2017 Aston Martin DB11: A first look at a rare delight

PORTLAND, Ore. — It takes more than 300 hours to construct a single Aston Martin DB11. The paint alone takes 50 hours to apply. And each car being assembled has a designated seamstress who does all the stitch work for the entire vehicle.

For reference, an average mass-produced vehicle can go through the assembly line in less than 24 hours.

Thus, it’s no surprise that every detail from the tailpipes to the push-button gearing on the DB11 is exquisite.

During a recent all-female Heels & Wheels event, I had the rare opportunity to get some seat time in the all-new 2017 DB11. And it was AH-mazing.

From the moment you sink into those hand-stitched seats and press the ignition button to that final breath of new-car Aston Martin smell, the entire experience is a sensory delight.

The vehicle we drove was an intense sky blue color with actual shards of glass embedded in the paint so that it sparkled at every angle. The interior was a symphony of red, white and blue leather with stitching so intricate that you could tell that the seamstress was right or left handed. Every touch point from the beveled edges on the steering wheel dials to the embossed DB11 logo on the headrests is luxurious.

The audible roar of the exhaust at start and under acceleration is enough to make your stomach flip – even without driving aggressively. Though the DB11 is certainly capable of being both aggressive and nimble.

The DB11 is equipped with a phenomenal 5.2-liter V-12 engine that delivers 600 horsepower and 515 pound-feet of torque. That makes it the most powerful DB production model in Aston Martin’s history.

The half-hour-long drive route consisted of twisty bits, speed bumps and a short highway stint. So, while I wasn’t on a closed-course racetrack, I got a good sense of ride and handling. It was smooth over the rough-hewn pavement and handled the speed bumps without too much jarring. The highway bit made me chortle with glee as I punched the accelerator and hit the speed limit in mere seconds.

Though it felt like I went from zero to fast in a heartbeat, the actual 0-to-60-mph time is 3.8 seconds.

The DB11 is one of those rare vehicles that is fast, capable and comfortable, and while the trunk isn’t necessarily made to store luggage for a long road trip, you could certainly take one in this vehicle and be sinfully happy at every turn.

Base price for the DB11 is $211,995, and the vehicle we tested added about $20K in options for an as-tested price of $230,345.

It’s worth every penny.

Anyone who’s ever watched a James Bond movie is familiar with this iconic brand, and though the DB11 doesn’t have lasers shooting out of the tailpipe or hidden torpedoes, it’s clearly a special vehicle that is a rare treat for anyone who has the chance to drive it.

I could continue to gush, but instead I’ll let the photos do the talking.