Skip advert
Advertisement

New Aston Martin DB9

We get behind the wheel of the lighter and faster new Aston Martin DB9 to deliver our verdict

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Aston Martin DB9
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

This new DB9 looks more modern, has a broader appeal and slots into the line-up neatly beneath the Vanquish. Despite a dated interior, there’s a genuine sense of occasion whether you’re in it or looking at it. As always, the updated engine makes a superb sound, while adjustable suspension and carbon brakes make this is a comfortable, capable Grand Tourer with an added bonus - the Aston range is now easier to understand.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Lighter, faster and sharper to look at, the new Aston Martin DB9 bridges the gap perfectly between the V8 Vantage and Vanquish – replacing the poorly-judged Virage in the line-up. But are the changes enough for it to keep up with much newer rivals?

On the outside, the DB9 is essentially a rebadged Virage, right down to the grille, LED running lights and chunkier side-skirts. In fact, a more pronounced boot lid ‘flip’, which it shares with the Vanquish, is the only major change to the bodywork. Gorgeous 20-inch alloys are now standard, though, and the overall effect is a beautifully proportioned, and slightly softer, alternative to the Vanquish.

Inside, the DB9 has new hand-stitched leather quilting across the doors and seats, with Alcantara used on headlining. Fit and finish is excellent, with the same clean, well-designed console finish as in previous models – although the more user-friendly interface on the Vanquish highlights how fiddly the climate and stereo controls are in comparison.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Q2

2020 Audi

Q2

38,942 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £14,467
View Q2
Mokka

2022 Vauxhall

Mokka

17,068 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £14,074
View Mokka
Astra GSe

2023 Vauxhall

Astra GSe

8,578 milesAutomaticPetrol1.6L

Cash £21,999
View Astra GSe
Range Rover

2025 Land Rover

Range Rover

29,214 milesAutomaticDiesel3.0L

Cash £74,131
View Range Rover

Yet the DB9 is all about "active driving", Aston Martin says, which is apparent from the moment you sit in the driver’s seat. Push the crystal key into the starter slot and the revised 6.0-litre V12 fires into life.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Dr Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin’s CEO, says that his engineers know the difference between ‘noise’ and ‘sound’, and the DB9 is the perfect example. The new V12 has 510bhp - a 40bhp increase - while torque is up by 20Nm to 620Nm. With its standard six-speed paddle-shift gearbox, the new DB9 is now two-tenths of a second quicker from 0-62mph, at 4.6 seconds.

Despite the potent performance, the DB9 is an extremely easy car to drive around town, with a comfortable ride and steering that has feel but isn’t too heavy. The gearshifts are smooth in both auto and manual modes, as is the power delivery. Stretch this engine, though, and the swell of acceleration still leaves a lasting impression.

Like the Vanquish, a new three-stage adaptive damping system adds depth to the DB9’s abilities. By firming up the suspension and adding weight to the steering as you toggle through the Normal, Sport and Track modes, you can create a steadily more ferocious character. If you want to leave the suspension and steering alone, a separate Sport mode changes the gearshift-points, sharpens throttle response and opens up the exhaust baffles permanently.

In keeping with the DB9’s more relaxed demeanour, the default suspension setting is slightly softer than that of the Virage and Vanquish. The result is a supple ride and super refinement on the move. To get the most from the DB9, we reckon the softest suspension with Sport mode engaged strikes the best balance, so you can cruise along comfortably and enjoy the engine note in all its glory.

Even in Normal mode, the DB9 turns in sharply and lets you push hard both into and out of corners, thanks to its supreme composure and lack of body roll. The Sport suspension mode tightens things up that little bit more, while the Track setting isn’t quite as hard as the Vanquish but is probably still too firm for public roads.

Where the DB9 really impresses, though, is under heavy braking. Carbon-ceramic brakes are now fitted as standard (as they were on the Virage) – and offer brutal deceleration along with brilliant feel. They also save 12.5kg, a major contributor to a total weight loss of 15kg.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £8,094 off RRP*Used from £13,199
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,721 off RRP*Used from £8,600
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £3,331 off RRP*Used from £9,600
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,233 off RRP*Used from £12,420
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025