When hearing the name Aston Martin, it is not family vehicles that come to mind first but rather sports and supercars. However, over the last few years, the British marque has developed models that could perhaps serve the purpose of both those categories. In this article, we take a look at Aston Martin's current range to find out if there are any models that are good for families.
Related: Aston Martin DBX (2020) Review
When considering a family vehicle, there are a few key areas in which a vehicle needs to excel at such as offering enough space for more than two people, having enough safety equipment to keep a family safe and of course having enough performance to handle the added weight of additional occupants and their luggage.
Aston Martin DB11
The Aston Martin DB11 made its first global appearance in 2016 and replaced the popular DB9 model range. As you would expect, the DB11 is quite a stunning vehicle in either the cabriolet or Volante form or coupé configuration. At the time of writing this article there are three derivatives on offer, two fitted with a V8 and one with a roaring V12 engine.
Performance
Should you choose either the DB11 V8 Volante or the DB11 V8 Coupé, the vehicle comes fitted with a 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged, V8 petrol engine producing 375 kW and 675 Nm of torque. This is enough to propel the vehicle to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds and yet claims to return an average fuel consumption figure of 9.9 L / 100 km.
The DB11 V12 AMR Coupé on the other hand offers customers 5.2-litre, twin-turbocharged, V12 petrol motor, capable of 470 kW and 700 Nm. The additional performance sees the acceleration time to 100 km/h reduced to just 3.7 km/h, however, results in a higher claimed average fuel consumption figure of 11.4 L / 100 km.
Safety
All three the DB11 variants come fitted with no less than eight airbags to protect the front and rear occupants during a collision. To assist the driver, safety systems such as ABS brakes with electronic brake assists, traction and stability control features as standard. For those with infants or children that would like to fit a child seat, ISOFIX is optionally available for the front passenger seat.
Space
As one would expect from the performance-oriented design of the DB11, space in the cabin and luggage area is limited. Although the DB11 is classified as a 2+2, the rear two seats are better suited for small children or teens rather than adults. The boot is rated at 270-litres which is enough for two carry-on suitcases and a few soft bags, however, in the case of the Volante, this space is further reduced when the roof is stowed.
Aston Martin DBS
Previously known as the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera before the 2022 model year arrived, the Aston Martin DBS first made its way onto the market in 2018 as the flagship offering from the British marque. Although the model also takes shape as a 2+2 like the DB11, it is only offered with a V12.
Performance
The Aston Martin DBS comes fitted with a 5.2-litre, twin-turbocharged, V12 petrol engine coupled to an 8-speed automatic transmission. This configuration is capable of 534 kW and 900 Nm of torque which results in an acceleration time of 3.4 seconds from 0 - 100 km/h and a top speed of 340 km/h. The British marque claims an average fuel consumption figure of 13.8 L / 100km.
Safety
In addition to the ABS brakes with electronic brake assists and traction-, stability-control systems as found in the DB11, the DBS sees a hill start assist system fitted. Both the Volante and coupé variants of the DBS feature no less than eight airbags.
Space
As alluded to earlier, the DBS offer seating for four occupants, however, as with the DB11, the space at the rear of the cabin is more suited to children or shorter individuals. At the rear of the vehicle, owners can expect 224-litres of boot space which is enough space for a few travel bags or two sets of golf clubs.
Aston Martin DBX
The Aston Martin DBX is a first of its kind vehicle for the British automaker as it is an SUV rather than a sports car as the brand is known for producing. Official production of the DBX started in 2020 and since then has become the best-selling model for the UK based manufacturer.
Performance
Under the bonnet features a 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged, V8 petrol engine, coupled to a 9-speed automatic transmission. This combination results in 405 kW and 700 Nm of torque which propels the vehicle from 0 - 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 291 km/h. Aston Martin claims the DBX will return an average fuel consumption figure of 14.3 L / 100 km.
Safety
Like with the flagship DBS model, the DBX comes fitted with ABS brakes with electronic brake assists as well as traction and stability control systems. The British automaker also incorporated a hill start assist system for added safety and convenience. Inside the cabin, the DBX features six airbags for the occupants as well as ISOFIX mounting points for child seats.
Space
The Aston Martin DBX is easily the most spacious vehicle in the current range as it offers seating for five occupants. The cabin space is also ample for both front and rear passengers with adequate shoulder, leg and headroom. As for the boot, the DBX is rated 632-litres, ample for luggage for five individuals.
Verdict
While a majority of Aston Martin's current model range offers seating for more than two occupants, it is only really with the DBX that the brand thoroughly meets the requirements of a family. Although owners shouldn't have any trouble transporting a few family members on short trips with either the DB11 or DBS, longer trips might make the rear occupants feel cramped. Thus if you are planning on purchasing one of the latter models, Aston Martin might not be the best option for your family, however, if you are planning on getting the DBX, the British marque will be good.
