2011 Aston Martin DB9 Volante Review
Price
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Installment
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2011 Aston Martin DB9 Volante at a glance
Ridiculously gorgeous on the outside and sumptuous inside, the 2011 Aston Martin DB9 Volante allows for better enjoying of the V12 howl and growl, with wind in your hair—at the expense of the ride-and-handling, however.
2011 Aston Martin DB9 Volante quick specs
| Body Style | Convertible |
| Class | Sports/GT |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 2+2 |
2011 Aston Martin DB9 Volante ratings (overall rating : 3.5/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
Stunning. Sensational. Ravishing. Somehow these adjectives do not seem to adequately convey how heart-achingly gorgeous the 2011 Aston Martin DB9 Volante really is. The perfect roadster proportions are accompanied by Aston Martin's trademark grille, graceful lines and muscular rear haunches. It is virtually impossible to even identify areas to improve upon. Is the 2011 Aston Martin DB9 Volante the most beautiful car on the market? We think so.
Handling
Like the Coupe, the 2011 Aston Martin DB9 Volante offers a fine blend of agility and comfort, but the removal of its roof has compromised dynamics. Still, the handling is composed and grippy, and corners can be taken on with confidence at fairly high speeds. But do not start expecting Ferrari levels of dynamics. For one, the steering is curiously heavy, in contradiction to the 2011 Aston Martin DB9 Volante's grand touring aspirations. Steering feel is also lacking, limiting any dynamic appeal. The heavy V12 lump up front brings about a constant nose-heavy sensation, too.
Comfort
The 2011 Aston Martin DB9 Volante is most at home on even, smooth roads, because anything bumpier translates into a choppy ride, shimmers from the A-pillars and shudders through the steering wheel. Not helping is the surprising amount of road and wind noise at speed. The V12 engine soundtrack dominates, but settles down nicely while cruising. From the modern dash design to the supremely supportive seats and plenty of driving position adjustments, the cabin makes a brilliant place to spend time. However, the steering wheel is too thick and the minor controls on the dash centre are too small. Rear visibility is also very poor with the roof in place.
Quality + Reliability
The cabin design is a triumph, making use of wood, aluminium and leather to great effect. The high quality materials are matched by a high standard of fit-and-finish. But for the price, and compared to what rivals such as the Bentley Continental GTC are offering, the fit-and-finish have definite room for improvements. Over these years of production, the underlying mechanicals including the V12 engine have withstood the test of time, so you can rest assured about the Aston Martin DB9 Volante's long-term reliability.
Performance
With 470 bhp at 6000 rpm and 601 Nm at 5000 rpm to call upon, the 5.9-litre V12 engine is tremendously strong, and surprisingly so at low revs. What is truly impressive is the overall drivetrain refinement, credit of which goes to the six-speed automatic gearbox with paddle-shift manual override function—it is the first to be based on an automatic, rather than a manual. It can not change gears quite as quickly as the best hydraulically actuated manual gearboxes, but it provides access to the smoothest ZF automatic one moment, and manual shifts at the nudge of the paddles. What's not to like?
Roominess
Like the Coupe, the 2011 Aston Martin DB9 Volante has a two-plus-two seating configuration, but provides room for only two. The driver and passenger get decent room, but the rear seats are no more than luggage cubbies. Kids, let alone adults, will have problem fitting in the back. The boot is small even by GT standards, and will struggle to cope with luggage for two. Pity, then, that the useless rear seats can not fold to free up more loading space.
Running Costs
Like the asking price, running costs are sky-high. For a start, the fuel economy is abysmal at 6.4 km/litre. The 2011 Aston Martin DB9 Volante will be extremely expensive to service and maintain, too. Depreciation is perhaps the biggest cause for concern. Yes, the Aston Martin DB9 Volante's limited numbers on the market will surely keep residual values decent. But bear in mind that any reasonable drop in percentage terms actually represents a massive drop in absolute amount.
Value for Money
Like the Coupe, the 2011 Aston Martin DB9 Volante is ridiculously gorgeous on the outside and sumptuous inside. Removing the roof provides the option of better enjoying the V12 howl and growl, with wind in your hair. However, chopping off the roof compromises the chassis stiffness, and the ride-and-handling suffer as a result, meaning you can rarely make full use of the V12 performance. But overall, the 2011 Aston Martin DB9 Volante still makes a fine cruiser with the exclusivity and desirability to match a Ferrari's. Can beauty with limited ability justify its huge price tag? Not always. But in this case, yes, we think so.
Equipment
In addition to the electric fabric roof, you get alloy wheels, electrically adjustable seats, leather upholstery, climate control, cruise control and a high-end audio system. And you get to personalise your car by ticking the long option list. Volvo assisted in the development of the Aston Martin DB9 Volante, so you can expect excellent safety standards. Dual front and side airbags, plus braking, traction and stability controls are standard. In the event of a rollover, the reinforced windscreen frame and metal hoops that deploy ensure the safety of occupants.
Environment
The 389 grams/km carbon dioxide emissions level and 6.4 km/litre fuel consumption are just about the worst figures you will ever see, even by supercar standards. Meant to be a grand tourer, the more practical 2011 Aston Martin DB9 Volante will likely travel more distance (hence more pollution) compared to sportier supercars. But then again, how many polluting DB9s are there on Malaysian roads? Or in the world? Not many at all.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Divine looks
Sumptuous cabin
Powerful, refined drivetrain
Scuttle shake
Heavy steering
Sky-high buying and running costs
