Aston Martin chairman Lawrence Stroll’s comment calling the DB11 “slow” seems to have been taken to heart by the engineers. The result is the DB12, a brutally fast car that leans more towards the DBS in terms of speed. The response is almost instantaneous at any speed, and the eight-speed automatic transmission matches the engine perfectly, giving it a super tourer positioning. The gearshifts are crisp and precise, although not as savage as a dual-clutch auto. The engine sounds epic, but not as deafening as Aston’s V12.

We got the chance to drive the DB12 on two fantastic roads in France: the Route Napoléon and the Col de Vence. The former is filled with hairpin turns and second-gear corners, while the latter has faster third-gear turns. The DB12 handles better on the Col de Vence, providing superb body control, stable handling, and plenty of grip. It feels stiffer than the 7% improvement figure suggests, making it an exhilarating sports car in higher-speed corners. You can’t help but crave the next corner as soon as you’ve finished one. However, the DB12 can feel a bit frustrated at lower speeds, with its size becoming apparent and the diff and transmission calibration not quite delivering the same thrills in slower-speed corners. There is definitely room for the more agile Vantage below the DB12, even considering its more sporting positioning.

One of the most transformative aspects of the DB12 is its ride comfort, particularly noticeable around town. Aston wasn’t exaggerating when they said the dampers’ ability had increased. Although you do need to be careful with how you position the car, the low-speed refinement and comfort make you forget you’re driving such a sporty and powerful vehicle. It’s not intimidating at all. While our test route didn’t include many motorway miles, the DB12 seemed impressively comfortable on longer journeys as well.

After a day of driving, however, there were still some control issues that could be improved. Credit to Aston for not relying solely on the touchscreen, but the mix of physical and digital controls gives it a first-generation layout feel. More refinements in usability are planned, with seven more front-engined sports cars, including derivatives, set to follow the DB12 in the next two years. Nevertheless, the perceived quality, technology, and comfort of the DB12 have seen significant improvements, successfully addressing the biggest shortcoming of the DB11.