Explore the Aston Martin DB9: A Grand Tourer of Distinction
I still remember the first time I dropped the crystal key into an Aston Martin DB9 and watched the V12 flare into life. There’s a hollow-chested thrum at idle that turns to silk as the revs climb, and honestly, I wasn’t sure at first if its beauty would overshadow the drive. It didn’t. The Aston Martin DB9 is one of those rare grand tourers that feels as good as it looks—continent-crushing pace, yet gentle enough for a late-night glide home after dinner in town.
Why the Aston Martin DB9 Still Turns Heads
Park a DB9 anywhere—hotel driveway, village pub, or outside your gym—and strangers linger. It’s the proportions. Long bonnet, tight glasshouse, and rear haunches that look like they’ve been drawn by someone who really, really understands curves. Built on Aston’s VH platform—bonded aluminum that keeps weight sensible for a V12 GT—it always sits right on its wheels. It’s the sort of car that makes an errand feel like a mini-break.
- Engine: 5.9-liter naturally aspirated V12 (call it 6.0 if you like tradition)
- Power: 450–510 hp on early cars, 540 hp in the DB9 GT
- Torque: up to 457 lb-ft
- 0–60 mph: around 4.6–4.8 sec (DB9 GT ~4.4 sec)
- Top speed: circa 183 mph
- Transmissions: 6-speed automatic (Touchtronic), with a rare 6-speed manual on early coupes
- Drivetrain: rear-wheel drive
Aston Martin DB9: Performance and Driving Feel
I noticed right away how mature the DB9 feels on a fast A-road. The steering has that old-school hydraulic honesty—light enough for town, but it loads beautifully when you lean on it. The chassis balance is friendly; you can hustle it, and it rewards smooth inputs more than brute force. I tried one on a pockmarked back lane and the damping kept things taut without the brittle fidget you get in some “sportier” stuff. It’s a grand tourer first, a sports car second—and that’s meant as praise.
Brakes? Strong and progressive. Later cars offered carbon-ceramic discs; great for repeated mountain descents, but overkill if your toughest commute is the school run. A few owners mentioned to me that a set of quality tires transforms steering bite and ride quality more than any software mode ever could. They’re right.
Aston Martin DB9 GT: The Sweet Spot
Don’t overlook the DB9 GT. It arrived as a run-out special and feels like the DB9 perfected—540 hp, small chassis and cosmetic tweaks, and a subtly sharper response without ruining the car’s long-distance calm. If your Alpine ski weekends come with a detour over a favorite pass, the GT is the one.
Aston Martin DB9 Interior and Tech: Classic, With Quirks
Slide in and you’re greeted by leather that looks and smells like it came from somewhere expensive, because it did. The driving position is low and snug. On long motorway stretches, the DB9 is quiet enough to hear your kids arguing in the back (which they will, because those rear seats are best for small humans or soft bags). The steering wheel feels just right in your hands, and long-haul comfort is excellent—heated seats, proper climate control, and a sound system that’s genuinely good at low volume.
Quirks? Early infotainment is a little…heritage. Think Volvo-sourced nav graphics, small screen, and the odd menu path that makes you shrug and use your phone instead. The later cars improved things, but tech is not the reason you buy a DB9—and somehow, that’s part of the charm.
Aston Martin DB9 vs. Rivals: Choosing Your Flavor of GT
On paper, the DB9 sits against cars like the Porsche 911 (more sports car than GT), Bentley Continental GT (more mass, more waft), and Maserati GranTurismo (opera, occasionally drama). In practice, the Aston splits the difference: elegant, quick, and lighter on its feet than the Bentley, more romantic than the Porsche.
| Car | Engine | Power | 0–60 mph | Character |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aston Martin DB9 / DB9 GT | 5.9L V12 (NA) | 450–540 hp | 4.4–4.8 sec | Romantic GT, soulful V12, long-legged |
| Porsche 911 Carrera S (991) | 3.8L Flat-6 (NA) | 400 hp | 4.1–4.5 sec | Precision tool, everyday supercar |
| Bentley Continental GT V8 | 4.0L Twin-turbo V8 | 500–521 hp | 4.3–4.5 sec | Luxo express, heavy but effortless |
| Maserati GranTurismo MC | 4.7L V8 (NA) | 454 hp | 4.6–4.7 sec | Opera-singer soundtrack, more drama |
Enhance Your DB9 with AutoWin Premium Floor Mats
One way to keep your Aston Martin DB9 cabin looking box-fresh is a set of tailored mats. AutoWin offers premium options that match the DB9’s vibe—materials that look right in an Aston, and custom colors to suit your car’s leather and stitching.
- Tailored fit for 2004–2016 DB9 models
- Multiple colors and piping options
- Easy to clean; protects the original carpets
- Adds a subtle layer of luxury without shouting about it
Running Costs and Ownership: Eyes Open, Heart Full
The Aston Martin DB9 is a luxury GT, and it behaves like one in the service bay. Annual servicing is key; budget sensibly for tires, fluids, and the sort of preventative TLC that keeps these cars feeling tight. Parts supply is decent and specialist knowledge is widespread now, which helps. Regular use actually keeps a DB9 happier than months of sitting—drive it and it’ll reward you.
A Valuable Investment—In Every Sense
Across its 2004–2016 run, around 15,000 DB9s were built, and it’s already developing that modern-classic glow. In the UK especially, the car has a devoted following. Whether you’re eyeing a clean early coupe, a later 510-hp refresh, or the DB9 GT, the blend of performance, luxury, and design remains compelling. Will it be the cheapest car to own? No. Will it make even average days feel special? Absolutely.
FAQ: Aston Martin DB9 Ownership
How much is an Aston Martin DB9?
Most used DB9s trade between $40,000 and $60,000, depending on year, spec, mileage, and condition. Later updates and DB9 GTs can command more. The best cars with full histories are worth the premium.
Are Aston Martin DB9 models reliable?
For a hand-built luxury GT, generally yes—if serviced correctly. Regular fluids, battery care, and attentive maintenance go a long way. Expect higher parts and labor costs than a mainstream brand; that’s part of the ownership equation.
How many Aston Martin DB9s were made?
Approximately 15,000 units were produced from 2004 to 2016.
Who makes the Aston Martin DB9?
The DB9 was manufactured by Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings plc in the UK.
Will an Aston Martin DB9 go up in value?
Some examples may appreciate as the car cements its classic status—particularly low-mile, well-maintained, late-model and DB9 GT versions. Market conditions vary, so buy the best you can and enjoy it.
Conclusion? The Aston Martin DB9 remains a benchmark luxury GT—timeless design, a soulful V12, and an ability to turn any drive into a small event. Dress the cabin with the right touches—like AutoWin mats—and you’ll have a grand tourer that feels every bit as special as it looks.
