquish

The DBS Superleggera succeeded the Vanquish (produced 2001-2018) as Aston Martin’s flagship V-12 grand tourer. Key advancements include substantially more power (715+ horsepower versus approximately 600 horsepower), the introduction of twin-turbocharging, modern aerodynamic design, and extensive carbon fiber construction. Rather than a direct styling replacement, the Superleggera represents an evolution that retained the grand touring ethos while embracing contemporary performance expectations.

Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Production Timeline

The DBS Superleggera’s history spans five years of production, representing one of Aston Martin’s most focused model lines during a period of significant brand transformation.

1. 2018: The DBS Superleggera nameplate debuts at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, signaling the revival of a legendary Aston Martin designation and the arrival of a new halo model.
2. 2019: Full production commences in January, with customer deliveries beginning across major markets including North America and Europe.
3. 2020: The Volante convertible variant joins the lineup, offering open-air grand touring without compromising the Superleggera’s performance credentials.
4. 2023: Production concludes as Aston Martin implements a comprehensive lineup refresh, consolidating resources toward updated existing models and new development priorities.

What We Know and What Remains Uncertain

Market Position and Rival Comparison

During its production run, the DBS Superleggera occupied a distinctive position among ultra-high-performance grand tourers. Its primary competitors included the Ferrari 812 Superfast, Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, and Bentley Continental GT Speed, each offering different approaches to the concept of combining everyday usability with extraordinary performance.

Aston Martin’s approach emphasized the theatrical character of its V-12 engine, the sophisticated elegance of its exterior design, and the handmade craftsmanship underlying every surface and mechanism. The brand’s cultural cachet, including its longstanding association with James Bond films, added dimensions beyond raw performance metrics.

What Experts Say

The DBS Superleggera represents everything we want from a modern Aston Martin grand tourer: devastating performance delivered with theatrical flair, genuine long-distance comfort, and styling that communicates intent without shouting.

— Car and Driver review, 2021

The twin-turbo V-12 transforms what could have been merely a fast DB11 into something genuinely special. The mid-range punch is simply extraordinary, and the exhaust soundtrack ensures every full-throttle moment feels like an occasion.

— Top Gear assessment

Final Thoughts

The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera stands as a defining achievement in the lineage of British high-performance vehicles. Its combination of handcrafted luxury, twin-turbo V-12 drama, and genuine grand touring capability created an experience that satisfied both enthusiast drivers and those seeking the ultimate in refined excess. With production concluded and the model becoming increasingly collectible, its place among the great Aston Martins appears increasingly assured.

For those considering ownership, thorough pre-purchase inspections by qualified specialists remain essential given the complexity of the platform and the costs associated with maintaining a handbuilt exotic. The model’s association with James Bond heritage continues to reinforce Aston Martin’s appeal among enthusiasts seeking both driving excitement and cultural significance.

Frequently Asked Questions