Unveiling Elegance: Who designed the Aston Martin DB9?
The Aston Martin DB9 is one of those cars that makes you slow your walk the moment you spot one. The shape is familiar, but it still stirs something. When I first slid behind the wheel of a 2013 Aston Martin DB9—freshly detailed, smelling faintly of leather and old-school craftsmanship—I was reminded why this grand tourer has such a grip on enthusiasts. It’s not just the V12 soundtrack or the way it settles into a fast cruise. It’s the design. The proportions. The quiet confidence.
The design story of the Aston Martin DB9
Ask any designer and they’ll tell you: good lines last. The DB9 is proof. Henrik Fisker penned the DB9, channeling the classic long-bonnet, cab-rearward Aston silhouette and surfacing it with that ironed-smooth tension you only see on cars that age well. Ian Callum’s DB7 set the tone; Fisker sharpened it for the 2000s. The side strakes, the clean rear haunches, the low, purposeful nose—it all reads as modern British understatement, not fashion.
Driving the 2013 Aston Martin DB9: the sweet spot
The 2013 model year is a gem. It effectively replaced the short-lived Virage, bringing across the DBS’s carbon-ceramic brake tech and amping the V12 to 510 hp (517 PS) and 457 lb-ft. Officially, you’ll see 0–60 mph in about 4.6 seconds and a 183 mph top end. Unofficially, it feels faster the moment you lean into the throttle and the V12 clears its throat.
Two things stood out to me on a blustery B-road test loop: first, the way the Adaptive Damping System breathes with rough tarmac in Normal yet stiffens helpfully in Sport; second, the brakes. Carbon ceramics can be grabby in some exotics, but here they’re progressive—easy to meter in town, utterly resolute on a fast downhill. The six-speed Touchtronic 2 auto suits the DB9’s GT vibe. Yes, you could find a manual in earlier years, but by 2013 the self-shifter is the default—and honestly, the car wears it well.
- Engine: 5.9-liter (5935 cc) AM11 V12, 510 hp, 457 lb-ft
- 0–60 mph: approx. 4.6 seconds
- Top speed: 183 mph
- Brakes: Standard carbon-ceramic discs (2013 facelift)
- Transmission: 6-speed Touchtronic 2 automatic
Inside the Aston Martin DB9: craftsmanship meets reality
I noticed right away how the cabin still feels properly hand-finished. The leather is glove-soft, the stitching careful, the steering wheel just the right thickness. The 2+2 layout is optimistic for adults—kids will be fine for short runs or school-bag duty—but that’s the deal with most premium GTs. The infotainment is the bit that dates the hardest. It works, and the optional premium audio can be lovely, but this isn’t an iPhone-on-wheels experience. In a way, that adds to the charm. You drive more, you poke screens less.
Keeping your DB9 pristine: AutoWin floor mats
Small upgrades make a difference in a car like this. I’ve tried a few aftermarket mats over the years; the better ones don’t just fit, they look like they belong. These do:
Fitment is the first test; finish is the second. AutoWin’s custom mats hug the DB9’s footwells cleanly and keep the cabin looking factory-fresh. If you’d rather lean into a richer look, the leather-trimmed set does a neat job of elevating the space without shouting.
Want a little flourish? The red-trim set is tasteful rather than shouty—think Savile Row lining, not sneaker neon.
Aston Martin DB9 vs. rivals: the premium GT league
I’ve had weekends with all three of these at one time or another. The personalities are distinct. The Aston Martin DB9 is the one you take for a long coastal run, windows cracked, no rush to be anywhere.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aston Martin DB9 (2013) | 510 hp V12 | ~4.6 s | Grand tourer poise, timeless design, rich soundtrack |
| Porsche 911 Carrera S (991) | 400 hp flat-six | ~4.1–4.3 s (PDK) | Clinical speed, daily-driver ease, tech-forward |
| Bentley Continental GT (W12) | 567 hp W12 | ~4.3 s | Luxury sledgehammer, all-weather comfort |
Where the Aston Martin DB9 still shines
- Design that hasn’t dated—a future classic vibe.
- Natural steering feel and relaxed high-speed composure.
- V12 sound that makes every tunnel a small celebration.
Where it could be better
- Infotainment is old-school; Bluetooth and nav feel dated.
- Rear seats are for kids or overnight bags, not adults.
- Running costs aren’t small—budget like you mean it.
A few Aston Martin DB9 facts buyers ask me about
- Production: Roughly 16,500 DB9s were built from 2004–2016 (coupé and Volante combined).
- Special editions: Carbon Black and Carbon White were limited-run style packages; Aston didn’t publish a global cap, but they were produced in small numbers.
- Prices now: Condition-led. You’ll see anything from about $50,000 to $100,000+ in the U.S. for well-kept late cars; nice 2013s tend to sit in the upper middle of that range.
Conclusion: why the Aston Martin DB9 still matters
The Aston Martin DB9 is one of the last great analog-feel GTs—civilized, soulful, and just modern enough. Its design—Fisker’s lines guided by Callum’s legacy—remains the ace in the pack. Add a few thoughtful touches, like well-fitted AutoWin floor mats to keep the cabin crisp, and you’ve got a luxury GT that feels special every single time you twist the crystal key. Not perfect. All the better for it.
FAQ: Aston Martin DB9
Who designed the Aston Martin DB9?
Henrik Fisker led the exterior design of the DB9, evolving themes set by Ian Callum on the DB7. Later model-year tweaks came under Marek Reichman.
How fast is the 2013 Aston Martin DB9?
About 4.6 seconds from 0–60 mph and a top speed around 183 mph, thanks to its 510 hp V12.
How many Aston Martin DB9s were made?
Approximately 16,500 units from 2004 through 2016, including coupé and Volante.
Is the Aston Martin DB9 reliable?
With proper maintenance and regular use, many owners report solid dependability for a hand-built GT. Budget realistically for servicing—consumables and carbon-ceramic braking components aren’t bargain-bin.
How do you jump-start an Aston Martin DB9?
- Access the battery in the trunk/boot.
- Connect positive to positive, then negative to a solid ground point on the car (not the battery post).
- Start the donor vehicle, charge for a few minutes, then start the DB9.
- Remove cables in reverse order. Using a quality maintainer is safer for long-term storage.
