FIRST DRIVE: 671bhp Aston Martin DB12 Volante - World’s Most Beautiful New Car?

[@TopGear]

Would you choose the Aston Martin DB12 Volante over its rivals?

[@adwaithkrishna5785]

Yes

[@keyser_söze23]

Very few convertible cars look better than a hard top. Then we have the structural integrity problem since there's no roof. I simply don't see the point, so much sacrifice for an open top "experience", as a true petrol head, I'll always prefer the benefits of a hard top.

[@bulumkotozo6282]

No, McLaren 720s is perfect

[@wozmac771]

Hell no! Don't have the money for any expensive car, but would not indulge in this car, why? Because it's a mish mash of botched DB11 design and a UTurn to the DBS and DB9 era. Plus not sure if its an original AM or an AMG version of the AM.

[@noelht1]

Yes if earth shattering depreciation was my thing I would go and buy one today

[@CabbageBloke]

Dacia Sandero is clear. It's not even a contest.

[@jsg0170]

GOOD NEWS!

[@carljuztine3328]

I made up my mind and I would take the Roma Spider over this as it is lighter and more sexy, the only problem is I can't afford both anyways so I would definitely go for a 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Cedia.

[@dylan4972]

Haha a good final choice!!

[@markpass4215]

Well beauty is in the eye of the beholder….but a Ferrari Roma over this…🙈🙈🙈

[@charliechetwood2358]

More sexy? No way.

[@AndrewBaragwanath]

I exchanged my DB11 Volante for a DB12 Volante. The new car is brilliant. I drove it down to Lyon in France and it proved itself as a long distance tourer. No car is perfect and I agree that the text on the infotainment screen is too small. Also, the exhaust note in Sport X mode is really subdued compared with the previous model but I accept that this is due to regulations. I don't really get the criticism of boot space and rear leg room. If that is important to you, buy a Volvo. This car will happily take two people and their luggage away for a two week cruise around Europe and they will be welcomed enthusiastically by many people who would not turn an eye for a Porscche, Bentley or even a Ferrari. Such is the rarity value of Aston Martin.

[@kemeron01]

Thank you

[@magnustan841]

I think the DB11 was the sweet spot in design in recent Aston grand tourers, but the interior on the DB12 is on a different planet compared to those other ones. If I could have a less aggressive grille on the DB12, I’d have my perfect Aston GT.

[@brandoncaruso9276]

I actually love this design because it reminds me more of the db5

[@bakkermaarten007]

Same. Perfect car if the grill was just a little smaller.

[@yakub3962]

The sensor array in the front makes it look like it has a gap in its teeth

[@tdJ5qVSKtyj]

Thanks, I hate it

[@Hunt3RMH]

Can't unsee it now lmao

[@Whatdumb]

now its a proper british car

[@oxidize3]

Looks like a Hitler stache to me 😂

[@AlfredoElDorado]

Thats the beauty of it, the gap in the teeth. Perfection.

[@ZATennisFan]

I do wish they had not ditched the V12. But what a beautiful piece of automotive design.

[@lukakrstic3581]

Wait for the dbs

[@robertmorgan6262]

The DB11 Volante was V8 only also

[@ZATennisFan]

@@robertmorgan6262 True but they should never have gotten rid of the V12 IMHO...

[@truthpill7630]

Aston Martin V12 GT flagship is coming this summer, New Vanquish is around the corner!

[@beinghappy1312]

Brits are more honest in their reviews, which is why I enjoy watching their shows because I know I'll actually get the actual truth

[@Ghajahha]

They just describe literally how the car makes them feel

[@ETr4d3]

My fav is the LC500

[@benmohatun]

Aston-ishingly beautiful.

[@mohammadsattar5488]

Oooh very acute

[@moyopedro2557]

I still think the lc500 looks less fussy and more classy

[@sladehelicoptersgaming3148]

I think the DB9 and Jaguar XK set the standard in GT cars and this carries on with a similar look , can’t wait for the cheaper better Jaguar version 😂

[@3ducs]

It's nice, I'll give it that. An evolution. The Jaguar F-Type introduction trod new ground, at least for the marque. I'm somewhat biased though, I recently bought a '16 F-Type coupe.

[@hamzaouamrouche57]

DB 12 Volante Austin Martin the gentleman driver with cool attitude

[@ericmin832]

The new DB12 is beautiful yeah but nothing crazy. The new facelifted Vantage, on the other hand, looks drop dead gorgeous imo

[@gregvickers3633]

I would prefer if you started video with a walk around - with all respect to presenter we want to see the car and how it looks (rather than you) just my opinion.

[@FranceIsPropertyofEngland]

On the Aston Martin site you can delete the carbon fiber off the bottom of the car exterior and make it same colour as body, you can also do it with the windscreen frame. Totally changes the look. The guy who bought this also decided to have the steering wheel the same colour as his seats, you can change the trim colour around the top of the doors and where the roof folds in and have the steering wheel match it.

[@KAAAHHH918]

Imagine a DB9 with that interior 🤤

[@yakub3962]

Finally a decent modern interior

[@leoironwolf2828]

The white inside is so astonishing

[@aftabsk]

The most beautiful I've seen in recent times would surely be the GMA T33.....hands down

[@JamesPrince-n5g]

No chopped coupe can claim to be the most beautiful, let alone one with such brash detailing. Such a shame that the AM brand has taken such a battering since the DB9...

[@Gaudine]

Look at the convertible Roma, it looks so much better

[@Ihateironyanddumbusernames]

The Jag f type is king as far as im concerned. It effortlessly beautiful

[@paulthomson9014]

​@Gaudine I prefer this

[@phildavies7666]

As a 2013 vanquish owner I want to like the DB12 but from the videos Im not in love with them yet. Colour on this one doesnt do it for me either. Interior is lovely though. Time to try one out.... after I win the lotto!

[@etaesu83]

As a previous AM owner, you’d have better insight than most. I wouldn’t get this St Tropez type blue either. If it was a silver or gray or bronze, would you still not be happy with it compared to the Vanquish exterior?

[@phildavies7666]

@etaesu83 yet to see one in the flesh so I'm open particularly as you say, if its in silver. Green looks interesting as well. It's very similar to the DB11 which I wasn't fond of so perhaps that's why the 12 isn't hitting the mark yet. What are your thoughts?

[@etaesu83]

@@phildavies7666 I’ve seen a DB11 but not a DB12. Exterior looks fantastic but so have past ones. People are complaining and forgetting the 911 stays the same and people flipped out when they did something like the amoeba lights (I didn’t mind). The 992.2 interior is much nicer now than in previous generations. The DB12 interior is aslo a huge improvement in photos and that in itself would warrant it over the DB11. My friend has a gray DB9 and while the exterior is gorgeous, the inside is pretty hideous. Silver would probably be my choice BUT it’s kind of common like a red Ferrari. The satin aluminite looks nice. The red looks nice with the black roof on the coupe and I’ve never seen a red AM on the road. Certain shades of green and gray would look nice with bronze wheels but maybe too flashy.

[@etaesu83]

@@phildavies7666 also, the trend of machined wheels must die

[@rhone81]

1:33 Most people in Wales still point at aircraft.

[@rjdavies1982]

I can’t bear to see a convertible like the DB12 being driven top down in the rain!!!😢

[@kaj750]

My Vantage was the MOST beautiful car I've ever owned. I love, love an Aston.

[@qualm43]

Who are they fooling with those "back seats" LOL

[@richjohn9356]

Good for kids , I used the DB11 and it was fine, even matt from carwow can fit in

[@etaesu83]

Insurance companies in Europe

[@Bmontepeque11]

This is so incredibly good looking! This is one of my favorite segments of cars and if I had the money to buy one of these I would really struggle to choose between the Bentley Continental GT, the Ferrari Roma and this DB12 Also, as a Mazda lover, I loved the little bit of appreciation for Mazda's design at the start ❤️

[@jacodelport]

such a fun presentation well done!

[@williamsongarrett1]

Wow legit read my mind exactly when giving examples of the other most beautiful cars and even my gripes about them!

[@johnbirt9180]

The massive grill spoils the look. Sorry.

[@broughy23]

Bros never seen an Aston before

[@johnbirt9180]

@@broughy23 not with a grill that big

[@Turntramen]

Everyone complains about the tech and the older looks, then they release this and y’all are still complaining lol

[@kantaverma5970]

It's interior is just like what a car guy loves !!

[@pittassavvas7512]

Snow white?😅😅 Nope.

[@williamsongarrett1]

Dude I think the exact way as the host in all of his opinions oh my god. Only thing I'd add is that Aston NEEDS to bring back the clamshell hood on the DB!!

[@keithronson2624]

Ollie, what a brilliant review! Telling it as it is! And yes what a car! And of course [if funds allowed] you would take the Coupe DB12 every time. However, the Aston beats anything the Italians and even the Germans can offer.... give or take a certain 911 Cabrio! Stunning in every sense. Once again Ollie, love your reviews. Thank you.

[@SY-tn2io]

Looks good, just wish they integrated the front radar better, instead of looking like a stuck on piece, which breaks the line of the grill.

[@thelegendngwenya1263]

i love how you opened up asking such a well constructed question . i was like yeaaaaah ! thats the question

[@dallasstang2818]

I believe that if your vehicle model uses another brand’s engine, you can’t charge more than the supplier’s comparable model. This would be the AMG GT/SL

[@janneshildebrandt1]

I think the dbs is also quite beautiful and the Porsche st is also stunning

[@GadgetyMV]

Nice review. It looks like a quintessential Aston, and the new interior is a definitive improvement. That said, since Aston borrows the engines from Mercedes AMG, they might as well take the air scarf, too.

[@masterdinosawr]

The UK journalists always talk up Aston and other UK brands like they're the most amazing cars.

[@fsdafas749]

i can't help but feel that these types of vehicles should have hard-tops and not cheap looking fabric.

[@otengdebrah741]

The sound of that AMG. To be honest I have never found them pleasant. The W204's character fit the sound note but, BMWs much rather sound glorious all-round; I6's to the S63 TT V8

[@MrLg55555]

If you are looking for beauty and drama that will stand the test of time, In something other than a soft top or sports car, look no further than a Mercedes CLS Shooting Brake or a Maserati... Both are next level for aesthetic appeal and will always garner admiring glances... Having also owned a Carrera GT, I see beauty from another perspective... But I will say the Aston is stunning from all angles...

[@itaholic902]

If only we could combine the beautiful body and charismatic and much better sounding V12 of the DBS Superleggera with the underpinnings and much more modern interior of the DB12.

[@awesomefrankrapid]

Looks like a classic beautiful Aston with a tasteless aftermarket body kit

[@gemabiem5584]

I think a place where you can drive an open-top car, cabriolet, or rooftop car is proof of elegance and fun.

[@rgms573]

The front bumper radar was clearly an afterthought. It's hard to overlook that unsightly rectangle.

[@lordlusos8870]

It can't beat the 2007 Aston Martin DBS Volante

[@dineshan]

What about the Lexus LC500?

[@WayApp]

Precision performance crafted

[@pierredebug17]

A bit expensive given that you can get a nice DB11 volante with less than 10k miles, 80k cheaper…these new models from 2018 and later are gorgeous, but I cannot let go the DB9 that I bought in 2005.

[@DailyOwnSupercars]

Well yes 671 horsepower on a Aston Martin makes it a very beautiful car 😂, great vid.

[@brightmwewa_]

First of all I want the elegant v12 in that thing even if I don't have the money!😅

[@peterclifton6312]

Stunning looking car

[@joshnicholson2934]

Go to York Minster in winter, you'll notice it's not heated 😆

[@steved2008]

When you started talking about the stats I really did zone out

[@avanap8096]

Km per breakdown would be a good number to give us along with service cost per km. Cost of ownership per km. Shame BBC is still trying to flog Top gear back to life.

[@ilmelangolo]

The Maserati looks even better

[@Rob-cv3vh]

On beauty alone I think it's too fussy. The side vents behind the front wheels don't do it for me, especially on lighter colours. The front grille with the sensor gap below the number plate and that front splitter thing feel like a body kitted modded car to me. The wheels aren't pretty at all but can be changed. I prefer the DB12 in dark colours because the details are less noticeable. IMHO the new Vantage is far more beautiful. Hats off for the interior though, it's about time too.

[@wttwtg4165]

I can't think of a company or model that needs to have a shooting brake in it's lineup more than Aston and the DB.

[@rhone81]

They do. The Zagato, but it's £400k!

[@Predikant]

Why 671 HP, why not 670 HP or 675? When testing an engine on the dynamometer variables such as ambient temperature and barometric pressure have an influence on power output, no two of these engines tested will deliver the same amount.

[@chandrachurniyogi8394]

the DB12 Volante could do some better looking magnesium wheels . . . the Huracan is one good looking car after the Countach ofcourse . . .

[@jessebettis501]

Great paint color!

[@Tynavis]

Most beautiful NEW car? Yes, possibly... But the most beautiful car in my eyes is still the 2020 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante in this fantastic sparkling glittering orange metallic... 😎

[@JoseGonzalez-ve8te]

4:38 vehicle is gorgeous. Period end of story. Absolutely minor and insignificant things to nitpick. Well thought out vehicle inside and out. Aston got it 100% right and that’s that

[@Dunkensb]

The side skirts are a bit XR3i cabriolet 🫤

[@kevinnielsen1356]

Looks like most cars manufactured today. A Honda Accord looks very similar

[@farishanafiah8461]

9:14 The rear seats are still a joke. May as well remove them altogether and make them a 2+0 with useful shelf, like what Ferrari did with the 599 GTB Fiorano.

[@fortythree_media]

Don't get me wrong, I like its looks, but I'm not sure I would say it's beautiful (my opinion)

[@thomprd]

I like the lines of a 911 or an AMG GTS more.

[@raufsat8261]

Slight flopping is better than no flopping.

[@d-zone]

Ollie's face pulling to camera while driving is quite off putting.......probably illegal too on a UK road.

[@Azza-uk2ic]

I reckon a Matt Watson could easily fit in that boot space...

[@matthewwolf1216]

Don't forget the Mercedes Benz AMG 63. It's gorgeous.

[@fancypants5490]

Great review

[@mufflejoy]

How much for the car without the turbos?

[@philippretorius8411]

Still don't get why they bother with back seats in these cars. Not usable!

[@Zierfish]

Mercedes SL 2023 911 GT3 Touring 718 Spyder Hell even a BMW Supra looks cooler than that.

[@SandraOfficialHernandez]

The Aston Martin DB12 Volante: for when you want your hair blown back almost as fast as the 671bhp V8 moves you!

[@tochukwuezinwa2122]

This thing looks impressive I love everything about it Well done 007 Ok but the boot is sickening

[@costafilh0]

Just wait for the V12.

[@KarelBeelaertsvanBlokland]

Beautiful & fast Aston finally with a modern exclusive interior but don't like the ugly headlights!

[@irfanmohammed1537]

Fix your cameras man, the exposure levels are soo horrible at 2:15

[@urbanstrencan]

What Aston Martin is supposed to be is everything DB12 is

[@hamzaouamrouche57]

Rivals with highest performance may be yes

[@spetsnaz7979]

Goofy ahh

[@kentbeitel9966]

British racing green and bronzish wheels with brown leather interior and call it a day 👌🔥

[@8131murphy]

Why did they not put the v12 in the ...DBS12!

[@chris1382100]

Nah, that front grill isn't quite right

[@RYNOCIRATOR_V5]

I still don't like the rear lights, the way they lap of that crease in the bodywork is just ugly.

[@franzhuber7361]

How many front grills did you design so far? 😉

[@RYNOCIRATOR_V5]

@@franzhuber7361 What an incredible non-argument, bugger off with that. Everyone has the right to be critical of any product.

[@franzhuber7361]

@@RYNOCIRATOR_V5 uhh, you wanna talk about design Mr. Nonfriendly? Forget it. first of all the comment was for Chris. second… you didn’t get that joke?

[@noelht1]

I love the fact that it has the grill off a Ford Escort on it

[@bobatthegarage4965]

Need to know. Is it better than the Bentley gtc. I’m about to pull the trigger. 🤔🤔

[@cconnon1912]

New Lotus is 1/3 of the price.

[@jxxxxx44]

But it's chines

[@PRATEEK30111989]

Aston has soul.

[@Luvuyo4GYM]

🥰🥰😍😍Between This & The SL 🔥🔥🔥

[@germainwilson800]

I would say Cadillac is one of them

[@justthevoicebackup280]

The latest full size Range Rover, The Bentley Flying Spur and The Lamborghini Revuelto is properly beautiful in white I think 🤷‍♂️

[@MrLg55555]

Beautiful in the eye of the " Drug dealer", "Pimp" " intellectually challenged footballer" or wannabe " Hip Hop artist" Just saying...

[@justthevoicebackup280]

@@MrLg55555 That's impressively self righteous and pretentious of you... what do you drive?

[@MrLg55555]

@@justthevoicebackup280, hardly pretentious and only my opinion, but I would hazard a guess that a hell of alot of other folks would concur... What do I drive?... I have at present a Mercedes E350 Coupe... Past cars have included 2 Mercedes CLS Shooting Brakes, one an AMG 63 tother a 350D, E350 Estate, various BMWS, Infiniti Q50S Hybrid,Porsche Cayman S and a Carrera GT plus a smattering of other brands...

[@justthevoicebackup280]

@@MrLg55555 Let me guess... you think the people who drive those cars are all distinguished gentlemen with unmatched taste?

[@MrLg55555]

@@justthevoicebackup280, I'm hardly distinguished myself, as for others I really don't care... I just happen to have owned and driven many a nice car during my life and have never felt the urge to invest in a larger than life SUV or ostentatious over board sports cars... Carrera GT i hear you say, that's over the top... Far from it... It was and still is a thing of beauty and purpose... Admired by so many and not blighted like a 911 for being a " glorified Beetle"...

[@Nick-ct1ww]

Thought my last Mazda 3 looked amazing...what ever Matt Watson said 😀

[@roll411]

From "Driver San Francisco" 2011 - 😏⌛

[@teifion-m9r]

Mr Bentley lost control of the company in 1925 , it was sold to one of the "Bentley boys" Woolf Barnato who then fdod it to a company called British central equitable trust which was a front for Rolls Royce , they then decades later sold it to the VAG GROUP. If you think it's a British company that's fine 🎉😊