The Aston Martin DBS Now Costs Double A DB9 BUT Is It Worth It?

I have a 14 year old Merc CL 500 with 22,000 miles in amazing condition. Great four seater. If you fancy a review let me know. Only two owners including me! Yours Steve

PS- there’s so much YouTube content waxing lyrical about either Ferrari or Porsche. It’s so amazingly refreshing to see someone who’s so enthusiastic about Aston ownership without that being a reference to DB5/6 or some sort of Bond homage. The VH era cars are fabulous things in their own right. Flawed, yes- indeed hilariously so sometimes, but at the same time utterly, utterly magnificent.

As you said, the Casino Royale "DBS" cars were actually DB9s underneath, because real DBSs didn't exist yet. The interior of the CR cars were bespoke, and not really either DB9 or DBS. Custom seats, custom waterfall controls, backlit gearshift lever, race helmet storage behind the front seats, and a custom bright red Aston Martin fire extinguisher centered in the back behind the seats. The cars used in Quantum of Solace were actually real production model year 2009 DBSs, German market spec, with lightweight racing seats, and front parking sensors deleted (chassis E00038 through E00047). A number of them were destroyed during filming, but Eon Productions and AML each retained at one "hero" car in pristine condition, and at least one sold at auction for charity. One with the driver's door ripped off (chassis E00038) has been on tour with the "Bond in Motion" exhibit.

Like you, I fell in love with the DBS, watching Casino Royal…Years later, I was looking at DBS pricing on a car website but they was still VERY expensive and then had a look at the DB9. After a few years I decided to get one for my 50th birthday: a DB9 from 2009 with about 27000km. I had to replace the coils quite soon after buying it. That was the only big cost I had to make except a respray job. Then the dealer told me they had a DBS Carbon Black Edition from another customer for sale and I decided to buy it. So I sold my DB9. I’ve now had the DBS for 10 years and it has never failed. Except the more agressive drive, the seats are much nicer to sit in. I do prefer the DB9’s premium sound system to the B&O system. It just has more balls in the lower end than the B&O. Otherwise the DBS wins in all areas.

Hi Ben, told you a while ago I was getting a DB9. Well now I have it and love it! It’s booked in at Bamford Rose for the primary de cat & re map treatment in a couple of weeks so can’t wait to drive it home to Scotland from there! Personally I don’t see the appeal of the DBS, it’s not a lot prettier than DB9 but it’s a LOT more expensive! I’m happy with what I’ve got, puts a big cheeser on my face every time I take it out! Love the channel, onwards and upwards!👍👏👏👏😊❤️

I’m of the same era Ban and was just smitten by the DBS in Casino Royale. For me though, the improvements just kept coming, in looks, power and ergonomics. So I pulled the trigger on a 2015 Vanquish Carbon Edition and have been bowled over with it since - (although I’m sure there’ll be some who prefer the DBS looks). My 7 year old has since turned into a 9 year old knowing trips with us, including the NC500 and island hops to Mull and the like. Who says fun cars can’t be family cars! Keep it going Ben!! Brilliant content and enthusiasm. And get a Vanquish on the channel!!

I love your enthusiasm Ben for both the brand and this model, you can tell by your whole demeanour that the DBS means so much to you. I’m a tad younger but still these VH platform Astons were the real dream cars when I was growing up too, I loved the DB9 when it was released and in fact loved each model as the similar looks all meant they looked so beautiful. My dream model ended up being the Rapide given its practicality over the other models. I remember looking at the ads for these cars when they were still at nearly new prices saying to myself ‘one day’, and I would be happy with any model but preferably a Rapide. Well 3 years ago we picked up a Quantum Silver Rapide and adore it, we have a light interior which makes it so special and a real sense of occasion. I can relate so much to this video. ❤ You need to get a DBS one day mate, you won’t regret it, and you won’t sell it either 😃

Epic! As a recent first-time papa, your coverage and reviews take on a greater urgency!

Never really appreciated the improvement in looks over the DB9 but having seen them back to back at the start of this video the DBS is quite a step up visually from the DB9. The trouble for me is they are such a similar price to the >2012 Vanquish, which is arguably better in all regards and would be taking my money. It will be hard downsizing in engine capacity from my C63, but I might be able to swallow it for an Aston!

I recently bought my first Aston Martin Db9 GT after watching your videos. I absolutely love it and totally understand what you about how special the car makes you feel, Its a true pleasure. Keep up the good work Ben 👍

Yes Ben! Intro looks great! Great video

Really happy for you to have driven the DBS, I haven't been a big Aston fan but you've gotten me paying attention. Keep up the great work!

I like the Vantage and Ferrari front engine cars more than db platform in general but DBS is one of the prettiest front engine cars ever made.

Great video Ben. Whilst the DBS is gorgeous, it's not that much more gorgeous than the DB9 and in some ways could be thought of as trying too hard. I'll stick with my DB9 (which as you know, I bought because of your channel 😊) and maybe make a few tasteful mods to it. Keep up the great work encouraging people to 'live the dream' -we are here for a good time, not a long time. And you are right that somehow we need to get the youngsters interested in cars. I know so many who aren't interested in even learning to drive !

Another great video Ben. Good to see how well your channel's doing. The DBS certainly has that extra little wow factor over a DB9 but for many just owning an Aston is a dream and so if you can finally afford one and the only one you can stretch to is a DB9 you won't be left disappointed.

I loved the DBS the first time i saw one. It was a stunner when it first came out and just gets finer with age. I loved your DB9 but you're right, those small little design differences equal a something very special. Top video as usual Ben.

I have my DBS (manual) 2009 since 2014. My son was 12 y old and I can confirm, it’s usable Dadcar😁

Nice comparative review against the DB9 👍🏻 My former DB9 was my 3rd Aston and I test drove a DBS whilst it was being serviced. The difference between the 2 cars was just mind boggling. In my opinion worth the extra money over a DB9 HOWEVER the 2012+ DB9 is essentially a DBS main tub with a new front end. Similar power, CC brakes, wider rear arches, 512bhp, bootlid spoiler, B&O sound system etc etc. I’ve yet to drive the 2012+ DB9 but I’d dare say it’s as close to the DBS as you can get without dropping £60k+ The 2012 DB9 starts at £45k for an average example now. For DBS money you could get a 2015/16 example carbon edition with low owners/miles from a reputable dealer….

the DBS is stunning. Worth the premium if you ask me

Lovely to see you having fun! Keep it up.