What are the differences in the DBS over 2008 - 2012?

[Viperzs]

I have been looking at the DBS until it's the right time for me to commit. What I haven't able to find is a comprehensive list of differences between the early 2008/2009 models and the final 2012 model. All I've found so far is that the rising speakers became standard, the seat controls become smaller and chrome, and the early models are more likely to have no rear seats.

Is there anything else, does it make a difference which year you get?

[N430]

Have a look here, may not answer all your questions but a start! https://astonmartins.com/car-category/vh-architect...

[Minglar]

Viperzs said:

I have been looking at the DBS until it's the right time for me to commit. What I haven't able to find is a comprehensive list of differences between the early 2008/2009 models and the final 2012 model. All I've found so far is that the rising speakers became standard, the seat controls become smaller and chrome, and the early models are more likely to have no rear seats.

Is there anything else, does it make a difference which year you get?

Imho, in addition to what you already know, the three most obvious differences are as follows -
1. Gearbox - the car was launched with a six speed manual. This was quietly dropped midway through the cars lifecycle and later cars were all fitted with a six speed automatic. Low mileage early manual cars still command a fairly significant price premium though.
2. Wheels - it’s very easy to tell the age of DBS from the wheel design. The very early cars had a slim 20 spoke (more like 10 doubles really) spoke design. From about 2009/2010 onwards most cars were fitted with thicker 10 spoke (more like 5 doubles really) wheels.
3. Sat Nav - As with all Gaydon VH cars of that era, early cars were fitted with the Volvo system. Garmin became the standard fitment towards the end of the production run.
HTH a bit. BRM.

[AMTony]

Later cars had B&O as standard along with smaller exterior rear mirrors!

[Dobie177]

There were also a number of more subtle updates...
- plastic buttons became glass buttons (can be retrofitted of course)
- updated seat controls - plastic to chrome
- updated wipers
etc.

[dbs2000]

I believe from 2010 onwards there was quite a bit of tweaking and refinement done. I know my 2010 felt far better than my 2009.

[EVR]

Is the final 2012 then the best year?