2019 Aston Martin DB11 AMR Review

What are the highlights?

The 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 never was short on power, but it increases by 30bhp to 630bhp, and the top speed rises a pretty huge 8mph to 208mph. Aston has also tuned the eight-speed auto for sharper shifts, and the exhaust for a crisper sound, while trying to retain the old DB11’s impressive refinement.

Similarly, chassis updates aim to sharpen the DB11’s handling without sacrificing the comfort that’s such a key part of a GT car’s appeal. Spring rates are unchanged, but the dampers are uprated 10 per cent all-round, and both the rear subframe and engine mounts are stiffer. The new forged alloy wheels are more than mere eye candy too: they save 3.5kg per corner, helping ride and handling.

Are there any other visual updates?

Yes. The AMR looks subtly meaner thanks to carbonfibre bonnet ‘blades’ and side strakes, a new splitter and side skirts, some gloss-black detailing including the entire roof, and there are darkened head and tail lamp clusters and a moodier looking grille too.

The interior benefits from a mix of leather on the seat facings and grippier Alcantara on the bolsters. This remains an attractive cabin, but the Bentley Continental GT plays in a different league in terms of quality and technology (the Aston borrows Mercedes infotainment that’s a generation out of date).

Does the AMR feel much quicker?

Not really, but the DB11 was always fast, and the twin-turbo V12 remains a great engine that combines much of the richness of the previous non-turbo V12 (seen in the DB9) with a huge hit of extra torque. There’s a real swell of energy from little over 2000rpm where the old DB9 felt lazy, much stronger mid-range urge, and no lack of enthusiasm to rip to almost 7000rpm.

More noticeable than the small power increase is the extra spice in the soundtrack with some crackles on the overrun, and gear shifts that do indeed feel crisper and more precise. The powertrain seems to bristle with extra energy as result.

Are the chassis updates more noticeable?

They are. Even at very low speeds there’s tangible extra weight and definition to the steering. It still twirls eagerly, which helps to shrug off the AMR’s bulky 1795kg and initially intimidating proportions (this feels a big, wide machine, especially given the rear seats are so cramped), but there’s definitely a chunkier, more precise feel here. This makes it all the more surprising to learn the steering set-up is identical to the old DB11 – the extra weight is simply a by-product of the stiffer chassis.

And those chassis updates certainly make themselves felt. The DB11 still glides effortlessly over undulating and badly surfaced roads, but it now feels tighter and better controlled when worked harder, particularly the rear end, which is secure and tied down where the DB11 could feel loose. Even firming the suspension up further in Sport mode proves far from uncomfortable.

The result is a big car that feels unintimidating to chuck about, whether that’s leaning hard on the front tyres going in to corners, or working the rears aggressively when powering onto the next straight.

In a nutshell

The Aston Martin DB11 AMR introduces some relatively small changes to the DB11, but they add up to a big difference. The powertrain updates and cosmetic improvements are welcome, but it’s the chassis changes that are particularly impressive, transforming the DB11 into ßa sharper driver’s car without compromising on long-distance comfort.

Bar the £10k price increase, there appear to be no drawbacks here – the DB11 AMR is a better kind DB11, simple as that.

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If you’re on the market for a convertible, then the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante is an excellent alternative choice. The V12 engine is good for 715bhp and 211mph, and with the roof folding in as little as 14 seconds.

How about the Ferrari’s? The Ferrari 488 Pista, is a sharper, faster, and lighter version of the 488. It’s sensational to drive on track days whilst remaining supple on the road. There is also the Ferrari F8 Tributo, with its sharp handling, smooth suspension, and impressive 0-62mph in 2.9 seconds which is an incredible car to drive.

The McLaren’s also deserve a mention. The McLaren GT, their first grand tourer, is a two-seat couple that has a focus on luxury and comfort whilst still being a great car to drive. Or there is the McLaren’s most extreme sports series model, the McLaren 600LT, which is lighter and more powerful than it’s 675LT understudy.