DB11 facelift/update?

[Beefmeister]

Saw a DB11 go past earlier and it made me think - it was launched in 2017 and there have been no significant updates since the V8/Volante/AMR of 2018.

Surely there must be a facelift due this year for the DB11? I must say, as beautiful as it is, i find the front end a little dull now.

I'm intrigued to see what they do with it, given the redone Vanteg nose and the DBSS frontage. I'm sure many from this forum will now lambast anything Aston could do, before they've done it...

[LTP]

I agree that at four years old you'd expect a mid-life refresh. The problem with the front end it they've painted themselves into a corner a bit with that enormous aluminium pressing for the clamshell - modifying that and the headlights are going to cost an absolute fortune, as you'd need to retool it completely - you still need the old parts for service.. Happy to be proven wrong but I doubt they have the cash.

[Jon39]

There is mention of this in the company 2020 Annual Report. It appears to be 2023.

Chairman's Report. - (extract)

By 2024/25, our plan is to produce about 10,000 units a year,
incorporating a refresh of the front-engine sports car range in 2023,
an expansion of the SUV offering, launch of the mid-engine range and
an exciting programme of Specials. During this period, we also
plan to launch our first hybrid vehicles, underscoring our
commitment to sustainability and lowering our carbon
footprint, which will be a transformational moment for the
Company. These vehicles will be powered by fully
customisable and cutting-edge technology developed by
Mercedes-Benz AG and are fundamental to ensuring Aston
Martin’s future success.

We recognise the importance of having a cadence of new and
refreshed models, incorporating updated technology through
the Strategic Cooperation Agreement, driving exclusivity and
maintaining dealer profitability, supported by the marketing
reach of the Aston Martin Cognizant F1TM branded team from
2021. The Company is looking forward to delivering the Aston
Martin Valkyrie hypercar from the second half of 2021 which
serves as ambassador for our mid-engine programme.

[Beefmeister]

LTP said:

I agree that at four years old you'd expect a mid-life refresh. The problem with the front end it they've painted themselves into a corner a bit with that enormous aluminium pressing for the clamshell - modifying that and the headlights are going to cost an absolute fortune, as you'd need to retool it completely - you still need the old parts for service.. Happy to be proven wrong but I doubt they have the cash.

Indeed, I can't see that changing. But the front and rear bumpers, along with light internals could be changed. You could do a lot while retaining the leading top edge of the grille.

They've certainly got their money's worth out of the front bumper, it didn't even change for the AMR.

[Beefmeister]

Jon39 said:

There is mention of this in the company 2020 Annual Report. It appears to be 2023.

Wow, it'll be looking very outdated by then.

[Djit]

I’d be very surprised if the DB11 refresh isn’t this year.

[Grant3]

Of course looks and design are all down to personal taste and I agree a refresh (particularly DBX interior and tech) is coming, but I for one don’t get the DB11 negatives, it still looks absolutely stunning IMO
The DB9 was a hard act to follow.... all the way from 2004-2015/6 with few exterior changes - the 11 is a modern interpretation of Aston’s classic design, complete with a tuneable exterior contemporary-traditional.

[RSbandit]

Beefmeister said:

Wow, it'll be looking very outdated by then.

Wouldn't necessarily agree there the Vanquish in particular still looks great almost 10 yrs in, I like the DB11 it's really grown on me and the car has a huge amount of presence in the flesh.

[cardigankid]

Beefmeister said:

Jon39 said:

There is mention of this in the company 2020 Annual Report. It appears to be 2023.

Wow, it'll be looking very outdated by then.

That is almost exactly what was being said about the DB6 in 1969. 'Old hat' was the popular expression. Was it outdated? Who was right? I would have had a DB6 then, and I would have one now. Does the DB11 honestly need a refresh? I'm thinking it doesn't. What it needs is for Aston to focus on quality, no more PR driven nonsense, and Lawrence Stroll to establish beyond question, in cooperation with Mercedes benz, that the brand is here for the long term, and the financial troubles are over.

Say what you like about Mercedes Benz, people trust them.( Even if you have a diesel engine, as I do in my GLC220d, and its fantastic.)

[hornbaek]

Sorry, but the DB11 was outdated the day it was launched. Previous generation infotainment and driver aids systems. AMR package brought a more dynamic update to the car but it was rushed. I like it but competition in that price bracket is very tough and looks / exclusivity alone doesn’t do it.

[anonymous-user]

If it wasn't for the 2030 ICE ban, there might have been an aesthetic update this year. I expect they're holding fire to unveil a comprehensive update in 2023. That would include hybrid assistance, and an updated interior including current MBUX based infotainment. Exterior styling - maybe it'll change, maybe it wont. I think it's ageing quite well though (just my opinion).

The logic is probably that they have one shot to update the model and get it to live through the ICE ban and make use of the dispensation afforded to hybrids (which can run on pure electric for 'substantial distances' through to 2035). Given how good the latest Mercedes hybrid tech is, by 2023 the update should provide the DB11 with the staying power it needs to bridge into the next decade.

Obligatory hideous looking car photo:

[Grant3]

hornbaek said:

Sorry, but the DB11 was outdated the day it was launched. Previous generation infotainment and driver aids systems. AMR package brought a more dynamic update to the car but it was rushed. I like it but competition in that price bracket is very tough and looks / exclusivity alone doesn’t do it.

In your personal opinion, but not everyone judges a car on it’s technology toys, personally I put design, character, dynamics and feelgood factor ahead of autobeam or Apple car play... as long as the basics are good (nav, audio, phone, park camera, etc). I agree the 11 now lags its main competitor the Bentley Continental on the technology front, (not the dynamic front as the 11 is the better steer) which came out 3 years later - because that uses Porsche systems which have the benefit of the huge VW/Audi group, it sits on the same platform as the Panamera.
There has been a tendancy to bash A.M. recently, just look at the new Ferrari Roma’s main screen and everyone goes on about the 11’s screen being plonked


I agree the car’s are far from perfect but In relative terms Aston Martin punch way above their weight on all fronts, they are a very small car company in a sea of giant conglomerates, but with the Mercedes tie up we can look forward to the best of both worlds, with Aston feelgood style, sound and dynamics along with more up to date tech - the DBX being another step forward.

[ExecutiveAction]

Hear, hear!

[Moonpie]

Thank you Grant for your elegant response.

[ExecutiveAction]

I feel that there is a, to my mind confused, drive to fix stuff that isn’t broken. Aston is publicly derided for tired ideas. It comes up with some brilliant innovative stuff. It then gets derided for departing from the old design. Then it is urged to change, yet again, for no particularly good reason. It’s almost Pavlovian. Are we so in love with the back catalogue that we cannot appreciate what is in front of us?

With the greatest respect to all, I think that the DB11 is one of the greatest designs Aston have ever produced. The clamshell bonnet with its soft close mechanism is better than any other manufacturer has come up with.

[LTP]

ExecutiveAction said:

Are we so in love with the back catalogue that we cannot appreciate what is in front of us?

Well in my case I like the latest-generation Astons. However, of necessity my bank balance is in love with the previous generation cars.

[Moonpie]

While meeting a fellow Vantage owner a few days ago for lunch, a third Aston, a stunning DB11 in Midnight Blue with Copper Tan interior was parked near us. The planets truly aligned to see three Aston’s in my neck of the woods.

The DB11 is simply stunning. Period.

[craigjm]

Beefmeister said:

Jon39 said:

There is mention of this in the company 2020 Annual Report. It appears to be 2023.

Wow, it'll be looking very outdated by then.

This is not talking about a facelift. A refresh of the range in management speak which is what you get in an annual report means a new car.

[LTP]

craigjm said:

A refresh of the range in management speak which is what you get in an annual report means a new car.

I think this in an annual report can mean anything the management team want it to mean to give the impression they have a dynamic model plan, because they could slap a new set of wheels on it and argue it now looks a bit fresher.

[Jon39]

craigjm said:

This is not talking about a facelift. A refresh of the range in management speak which is what you get in an annual report, means a new car.

Exciting news then.

'incorporating a refresh of the front-engine sports car range in 2023,'
Range meaning more than one, so presumably you are saying we can look forward to a new Vantage and a DB12 in 2023.

Have not seen any spy shots of development cars yet, and wonder where they found the money.