California is home to some of the most spectacular driving roads in the world. From the cliffside curves of Highway 1 south of Carmel, to the sweeping bends of Pacific Coast Highway through Malibu, to the volcanic terrain of Big Sur, the state has always demanded a car worthy of its scenery. And for drivers who want nothing short of perfection, that car is the Aston Martin DBS.
At Galpin Aston Martin in Los Angeles, we believe the DBS represents the ultimate expression of the grand touring philosophy. It is not merely a performance car. It is a companion for the long haul, a machine engineered to eat up vast distances in supreme comfort while never losing sight of the joy of driving. For California’s most dramatic roads, the DBS is the only appropriate choice.
The DBS V12: Power Beyond Measure
The heart of the Aston Martin DBS is its twin-turbocharged V12 engine. The DBS Superleggera is powered by a 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V12 producing 715 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful grand tourers ever offered for sale to the public. The numbers are staggering: zero to 60 in 3.4 seconds, a top speed of 211 miles per hour.
But raw numbers only tell part of the story. What makes the DBS V12 exceptional is the way it delivers that power. The torque arrives in a broad, crushing wave across the entire rev range, rather than in a narrow, peaky band. This means that on a long, fast highway like the Pacific Coast Highway heading north from Malibu toward Santa Barbara, the DBS simply accelerates with an ease and authority that most performance cars cannot match. The eight-speed automatic gearbox shifts with precision, each gear change punctuated by a satisfying crack from the titanium exhaust.
On the winding sections of Pacific Coast Highway or the switchbacks above Point Dume, the DBS proves equally capable. Its rear-wheel-drive configuration, adaptive suspension, and electronically controlled differential combine to deliver a driving experience that rewards skill while remaining composed and predictable at the limit.
Grand Touring Comfort for California Roads
A true grand tourer must do more than perform. It must carry its occupants in absolute comfort for hours at a stretch, whether that means a two-hour run from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara or a weekend trip up to San Francisco along the coast. The Aston Martin DBS excels in this regard.
Inside, the cabin is a masterclass in luxury. Full-grain leather covers every surface that the eye can see. Carbon fiber and aluminum trim pieces catch the light with a restrained elegance. The seats are broad and supportive, designed to hold driver and passenger securely through corners while remaining genuinely comfortable on long straights. A sophisticated audio system delivers exceptional sound quality that holds its own against the V12’s soundtrack.
Technology is woven seamlessly into the experience. The infotainment system provides navigation, media, and vehicle configuration options through a clear, driver-focused interface. Aston Martin’s active dynamics system allows the driver to choose from multiple suspension and powertrain settings, tailoring the car’s character to suit the road, the moment, and the mood. Drivers who want an open-air version of this same grand touring formula may also want to explore the DBS Volante, which pairs the same V12 performance with a retractable soft-top roof.
Luggage space, though limited by the DBS’s low-slung architecture, is more than adequate for a long weekend away. The deep trunk accommodates two cabin-sized bags with room to spare, making the DBS a genuinely practical choice for the California weekend driver.
Certified Timeless: The Smart Path to DBS Ownership
For Los Angeles-area drivers who want to experience the Aston Martin DBS at the highest level, Timeless by Galpin Aston Martin offers an exceptional path to ownership. Certified Timeless vehicles have been carefully selected, rigorously inspected, and professionally prepared to meet a standard of quality that goes beyond what most pre-owned programs offer.
The Certified Timeless collection at Galpin Aston Martin represents some of the finest pre-owned vehicles in Southern California. Each car has been reviewed by our trained technicians, and any vehicle that does not meet our stringent quality standards simply does not enter the program. The result is a collection of Aston Martins that can be purchased with complete confidence.
Certified Timeless vehicles are also eligible for special financing options and warranty coverage, providing additional peace of mind. For discerning buyers who appreciate both value and quality, the Certified Timeless program is the ideal way to acquire a DBS at the right price without compromise.
Planning Your California Coast Drive
The DBS was born for exactly the kind of drive that California offers. If you are planning a journey up the coast from Los Angeles, consider leaving early in the morning to catch the light on the water as you head through Malibu. Pacific Coast Highway at dawn, with the ocean on your left and the Santa Monica Mountains on your right, is one of the great driving experiences in the world, and the DBS makes it transcendent.
North of Malibu, the road opens up toward Oxnard and Ventura, where long sweeping bends reward confident driving. Continue through Santa Barbara, one of California’s most beautiful cities, and then on to San Luis Obispo, where the scenery begins to change from the flat coastal plain to rolling hills and vineyards. Above Big Sur, the road narrows and climbs, and the DBS comes alive on the tight, demanding curves that overlook the Pacific.
At Galpin Aston Martin, we are happy to help you plan your coastal drive and ensure that your DBS is perfectly prepared for the journey. Our service team can arrange a pre-trip inspection, and our sales team can walk you through the full range of Aston Martin models currently available, including certified pre-owned examples that represent outstanding value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Aston Martin DBS V12?
The Aston Martin DBS V12 is a high-performance grand touring car powered by a 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine. It produces 715 horsepower and reaches a top speed of 211 miles per hour, making it one of the most powerful grand tourers ever built.
What is the Certified Timeless program at Galpin Aston Martin?
Certified Timeless is Galpin Aston Martin’s pre-owned vehicle program. Each vehicle in the program has been rigorously inspected and professionally prepared to meet a high standard of quality, and all vehicles are eligible for special financing and warranty options.
Is the DBS a good car for long-distance driving?
Yes. The Aston Martin DBS is designed specifically for grand touring, meaning long-distance driving at high speed in maximum comfort. Its broad V12 torque curve, adaptive suspension, and luxurious interior make it ideal for California coast drives.
Can I trade in my current vehicle at Galpin Aston Martin?
Yes. We accept trade-ins and offer a vehicle value appraisal service. Contact our team to learn more about your trade-in options.
Where can I find a certified pre-owned Aston Martin DBS near Los Angeles?
At Galpin Aston Martin, we carry a selection of certified pre-owned DBS models through our Certified Timeless program at our San Fernando Valley location. Contact us or browse our online inventory to find available vehicles.
