Skip advert
Advertisement

Aston Martin DBS Carbon Edition

Flagship V12 gets even more exclusive with carbon trim and new colours

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Aston Martin DBS
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

With its fantastic V12 engine and beautifully finished cabin, driving a DBS is always special. The Carbon Edition doesn’t get any mechanical upgrades, so it’s no better to drive, but there is extra visual impact thanks to all the carbon trim, plus the optional Flame Orange paint job. The DBS was pricey in the first place, though, and this Carbon Edition adds £5,770 to the total. It’s still a fabulous car, though.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It's been over five years since the Aston Martin DBS announced its arrival with an explosive barrel roll in the James Bond film Casino Royale. Now, to maintain interest in the coupe, a range of special editions has started to appear. We drove the Carbon Black in June 2010, but the Carbon Edition has now taken its place.

At £186,582 for the Coupe or £196,581 for the Volante, it’s the most expensive Aston ever, not counting the ultra-exclusive £1.2million One-77, of course. So can it justify the huge price?

It’s a relatively familiar shape these days, but the DBS is still a stunning piece of car design. Aggressive and elegant at the same time, it oozes class and still turns heads wherever it goes. The Carbon Edition can be ordered in two new colours: the eye-catching Flame Orange shown in our pictures, or a less extroverted Ceramic Grey. Every example gets seven paint coats and a 25-hour hand polish to give it a breathtaking depth of colour and shine.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

MG 5 EV

2021 MG

MG 5 EV

23,340 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £13,045
View MG 5 EV
MG 5 EV

2021 MG

MG 5 EV

26,264 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £11,267
View MG 5 EV
Sorento

2022 Kia

Sorento

51,703 milesAutomaticPetrol1.6L

Cash £27,851
View Sorento
Astra

2019 Vauxhall

Astra

59,524 milesManualPetrol1.4L

Cash £7,648
View Astra

A carbon fibre finish is added to the wing mirrors, front spoiler, diffuser and rear light clusters, while there are carbon brake discs and orange calipers behind the 20-inch, 10-spoke alloys. The carbon fibre theme continues inside, with the centre console covered in carbon weave and carbon scuff plates on the door sills. The quilted leather roof lining is opulent in the extreme, but it helps to make the interior feel special.

Functionality has also been improved– with the infuriating old pop-up Volvo sat-nav gone in favour of much clearer Garmin software.

Astons are built to be driven, not looked at, and the Carbon Edition uses the same 510bhp 6.0-litre V12 as the standard car, with a six-speed semi-auto box.

With 510bhp and a 4.3-second 0-62mph time, the DBS is nowhere near as fast as the £71,950 Nissan GT-R – which does 0-62mph in 2.8 seconds – or as powerful as Ferrari’s £212,066 612bhp 599 GTB.

But on icy roads around Aston Martin’s Gaydon HQ, it still demanded respect. Once the engine gets into its stride above 4,000rpm, there’s an intense rush of acceleration. Well weighted steering, strong brakes and a great noise all add up to a memorable driving experience, but the car still feels more suited to long-distance cruising than attacking corners at full pelt.

The DBS offers an intoxicating mix of power and luxury, and the Carbon Edition adds exclusivity. The problem is price – at this level, there are more capable alternatives to the ageing Aston.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £2,911 off RRP*Used from £31,499
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,879 off RRP*Used from £15,611
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £18,725Avg. savings £4,199 off RRP*Used from £15,337
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,233 off RRP*Used from £15,297
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Chinese cars can’t match their European rivals when it comes to engineering
Opinion - Shanghai Auto Show

Chinese cars can’t match their European rivals when it comes to engineering

This new brand of cars might have battery tech on their side, but European buyers want much more than that
Opinion
25 Apr 2025
New electric car MoT tests could be coming to the UK
Tesla Model X on two-post inspection ramp

New electric car MoT tests could be coming to the UK

New technology and driver assistance systems require changes to annual testing, says EC
News
25 Apr 2025
Buying a modern used car for under £10k is almost impossible
Opinion - £10k used cars

Buying a modern used car for under £10k is almost impossible

Phil McNamara discovers that it’s harder than ever to find a good-value car at the affordable end of the market
Opinion
24 Apr 2025