Seven cars the Aston Martin DB11 has to beat

The new Aston Martin DB11 is kind of a big deal, not least because by our reckoning, it’s the first Aston since the old Vanquish that hasn’t used a version of the V/H platform (forget the Cygnet). It’s done Aston well over the years, admittedly, but hey, times change. 

Same goes for the glorious 6.0-litre V12, which likewise can trace its heritage back decades. The DB11 still has a V12, but it’s lost 800ccs of capacity and gained a couple of turbochargers for a total of 600bhp. Which is adequate. 

It’s not flawless, the DB11, but it is pretty damn good, which you’ll know if you’ve read our review. Though when it comes to continent-crushers, the competition is stiff. Click through the gallery for seven cars we reckon could be the £155K DB11’s closest competitors – these are the cars it has to beat.

As good as the DB11 at covering ground, but suffers for its Wilmslow-y image. And a smidge cheaper if you go for the V8 or regular W12. 

Read the TG review

The S-Class Coupe is a bit big, a bit flabby, and the AMG GT too hardcore. So we’re left with the venerable SL, we think a closer match to the DB11 for the way it goes about its business. Can even be had with a V12 for £173K.  

Read the TG review

We haven’t driven it yet, but everything we know about the new Panamera points towards it being an excellent GT. Get a Turbo and check some option boxes – you can’t go wrong. 

The Cali T is bang on the money, at £155K. Folding hard-top gives it the edge on the Cote d’Azure (at least until Aston lops the roof off the DB11), but everywhere else? To be decided.

Read the TG review

Not as hardcore as you might think, as we proved when we blatted down to Le Mans in one a few weeks back. Has aural drama in spades, something the DB11 lacks…

Read the TG review

Yep, Maserati still makes the GranTurismo, and it’s still achingly gorgeous all these years later. But dated inside and down on power. 

Read the TG review

Another car we haven’t driven. We’re looking forward to it, though, because this big, techy Lexus has great promise. Let’s just hope it delivers.