The 2012 facelift does more than refresh the DB9 visually. It moves the car closer to the Virage technically, improves rigidity, braking and the definition of the `AM11 V12`, while keeping the classical elegance that defines the line. The result is a more serious car without losing any grace, which makes it especially interesting for anyone who wants a large naturally aspirated Aston alongside a more technical Porsche 911.
With `517 hp` from the `AM11` engine and a revised `Touchtronic`, this phase feels more coherent than the first DB9. It is sharper, better tied down and more modern in presentation while still behaving like an English grand tourer. For many buyers, this is the right compromise if they want V12 nobility without stepping into the harsher exclusivity of a DBS.