Aston Martin DB11 Volante Review: A £100,000 Porsche Beating Luxury Bargain
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The infotainment screen looks like a glued on after thought….I hate it soooo much! What they have done in the DB12 fills my heart with joy!
The interiors until the db12 were below par, hence I would not get the db11.
That seems to be the design now. My info screen isn't the biggest in the world as it's from 2017 but it's actually integrated into the dash and not just throw on like an afterthought.
DB12 has a V8
@@TopStrikerMaverick yes but in a 680BHP tune state!
Imho DB12 interior looks a bit dull and boring
Picked one of these up in the same colour about five months ago. Brow beat the dealer into fitting CarPlay and changed out the squealing brake pads for a set of Porterfield R4S. It’s truly a magnificent car. And I totally agree… the steering is the highlight. It just feels absolutely fantastic to drive. When I can pick up a DB12 Volante for under 100k, I’ll consider it. Until then, I’ll cherish every minute behind the wheel of the DB11.
I live in the US and if I could, I would subscribe 1000 times over… I love your reviews. I don’t miss one single video and I am watching the older videos. Keep up the great work!!!!
Hi, I have a DB11 Volante had it for 15 months and used it most weeks it’s almost my daily. I really enjoyed your review and as I had hose the Aston in an attempt to buy British I also use my Defender 110 D300 which I have had from new January 2121 it has been used most days has 23000 miles and I am offering it you you to review. Thank you for all of your KZhead car reviews I enjoy them all 👍
What do you do for a living?
Glad to see they brought the Defender back in the future. What's the price of fuel in your time?
DB11 is still one of my personal favorites for design.
You've made my day! I have been lucky enough to own a DB11 Volante, my 5th Aston after a DB9, Rapide, Rapide S & Vanquish, and it was, and still is the best Aston I have owned, I literally shed a tear when I had to get rid.. I'm currently looking for another one, and also toying with the idea of a DBS Volante, I hope someone can offer you one to test soon, to help me make the decision! Great video as usual, and thank you for not ripping the 11 Volante a new arse! Drive safe..!
A man of your money and possibly a grammar school education should be able to type 'and' instead of just putting '&'. ....I guess you are flat out ? ....
This channel has quickly become one of my top 5 automotive shows. Love it.
Good honest review James - as ever 👍 I will have to quibble with you on the engine, though, which to my ears is a very rough thing compared to the AM V12’s and their own V8’s in the Vantage, for that matter. The DB11 you really need to try if there’s a generous viewer out there is the AMR - they got the handling set up just right, combined with that fabulous V12 and , yes, the ZF 8 speed really works like a dual clutch in manual
I might be one of the few people who thinks the DB11 looks better then DB12. I wish they hadn't given the DB12 so much lip filler. Taking away the V12 and the clamshell bonnet also took away some appeal. If the DB11 had the DB12's interior at launch, AM might have been able to sell a whole lot more of them.
I think you're right
Agreed, I like the DB11’s much simpler front grille design rather than the massive catfish looking one on the DB12
You’re not alone, I agree. The DB12 is to aggressive and loses the elegance that should be a hallmark of any Aston in my opinion.
100% agree. I saw the db11 when I was younger and fell in love. I love the new astons but I keep looking back at the db11 and it still beats them all in looks always. I still love the db12 interior tho
Great video - as were the ones with the DB11 v8 coupe & DBS - I have a 2017 v12, and have thoroughly enjoyed the last 24k miles I’ve covered in the 18 months I’ve had it. Adding Apple CarPlay made a big difference, but moving to Michelins has transformed it.
Fitting Michelin PPS4 or PPS5 is the best handling/safety/ride-quality upgrade that can be made to a RWD car. Wireless CarPlay is the equivalent for the interior.
Great review, agree re finance and costs, DB12 looks incredible but going to be a while before in the reach of most normal people though will definitely be interested in swapping my DB9 volante for a 12 when it becomes more affordable.
Nice video James....thoughtful as always. Did you choose your shirt colour before or after you saw the car? 😁
Love the colour, (and the video) so good to see an Aston not in the usual grey/silver
Thanks JamEmm. I purchased a lovely DB11 coupe v12 for a shade over £80k. A lot of money but it is such a joy to drive. Yes the infotainment is rubbish but you can use your phone on a mount now. It is quite a step up from a BMW - I now have to think about tight underground car parks and potential hazards to such a nice machine, but driving it certainly brings a smile. You also don't see too many on the road compared to my old car or competitors such as Porsches. One thing you might cover is the Aston Martin Owners Club (AMOC) since you have done a few AM videos now - that certainly adds another social/networking dimension to ownership
Great review, James, and some beautiful sounds. Interesting you say you would have this over a 911 Turbo for driving pleasure. That would be the key comment that would make me shortlist and test drive one.
Coupe for me One of the best looking cars out there
Interesting video as usual. I agree DB11s are excellent value and there is something special about Astons. You should definitely try the 11 v12 as selfishly I’d like to know what you think of it!
Great videos! I wish you would give them a rating at the end of video to compare to other models
I know a friend who has a DBS volante in the same colour as this DB11….he also has a C63s AMG Estate, a Bentley Flying Spur … the original Bentley press car, as seen on Harry’s Garage, it’s fully loaded…. And a Ferrari 355 Testarossa…that’s just been fully restored….I’m sure he would be up for letting you drive one or more of them…👍🇮🇲👌
Great review and a good looking car.
Great review. Even your shirt matches the car!
I will go for the 911 it is way lighter and agile and all around a nice vehicle
I want of these, agree, any day over a Porsche convertible. love the colour.
For me the DB11 falls down the crack slightly between the beautiful and very successful DB9 and the gorgeous and almost certainly successful DB12. However, the one element that would prevent me buying on is the front hinged bonnet. As a keen home mechanic I love to work on my cars and a front hinged bonnet is a major pain, restricting access to the engine compartment. Removal is usually a two man job and then you have to store it.
You're not going to be doing much home mechanic work on one of these things anyway. And if you do, you'll be taking so much stuff off that storage will be relevant regardless of the bonnet
Every fiber of my being saw the color of that car and heard James May bickering "it's brown"
Like the matching shirt !!
Hi thats a very interesting car from a viewpoint of sb not having deep enough pockets. Actually as you said people criticizing the 8spd and you disagreeing i got curious and looked up google ..and bingo the zf8...so it made me chuckle even more as the zf8 is now swapped into everything on the youngtimer market and absolutely worshipped. What i find extremely interesting is that it has a mercedes engine but a zf box...thy for your insight!
I saw this car for sale shortly after I bought mine in Devine red. It's the best drive I've ever had, everyone looks, never feel the need to go fast, 6ft4" very comfortable and in London everyone lets you out of junctions because they want to see it closer. Always get looks in the right way and smile on my face every time I take it out. I paid too much at £150 k, from a dealer, do I care, not at all
Gorgeous looking things, if somewhat common on the roads - certainly wouldn’t say no!
Not sure I could give up the noise of my 14 V8 for the turbo units. They just don’t sing. The earlier ones (pre 2019/2020) sound good and the early turbo Vantages sounded like artillery fire. But yea don’t have that revability!
TY J 🙏🙏
Brilliant review… I think the V12 DB11s will be the first to see a bump in price as the DB”12” is a V8 🥲
Not sure, there’s a lot of 11s on the market but who knows?!
I’m literally 3 years ownership of a c8 z51 fe4 1lt to the day and I love this car as my daily driver with now about 28k miles. Fast fun good looking to most except on the internet for a few …it’s a great sports car. I like the lotus too…and many other sports cars I admire.I daily mine in all four seasons and it’s great, sadly as summer comes to an end shortly the targa roof will stay on and I’ll miss the visceral sound of the engine. Closed cabin this generation corvette is almost Lexus quiet inside which is not exactly what I’m after but hey doing too good a job of engine sound isolation is by engineers considered an achievement attribute and not a detriment. The c8 z51 fe4 mrc is a great sports car, great grand tourer right from the factory. I think the z06 is needed for a little more aural sound acoustics in side the cabin in sport mode compared to the closed cabin lt2 powered versions. Of course the after market borla attak seems to resolve the issue and seems to offer a nice touring mode and nice sport mode. Anyways sorry for going off on a rant. Great review. Many of my vette friends enjoyed the review as did I . Having the lotus was fun too. An amazing strictly focused sports car is always fun!
I agree, Volante is better looking than the coupe. Matching shirt too!
Funny you mention the brakes, I just saw one yesterday and it was wailing like a banshee
Hi and it sounds amazing and love it
What were your thoughts on the wind noise? I know you found Lexus LC to be quite loud when top down. Would like to hear your thoughts on how this one compares.
I’ve got the coupe v8 - which I think is beautiful. It’s fantastic. Balances fun and comfort perfectly. Two things transform it - getting CarPlay installed fixes most of the infotainment issues - switching PS4s transforms the traction. The other thing about driving an Aston in the UK is the positive reaction you get from everyone - I think people realise you could have picked a Porsche but chose not to! My only regret with it is that I didn’t pick the volante! But that might be happening! (The DB12 is fantastic but the cost of change is more than I paid for my DB11 in total which is crazy!)
DB12 is the most beautiful car in the world right now.
Please, test a Fiat Multipla - that would be hilarious to watch!
I think JeyEmm only tests cars though? A washing machine would be a little outside his realm
It would be interesting rather than hilarious. If you've ever experienced one they drive really well and belie their odd looking exterior styling
There are more financially sound options than an Aston or Ferrari or what have you, but there is no point convincing buyers of these cars to consider something else: they obviously have their eyes set on these cars and are ready to put up with it, and simply put, nobody, especially people on the internet, have any say in what one's money should be spent on. To prospect owners of "cool" cars: - Ignore "Ooo you should've gotten something else, you car's gonna break every other week" comments, they are likely made by those who never owned such cars before. - Prepare to pay accordingly in services and repairs, and as with any other cars, do your due dilligence. - If you want it and can buy it, just buy it and enjoy. You are the one driving, not random people over the internet. I'm a happy owner of a 2011 Virage for 3 years, 1900EUR in maintainence over these years and enjoyed 13,000 regret-free miles. I am forever glad that I made this "non-sensical" decision.
Amen, had my DB9 for just over a year and it’s been faultless (touch wood) life is too short for penny pinching decisions 😂
I have a V12 AMR (2020) and live near you?
@@DonHenshall me or @ahh4542?
Neither aimed at JayEmm 👍
Or still find a DB11/vantage or dbss with the 5yo free servicing and only have to be concerned with consumables and extended warranty should you wish....
Hi Jay, the wallet touching the seat adjuster wouldn't be a problem for me 😂.
10:01 It's brown! (I've just watched that episode of the Grand Tour where Jeremy drives a brown DB11 across Italy)
@JayEmm - love the content as always. You mentioned you'd have this over the Targa and the DB12 is a lot more money - both fair points. What about the facelifted mercedes s63 2 door cabriolet? Same price bracket and (for me) better exterior and (for everyone) a much better interior. Also would suggest it has superior performance as well.
Beautiful car, and glad to see you dressed to coordinate 🤣
Have you noticed how many good bargains there seems to be these days…leasing cost a bit too high maybe, or the return of normality with new car prices dropping the moment you drive away from the dealer. Good times are coming back for buyers. DB9 owner since 2005, many long trips, all good for now
I'd say the end of insanely low finance costs has a lot to do with it. A lot of people borrowed themselves silly over the last few years - now a lot of those people are up the proverbial creek without a paddle.
the DB 11 Volante is the perfect compromise between a Ferrari and Bentley, the former too harsh and too loud, the latter too comfortable and too quiet. I own the car since 3 years, not the slightest issue, not the most powerful not fastest among this segment of cars, but the most stylish, and that's what counts at the end. The only drawback is this horrible plastic infotainment screen, happy to see that the new DB12 got finally rid of it. And - one of the best car channels around, by quite a margin. Cheers from CH
The value of this is going to drop faster than Russell Brand's pants.
How’s it compare to the Lexus LC500 ?
New DB12 at Goodwood revival,a thing of beauty.. Depreciation??
I would much rather have a V8 Vantage from 2005 onwards; in my opinion the best looking Aston since the DB5, and still looks way better than anything Aston has made since. Those DB11 headlights are ghastly!
I fully agree. I had an 08 DBS too which I think looked great, but not better than my 07 V8V. I miss by baby Aston.
Completely agree! My black 2006 V8 Vantage is such a beautiful thing. Unadorned with boxy sills and nasty wheels (i have swapped the originals for DB9 GT 20s). 80,000 miles and running fabulously (yes, 6 speed manual) happy bunny!
What in God's name people find in that V8 Vantage is beyond me.....I dont have words to express what a design disaster it is my opinion.
Fully agreed. Both the DB9 and the Vantage are better looking than the DB11. I would commit many crimes to own a Vantage V12S Volante
@@MrAlpinab7 And this is called "being an Internet troll"...
Brilliant and Beautiful!!!!
Way out of my price range but looks like you had fun James 👍
I have the best conv ever: 2004 BMW 645Ci M Sport SMG....$12,000cdn...WONDERFUL
Please .
I've just never warmed to the 11. I think it looks awkward especially at the rear. The 12 is a big improvement to my eye. I'd probably do a California T in this segment.
Nice colour, that.
I had the opportunity to buy either a 2018 DB11 V12 or a 2015 Vanquish for the same price. I went with the Vanquish, but the DB11 was very tempting. I can say that I wouldn't buy one with the V8, though. I didn't like it in every Mercedes, and I didn't like it in the DB11. It's farty and sounds like a Ford F-150 whose muffler broke off.
Only 100k, commo people, let's get in line
Squeaky brakes on my DB11 was a nightmare at first, the pads are track rated and Aston only provides one size fits all. After endless research I fitted Portfield RS-4 all round, not a peep, don't expect Aston to solve it. This is the solution, I was going crazy
The DB12 has a mighty big gob
The drive yep!
I prefer the DB7, a nice one which can be had for 1/5 the price of the 11. Of course, I being an owner of a Jaguar XK8, would like, as they are related through having been designed by Ford in the late 90s.
Not "designed" by Ford, but yes, under Ford ownership at the time. Fergus Pollok, under Geoff Lawson, at Jaguar was the designer.
Your XK8 is a better car than the db7.
@@sprezzatura8755 Ive heard that said before. But why is Aston of the same year more than double the price? In any case they are beautiful cars and have a lot in common with each other and another of my cars, the 2002 Ford Thunderbird.
@@moodiblues2I love the Jaguar, the Aston and the Thunderbird. Part of the Aston's allure is its exclusivity. You might see one Aston for every 100 Jaguars on the road. You pay handsomely for that exclusivity. I got to enjoy a db7 vantage volante for a month and absolutely loved it. But Jaguar is a production car and bugs get worked out and component refinements are ongoing. Harder to do in a company that is often on the edge of bankruptcy, like Aston. The db7 saved Aston Martin as it (like Jaguar) was part of Ford's Premier Auto group at the time.
@@sprezzatura8755I’m glad I got the Jaguar as it’s cheaper to repair for the very reasons you mentioned. I have a very modest car collection, a 2002 Jaguar XK8, and a 2002 Thunderbird, a 1994 Corvette, and a 2016 Mustang. The Jag and T-Bird have several things in common, the motor and the chassis. They both have windows that open about a centimeter when the door is opened and close when the door closes. The steering wheel goes up when you open the door to get in and comes down to where you set it, when the door closes. I love both cars and only wish the T-Bird had a nicer interior like the Jag and sixties versions of T-Birds.
Or try a Maserati grancabrio....looks better, sounds better, has larger rear seats and is about as reliable as any Aston Martin.
At the money paid for this car that is a lot of car. It would great next to my Lexus in my dream garage.
Mmm but when you can get a nice Jag F type for 60k and a 718 Cayman for 40k then the Aston doesn't seem worth it, it would do if it had Bentley quality interior, but it doesn't. However that new DB12 is in a different league and I think they will put the V12 in it once they have sold all the older run of V12 Vantages, IF the regulator will let them. Aston must know that they woould fly-out. People know that fun cars with souls are becoming ever rarer, i think the market is changing and that new buyers of something like a DB12 V12 wouldn't be looking to upgrade soon or maybe never. Keep for life because new isnt going to be better or more fun. The Thought & Fun Police will make sure of it.
yessss ten times more beautyfull as the porsche
You can get a really nice Bentley GTC for that money! No comparison.
We're riding with ya.
It's a nice car, but the prices are still going to drop and drop. Astons always go down to Lidl prices before they go back up again. You could get yourself in a DB7 for £20k. Yes it's a much older car, but it's not exactly ugly, and most people will think you paid a lot more than you actually did.
DB7s are a nightmare to run though
I had a DB7 Vantage about 10 years ago, as well as some more modern Astons since. DB7s are indeed beautiful cars and they have bags of charm, but in terms of quality, usability and reliability the modern cars are in an entirely different league. I'd happily run a DB11 as a daily, a 23 year old 60k mile DB7 would need to be a toy car at this point.
@@JayEmmOnCars Agreed. Much better off with a V8V. The drophead looks good, even.
Previously expensive cars that are now cheap are cheap for a reason. While the car market is pretty bizarre, it's efficient enough to price out true bargains.
I followed a DB11 V8 of some description for a few miles and while it sounded glorious on throttle the pops and bangs were frankly obnoxious
I investigated the DB11 in detail and I was extremely tempted to buy. But I just can't justify it.... that interior is awful and will date badly, and you can get all of the 'specialness' (and more) from a DB9 or even Vanquish. Which are both cheaper!
epic car
Hmm! 265 bhp per ton as it weighs 1900 kg (Lotus Elise territory).
The front grill on the DB 12 is just too big. Why manufacturers now insist on putting huge grills on the front of their cars is beyond me. The one on the DB 11 is better. And better still the one on the DB 9.
IMO, when you buy an exotic car, you should be buying an exotic engine. An Aston with an AMG engine just isn't right for me. If I wanted this engine and a similar interior I'd buy an AMG GT and save a load of cash. I'd have gone with a Ferrari California or Cali T if I wanted a convertible, because I prefer a hard-top. I'm not an Aston DB11 hater, though; I think a V12 coupe is a bargain, and it's got a pukka Aston engine, too...maybe the last Aston-engined Aston. Yes, the DB12 interior is much nicer, but I wouldn't pay a lot more just for that, and I personally don't think the DB12 looks much different than the DB11, and anyway I have always been a fan of the exterior design of the DB11. As always, YMMV.
Tell me you chose the shirt to match the car! 🤩
I'll keep my 718 Spyder thank you.🥵🥶
Ashanti and Starbucks wow 🤩
Cracking car. Always liked an AM Volante even if they all (historically) were a bit floppy!
God..this guy loves the old top gear.
The DB11 is the better choice than the DB12! Here is why: The DB11 Interior is Classic and timeless. DB12 looks like a Porsche. No one buys a AM because of the newest Technik. Then you buy Porsche or what ever. The DB11 hood is one pice of art with softclose. DB12 ist just a normal boring hood. The DB11 before 2018 has the better engine sound without OPF. Compare the side Mirrows: DB11 looks like Catseyes. DB12 are too small. Last but not least the price. You find a low mileag car for half the price.
18:45: "DB11 are a great financial investment and you'll likely make money". Understood.
Great car but Vanquish 2 is more beautiful and more special for the money
Please, test a Fiat Multipla - that would be hilarious to watch!. I have the best conv ever: 2004 BMW 645Ci M Sport SMG....$12,000cdn...WONDERFUL.
Fiat Multipla? I'm sure you mean the Rover James. 😁
If you have this amount to spend on a convertible, forget the Aston, you're paying for the name. Look instead at the Lexus LC500. It'll still be running and giving you pleasure while the Aston is either back at the workshop ( again ) or gone to that great scrapyard in the sky!
I second this.
I can't imagine spending that kind of money only to have people laugh at me for driving a Lexus. (Joke, guys)
If you think a Lexus LC500 is in the same league as an Aston Martin then you don’t understand the value of heritage in the motoring world.
You're oh so right, I think the main problem with Astons is that it's a GT that's terrible for long distance driving! I mean, look, I love the men in aprons who bend sheet metal into these beautiful shapes, but I wouldn't trust the average Aston with a trip to the countryside, yet alone a trip across Côte d'Azure! In a Porshce 911 Targe 4s let's say, sure, you don't get the glorious sound of a V12, but what you do get is 75+ years of brute German engineering reassuring you that you won't blow a head gasket off on the next round about. In an Aston? I mean I know someone who has a early-ish DB9 who uses it moderately well and he's already 5 figures deep in maintenance bills after a year or two of ownership.
Your 100% right I love the LC500.
ahhh. i really thought i was in there for ten for a minute.
Outside of Cheshire and the Peoples Republic of China 🇨🇳 , no one buys Aston Martin 😮
Pretty car but I cannot support the entities that make up Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings PLC in good conscious.
The back end of that car will always be sexier than a California.
Engine Sound is I realise one of personal taste, but this version sound a bit uncouth and too shouty for a gentleman’s grand tourer, which is the traditional Aston Martin customer, definitely looking to appeal to the younger maturing hot hatch generations….
It's quieter than the 1980s and 90s Astons I have driven
DB12 front end is not Aston at its finest, while the DB11 is a far finer exterior
Agree entirely!
Am I the only person in the world who hates the slurred exhaust sound of an automatic gearbox .....to me the Aston sounds like my grandad's Allegro Vanden Plas automatic with a broken exhaust pipe.
Tell me a 2015 XKR convertible won't be 90% of the DB11 Volante for 20% of 👛
I'd love to drive this and an AMG GTc convertible back to back.
Objectively you are absolutely correct and when something breaks, you’ll not mind tipping £2k into the XKR because you’ve saved £60k. Subjectively, there is just something special about sitting in an Aston or a Cali T though that goes beyond anything rational! I’m currently debating Cali T v Maserati Grancabrio…
Why buy this when there's the lc500? Looks better, drives better, better build quality and it won't break down every 5 miles. Oh and better value retention...
Cause if I’m making Aston Martin type money why would I buy a lc500. There’s already way to many Lexus’s on the road
I love the lc500, but to my eyes, it doesn't look as good (exterior).
6:23 - "design" "language"
I'd take a manual DBS Volante anyday, even if they cost the same. This just isn't special enough with such a common engine and I'd still take a bad manual over a good auto
Great presentation..BUT..got to say..German in a British Marque? Subjective of course...also..apart from main dealer..WHERE is one going to get one serviced at an independent? Of course..subjective and no reflection on Jay
All the British tourers have some German in them. Aston Martin has some Mercedes, Bentley has some Porsche, and Rolls Royce has some BMW
Why worry 5 yrs free servicing and there is some independents now willing to sign up to AMDS2 to service these cars.
I too drive a late XK and its a fantastic car its value today is around 20k I have looked and driven AM DB11 and the price of 100k around 4 times more to buy than my old XK and i ask my self is the AM four times better to drive I think the DB11 is a great car if i were a badge snob i would pick the AM but I am not there is another factor about the AM and its the cost of repair I have just had new rear pads on my XK and from a main dealership £161 rear pads on the AM will be three times the price my heat says AM but my brain says XK to keep and get old with
Brilliant, but I Wish A-M did their own Engines… Forza Ferrari!!!!
Buy it and drive it a lot because there is no value to preserve. It will be worth half quickly.