
Aston Martin DBS Superleggera: Price, Specs, and Daily Use
The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera delivers 715 hp from a twin-turbo V12, yet it also fits two carry-on suitcases in its boot. This review unpacks the real cost, daily usability, and the Bond legend behind the badge — and helps you decide if this super GT makes sense for your life.
Top speed: 211 mph (340 km/h) ·
0-60 mph: 3.4 seconds ·
Engine: 5.2L twin-turbo V12 ·
Horsepower: 715 hp (533 kW) ·
Starting price (new): ~$333,686 ·
Production years: 2018–2024
Quick snapshot
- Hand-stitched leather and Alcantara cabin
- 270L boot space – one of the largest in the segment
- Adaptive dampers for comfortable daily driving
- Appears in Casino Royale (2006) as Daniel Craig’s Bond car
- Part of Aston’s iconic DBS line – often compared to DB5 and Vanquish
- Continues a heritage of cinematic grand tourers
Ten key specs, one pattern: the DBS Superleggera is built for both brawn and balance.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine | 5.2L twin-turbo V12 |
| Horsepower | 715 hp @ 6,500 rpm |
| Torque | 663 lb-ft @ 1,800–5,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic (ZF) |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Curb weight | 3,746 lb (1,699 kg) |
| 0-60 mph | 3.4 seconds |
| Top speed | 211 mph (340 km/h) |
| Fuel economy (combined) | 15 mpg (US) |
| Production years | 2018–2024 |
How much does a DBS Superleggera cost?
Aston Martin DBS Superleggera price new and used
- New base MSRP (2024) from TrueCar: approximately $333,686.
- Used examples (2019–2023) range from $180,000 to $250,000 depending on mileage and condition, per independent dealer listings.
- The limited-edition DBS 770 Ultimate (2024, 499 units) commands a premium; MotorTrend reports a 760 hp variant with a six-figure bump.
Is the DBS Superleggera worth its price?
- You get a hand-assembled V12, a bespoke interior, and a top speed above 200 mph – but competition from the Ferrari 812 Superfast and Bentley Continental GT is fierce.
- Depreciation is slower than many rivals, which helps resale value.
- The catch: maintenance costs are high (think Aston Martin parts and specialist labor).
The implication: the DBS makes financial sense only if you value the blend of exclusivity, daily usability, and Bond heritage. For pure track performance, you might get more from a mid-engine rival.
Is DBS Superleggera a supercar?
What defines a supercar?
- Supercar hallmarks: mid- or front-engine layout, 500+ hp, 0-60 under 4 seconds, top speed over 190 mph.
- The DBS Superleggera ticks all boxes: 715 hp, 0-60 in 3.4 sec, top speed 211 mph (CarExpert).
How does the DBS Superleggera compare to other supercars?
- It’s often classified as a “Super GT” – a grand tourer with supercar performance – because of its comfortable ride and 270L boot.
- The front-engine layout and 51/49 weight distribution (CarsGuide) give it a unique character: more accessible at low speeds than mid-engine cars.
You get supercar acceleration with grand touring comfort. But the 0.38 drag coefficient (CarsGuide) and 3,746 lb curb weight mean it’s not as track-focused as a Ferrari SF90.
What this means: if you want a daily-friendly supercar that still scares your passengers, the DBS delivers. If pure lap times matter, look elsewhere.
Is the DBS a good daily driver?
Comfort and practicality of the DBS Superleggera
- Electric seats, a premium sound system, and adaptive dampers make highway cruising serene.
- The 270L boot is large enough for two carry-on suitcases and a weekend bag.
- Visibility is decent for a low-slung GT; the front nose is surprisingly easy to judge.
Fuel economy and running costs
- EPA combined rating: 15 mpg (US). In real-world driving, expect 12–14 mpg.
- Service intervals are every 10,000 miles; an annual service can run $2,000–$3,000 at an independent specialist.
- Tires (specials: Pirelli P Zero) cost about $1,500 per set.
The catch: the fuel bill stings, but the comfort and space are class-leading. For a daily driver with supercar soul, the DBS is hard to beat.
Which Aston Martin is James Bond’s car?
Daniel Craig’s Aston Martins in the films
- Craig drove a DBS V12 in Casino Royale (2006) – the model that revived the DBS nameplate.
- He also drove the DB10 (Spectre, 2015) and the DB5 (many films).
- The DBS Superleggera continues that lineage, but so far no film appearance – yet.
Pierce Brosnan’s Aston Martin Vanquish
- Brosnan drove the Vanquish in Die Another Day (2002), complete with machine guns and rocket boosters.
- The Vanquish shared the V12 engine with the DBS but was a more GT-focused car.
The pattern: every Bond era features a different Aston, but the DBS (both old and new) holds a special place as the villain-fighting hero car.
What is the top speed of the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera?
Engine and performance specifications
- 5.2L twin-turbo V12: 715 hp at 6,500 rpm, 663 lb-ft from 1,800 rpm (CarExpert).
- Top speed is electronically limited to 211 mph (340 km/h).
- Downforce at VMax: 180 kg (CarsGuide) – helps stability at high speed.
0-60 mph and quarter-mile times
- 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds (manufacturer claim, confirmed by multiple road tests).
- Quarter-mile in about 11.0 seconds at 130 mph.
- The 8-speed ZF automatic shifts in under 100 milliseconds.
The DBS Superleggera isn’t just fast – it’s faster than the outgoing DB11 by a wide margin. The 72 kg weight saving (CarsGuide) and extra 268 hp over the base DB11 V12 make it a genuine supercar contender.
The implication: if top-speed bragging rights matter, the DBS holds its own against nearly everything at its price point.
Two V12 Astons, one clear gap: the DBS Superleggera is the performance-focused sibling, while the DB11 leans into luxury. Here’s how they stack up.
| Feature | DBS Superleggera | DB11 (V12 variant) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 5.2L twin-turbo V12 | 5.2L twin-turbo V12 |
| Horsepower | 715 hp | 630 hp (DB11 AMR) / 600 hp (base) |
| Torque | 663 lb-ft | 516–553 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 3.4 sec | 3.9–4.0 sec |
| Top speed | 211 mph | 200 mph |
| Curb weight | 3,746 lb | ~3,860 lb |
| Base MSRP (new) | ~$333,686 (TrueCar) | ~$220,086 (TrueCar) |
| Production years | 2018–2024 | 2017–2023 (CarGurus) |
Three extra numbers that separate the DBS from the DB11: downforce, drag, and weight distribution.
| Spec | DBS Superleggera |
|---|---|
| Downforce at VMax | 180 kg (CarsGuide) |
| Drag coefficient | 0.38 (CarsGuide) |
| Weight distribution | 51/49 front/rear (CarsGuide) |
| Dry weight | 1,693 kg (CarsGuide) |
Upsides
- Stunning V12 soundtrack and effortless power
- Surprisingly practical trunk and comfortable ride for a super GT
- Strong Bond heritage and timeless design
- Limited production ensures exclusivity
Downsides
- High purchase price and running costs
- Not as sharp on track as mid-engine rivals
- Infotainment system is dated compared to Mercedes-based systems
- Fuel economy will make you wince at the pump
What’s clear and what’s not
Confirmed facts
- Front-engined grand tourer with twin-turbo V12 (CarGurus)
- 715 hp, 663 lb-ft, 211 mph top speed
- Used in Casino Royale (2006) as a Bond car
- Production ended in 2024 after the 770 Ultimate limited run (MotorTrend)
What’s unclear
- Exact total production numbers – Aston Martin has not publicly released per-year DBS Superleggera volumes
- Long-term reliability data beyond enthusiast forums – no independent long-term study exists
- Future collector status – too early to tell which variants will appreciate
What the experts say
“The DBS Superleggera is the ultimate Super GT – a car that can be enjoyed every day, yet still deliver spine-tingling performance when you want it.”
– Andy Palmer, Aston Martin CEO at the 2018 unveiling
“It’s a car that makes you feel like a million dollars, with a ride that doesn’t punish you on real roads. That’s the trick: it’s a supercar that you can actually live with.”
– Top Gear review
The DBS Superleggera leaves the stage with a clear legacy: it proved a front-engine V12 can still thrill in an era of downsizing and electrification. For the buyer looking for a daily-drivable super GT with Bond mystique, the DBS is a compelling – and likely appreciating – choice. For the pure performance enthusiast, the 812 Superfast or a used Aventador might scratch a different itch. In the end, the DBS isn’t trying to be the fastest car; it’s trying to be the one you still want to drive to work on a Tuesday.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the fuel economy of the DBS Superleggera?
The EPA combined rating is 15 mpg (US). Real-world driving typically returns 12–14 mpg.
How many DBS Superleggeras were made?
Aston Martin has not released total production numbers. The DBS 770 Ultimate was limited to 499 units, but the base Superleggera was built in larger (though undisclosed) quantities from 2018 to 2024.
Is the DBS Superleggera reliable?
Owner forums report generally good reliability for a hand-built car, with common issues limited to electronics. There is no long-term independent study yet.
What color options are available?
Standard palette includes Xenon Grey, Ultramarine Black, and a range of custom colors through Q by Aston Martin.
How does the DBS Superleggera compare to the Ferrari 812 Superfast?
The 812 Superfast has a naturally aspirated V12 (789 hp) and a higher top speed (211+ mph). The DBS offers a more comfortable ride and a larger boot, while the Ferrari is sharper on track and has a keener steering feel.
Does the DBS Superleggera have back seats?
No, it is a strict two-seater. The rear parcel shelf provides additional storage, but no seating.
What is the warranty on a new DBS Superleggera?
A new Aston Martin came with a 3-year/unlimited-mileage factory warranty. For used models, check if the balance has transferred.