Aston Martin DB11 coupe - Interior & comfort
Bold design and cutting edge infotainment system boost appeal, but the Aston Martin DB11 still feels as bespoke and traditional as you’d expect
Luxurious, well-finished interiors have always been an Aston Martin virtue, so we were relieved to find that the DB11 hasn’t dropped the ball here. Its DB9 predecessor had grown a little dated, but this is nothing other than state-of-the art and forward-thinking inside.
Aston Martin DB11 dashboard
Although we were a little disappointed by some aspects of an early V12 we drove, a spell in the V8 reassured us that DB11 interior materials are from the very top drawer – hand-stitched leather and rich real wood finishes abound. Hardly any plastic is used – the speaker grilles and air-vent surrounds are made from proper metal components, while everything is assembled in a solid, rattle-free manner and feels built to last. There are many ‘surprise-and-delight’ features, too, including a powered lid for the central storage compartment that glides open at the touch of a button.
The AMR gets additional trim touches, including extra Alcantara suede in prominent areas, as well as an oddly, yet effectively shaped steering wheel wrapped in tactile leather.
Technology
Advanced electronics are one of the first things you notice in the DB11. Benefitting from Aston’s partnership with Mercedes, the DB11 uses a control system that consigns Aston Martin's previous Ford and Volvo-sourced switchgear to history. In fact, although the single control stalk for the wipers and indicators comes from Mercedes, it doesn’t jar too harshly with its surroundings – nor does the rotary controller for the infotainment system.
Traditional instruments have been displaced by sophisticated displays, too. You can configure the TFT screen before to display whatever information you want – just like the Audi TT ‘Virtual Cockpit’ – while a dash-top screen displays sat-nav information.
Also shared with Mercedes is the option of a Bang & Olufsen sound system, with high-frequency speakers that rise theatrically from the dashboard when the stereo is switched on.
