The legacies of a small group of carmakers include kings and queens, bespoke builds, stellar performance and mystique. Aston Martin has all of it. But about 50 years after its debut, the British manufacturer was catapulted into the automotive stratosphere. It became a James Bond car.

It wasn’t the first spy-versus-spy car. But when the Aston Martin DB5 was cast in the 1964 movie Goldfinger and driven by the tuxedo-wearing, martini-drinking fictional spy portrayed by Sean Connery, everything changed. The prototype was sexy and equipped with bulletproofing, revolving license plates, a homing device, smokescreens, tire-slashing wheel extensions, machine guns and an ejection seat.

Through ownership changes, financial woes and varying styles, four Aston Martin are currently crafted, the DBX, Vantage, Vanquish and DB12. The latter is still revered as the modern-day edition of the icon. It helped create the enduring allure of espionage car chases.

When the carmaker turned 110 in 2013 and much of its legend was revisited, company spokespeople detailed about 110,000 Aston Martins had been made to date. It roughly matched the tally of Toyotas made in two days.

Offered as a coupe or softtop convertible, the 2025 Aston Martin Coupe continues the vehicle generation unveiled in 2024. It features an amended chassis and powertrain, and it is remodeled with a more upscale interior design not unlike a modernized look and feel of a classy boutique hotel. Leather dominates.

What’s also new for 2025 is an optional panoramic glass roof, more steering wheel color choices, a carbon package that includes carbon-fiber paddle shifters and a gloss black exhaust tip.

State-of-the-art technology was missing in the DB11, but the new model has an in-house developed 10.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as part of the lengthy standard features list. Two USB ports, a wireless charging pad and a 360-degree camera are standard as is an 11-speaker audio system. Albeit costly ($10,000), the optional 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system is a better choice considering the vehicle’s stature.

Elegance reigns in the DB12’s interior. It’s styled beautifully as if coordinated by a meet-up group of interior designers, engineering wizards and comfort masters. It’s all automotive opulence.

Seating for four is listed among the official specs, but the backseat space is big enough for only the petite or for luggage.

Car colors are never simple, including Aston Martin. The review vehicle’s combination of its Seychelles Blue and All Copper Tan Metallic is as handsome as any chosen colors of any luxury vehicle. Its upscale paint is a $21,000 addition. 

Aston Martin has placed seat controls, a wireless charging pad and other controls in logical locations. It’s not the case for luxury vehicles. 

The new Aston Martin defines “grand tourer.” It’s perfect for driving and high speeds and while combining luxury and performance. It’s powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 with an eight-speed automatic transmission and electronic rear differential. The ride is powerful and balanced.

Differentiating features and nuances among ultimate luxury cars? Why squabble among great works of art on wheels.

The Ferrari 12Cilindr is fine as is the Rolls-Royce Spectre. The former starts at more than $200,000 more than the DB12, the latter begins at about $170,000 more than the Aston Martin. The Bentley Continental and Flying Spur exude understated performance and class. The Flying Spurs has a starting price of $276,000, the Continental GT begins at $306,000.

What’s equally impressive? The DB12’s bigger sibling, the Vanquish, with its starting price of just under $433,000 is also among luxury icons and it could top the list. The DB12 is no longer a customized espionage machine. Tuxedos, bad guys, pretty women and clever repartee aren’t required. But there’s nothing wrong with fantasy and fun. A dry martini is optional after the driving is done.

FACTS & FIGURES: 2025 Aston Martin DB12

Acceleration: 0-to-60 miles per hour, 3.3 seconds.

Airbags: 8.

Horsepower, 671.

Gas Mileage: 15 mpg city, 22 mpg highway.

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $245,000.00

Manufacturer’s Website: www.astonmartin.com.

Price As Reviewed: $325,000.00

Warranty: Bumper-to-Bumper, 3 years/unlimited mile; Drivetrain, 3 years/unlimited miles; Corrosion, 3 years, unlimited mile; Roadside assistance, 2 years/unlimited miles.