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 KZfaq 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.

Nice review. I’ve got a V8 Vantage and, frankly, we should just be glad that we’re able to drive these things whilst it’s still not completely socially unacceptable to do so. DB9, DBS, V8 or V12- it’s all great. And I totally agree on the sense of occasion- it’s fab.

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!!

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 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 😃

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.

Yes bought a DBS new never been on track its never been wet, never pressed damping button lol...only done 1000 miles....i adore it so much will never sell and think in 20 years could be DB5 like :-) and ill take it to car shows when im retired. its a stunnning vehicle...

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

icr, after having seen it in Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace I knew I had to have one. Was still in school at that time. But 3 years ago I got a manual DBS. Still makes me smile every time I drive it.

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

Im definitely going to own this car one day. I saw the car in casino royal when I went to the cinema on my 10th birthday with my dad as a birthday present. Now he unfortunately committed suicide the 27th of May 2023. But the good memories remain and one of them is with this car which makes it so much more special for me.

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 👍

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😁

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!

Yes Ben! Intro looks great! Great video

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….

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.

There was a time in the early 2000's when every Aston looked almost identical. You could buy a DB9, a DBS, a Virage or even a Vanquish, and only an Aston fan would be able to tell them apart. Of course each car had individual virtues and vices, but the overall shape, interior and drive was far closer than the prices would suggest. If the differences matter to you, than buy what you like. But very few people will be able to tell your DBS from a DB9 and even fewer will be impressed or care.

I’m exactly the same as you, the DBS has always been ingrained in my mind ever since I first saw casino royale, definitely one of my top 3 dream cars so lovely to see it on this channel. Right up there with the 599 and the 8C. Totally different to the db9, that ducktail and diffuser with the clear lights just makes the rear end look so much more muscular

This is where a Virage or 2013+ DB9 make a ton of sense. These are double simply because of Bond. The real king is the stick Shift V12 Vantage S

Yes, it's a beaut. I have a 2008 Casino Royale Manual gearbox, 18k miles. Pure joy. Aston installations fitted High res screen and apple car play which makes all the difference. Great vid Dad, it will be my 14 month old grandson in the back soon.

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 !

I reckon the Virage is a good compromise. More special than the DB9 but cheaper than the DBS. I am biased though as I have one 😊

Lovely to see you having fun! Keep it up.

I think the stress about the pheasent and the speed bumps sums it up really, the added joy of the special extra bits are outweighed by the added stress it brings!

I came so close buying a manual DBS on 3 occasions. Damn this video!! I have to get one 😁

I bought a Aston Martin DBS last week in quantum silver and I go driving with my wife and both my girls who are 5 and 7 , it's a lovely car I'm so happy with it I get great response from people but unfortunately someone did try and open my driver's door with a bunch of house keys in his had and scratched the door handle so I'm very angry that someone would just take the liberty to touch someone else car with out asking, gutted I want to keep my DBS forever and take my children out in it for ever and be our ever car

Doing a great job Ben.

Fully agree about the next gen! My three daughters like my db9 glass key volante very much. Once in e while drop them to high school to impress the mass. Dry weather only😂. It is my second DB9, first was a 2006. This one is much much better to drive. A treat to drive so once in a while. Making memories with the next gen. I fully agree dadcar💪🏻!c

A few years ago I bought a v8 vantage which is amazing... But I kind of regret not getting a db9 instead, like you say its all about the memories. Most my other cars (and I have a few) are 2 seaters, a "4" seater Aston for myself and the family / kids would of been great. One day.

Great video, thanks.

I had no idea the DBS sounded so good! Great video, Ben. You’ll end up with another Aston one day, I’m sure of it. 🏆

I have a similar feeling about the DBS. It is the grail for me and the best looking Aston since I first watched Casino Royale. Three years ago I bought an 07 BRG Jaguar XKR aka the poor man's Aston. I love it and I can't see me ever owning the DBS unless I win the lottery.

Nice, but got to be original vanquish for me!

Pretty much the same can be said when comparing a Focus ST and RS, Audi S and RS, BMW M lite and M, they have to make the top spec one different enough to justify the price tag.

To answer one of your questions....my 2010 DB9 has the passenger airbag key to disable the front passenger air bag as per the DBS in the video!

I'm perfectly happy with my early DB9, it's in a nicer color combo than most of the DBS come in (I detest black, silver, gray or white cars) though that midnight Blue example Nicolas Mee I think had for sale recently very much appealed. People still comment on my "James Bond car", because 99% of people will never know the difference anyway. If I save money I can put that into upgrading the DB9 to DBS spec under the skin, still have a lot of money left over, and get more or less the same result.

Love my DB9 but if I ever get the chance to have one of these then I definitely would!

Love the vid - think the V12V would be the one for the track though!

For me the DBS certainly has the edge on looks, both are beautiful cars but the DBS being more aggressive in styling wins hands down even when parked.

I'd save up for the manual DBS, it would be nice to see a porsche panamera on the channel, a GTS preferably.

I apply this thinking to ANY car. If you want and can afford a base-spec MX-5 over some Euro-Box, a Golf GTI over a bogo model, or a big engine GT over an SUV, then do it. Live out the dream. It's exactly the same with the robotised manual; even if it's not the 'right' gearbox, better to have one of those over never doing it. Is there any car you Pickle doesn't fall asleep in? I feel like the test should be 'is there a car that can keep her awake' rather than be comfortable for her to sleep in.

Thanks!

Great content Ben 🙂 Keep sharing that AM passion. 🙂 On the point about the passenger airbag you raised, mine doesn't have a switch and my manual bluntly states "Aston Martin strongly recommends not to install any child seat on the front passenger seat of this vehicle". Ooff ! As mine is also a 2+0 that effectively means no child seats! The switch does appear to be available as a genuine AM part - so I think the switch on the dbs you tested here must have been an AM factory "extra". Crucial point to look out for dads of course - not least of all because it may (justifiably) lead to the new dream car needing to be returned if overlooked during the buying 'process'.

You're quite right, Ben. We should all seize the day!

Enjoyable video. A nice DBS starts from 70k, and for that money, a 2013 onwards Vanquish would be a better buy.

Good video.

Drove a manual some time ago.. great car. Very pretty but shame this era of Aston all look so similar

Love it! But still doesn't beat the Granturismo Ben. Nor the sound (I'm biased but as you know did make that choice). Loving the content.

i thought i am the only one who desires a DBS beacuse i cant forget about the time i watched casino royale :D

Superb and subscribed

Don't know how but sometimes I forget how beautiful astons look and sound. Db9 still looks better it just looks more smoother but this still looks absolutely stunning

DBS' will always be worth it. It's intangible, like Clarkson so poorly tried to describe when it first came out and compared it to the DB9.

wow this an interesting ford fusion!!

Sorry, i had to bail out at the sight of you clambering around that beautiful car in your kecks 😅🤣

Better than a DBS is a DBS Volante … for all your holidays … More V12 sound, more headroom at the back and great visibility

the issue for me in london is the width restrictors

Lovely car

For the price of s DBS its replacement the Vanquish is available......that would be my choice if I had the money...until then my DB9 is my preferred car!😂

Awesome wonder if this example has a defibrulator in the glovebox? On another note, were you driving a Jaguar xkr on the m1 on Friday? It could have have just been another bald bloke with a beard, maybe your doppelganger!

Sideways comment, but you have a video of what baby / kid seats fit well in a modern 911?

is a vanquish a better buy

🔥

It’s the Same car I’ve had them both lol

what about a rapide s

Buy a dbs just the best sounds is better

Promo`SM 😍

Great video.....get the DB9.2 and it's 99%a DBS at half the cost....lol