Best Aston Martin Cars for Highway Driving: Unrivaled Grand Touring Experience
The Allure of the Open Road with Aston Martin
Aston Martin. The name itself conjures images of sophistication, power, and an undeniable sense of occasion. For decades, this iconic British marque has perfected the art of the grand tourer—cars designed not just for speed, but for covering vast distances in utmost comfort and style. While many associate Aston Martins with thrilling mountain passes or glamorous cityscapes, their true brilliance often shines brightest on the open highway. Here, the blend of robust engineering, opulent interiors, and timeless design creates an unrivaled driving experience.
What truly makes an Aston Martin an ideal companion for highway driving? It's a synergy of factors: powerful engines that deliver effortless cruising, sophisticated suspension systems that iron out imperfections, sumptuously appointed cabins that cocoon occupants, and an inherent stability that inspires confidence at speed. Let's delve into some of the best Aston Martin models that truly excel when eating up miles on the motorway.
Aston Martin DB11: The Quintessential Grand Tourer
The DB11 stands as a testament to Aston Martin's commitment to grand touring. Succeeding the venerable DB9, the DB11 introduced a fresh design language and modern architecture while retaining the marque's core values. Available with either a potent Mercedes-AMG-sourced 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 or Aston Martin's own majestic 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12, both engines provide an abundance of power perfect for highway cruising. The V12, in particular, offers a surge of torque that makes overtaking effortless, while its smooth delivery ensures a relaxed journey.
Beyond brute force, the DB11's chassis is finely tuned for comfort. Its adaptive damping system allows drivers to switch between modes, from a supple, compliant ride perfect for long hauls to a firmer setting for more engaging drives. The interior is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, with acres of fine leather, exquisite stitching, and a driver-focused cockpit. Excellent sound insulation ensures that road and wind noise are kept to a minimum, creating a serene environment where the miles melt away without fatigue.
Aston Martin DBS Superleggera: Power and Prestige on the Open Road
While the DBS Superleggera might appear to be a more aggressive, track-focused beast, its grand touring DNA is unmistakably present. Beneath its muscular, aerodynamically optimized exterior lies a truly magnificent 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 engine, churning out a colossal 715 horsepower. This immense power means the DBS Superleggera doesn't just cruise; it obliterates distances with breathtaking ease.
Despite its performance credentials, the DBS Superleggera retains a surprising degree of comfort for a car of its caliber. The suspension, while firmer than the DB11's, still manages to provide a compliant ride on most highway surfaces, making it a viable option for those who crave extreme power without sacrificing too much touring comfort. Its commanding presence and luxurious interior ensure that every journey feels like a grand event, whether you're heading across a continent or simply enjoying a spirited Sunday drive.
Aston Martin Rapide S: The Four-Door Grand Tourer
For those who need to share the Aston Martin highway experience with more than one passenger, the Rapide S (and its predecessor, the original Rapide) offers an elegant, four-door solution. Blending the performance and luxury of a two-door GT with enhanced practicality, the Rapide S is a truly unique proposition.
Powered by Aston Martin's naturally aspirated 6.0-litre V12 engine, the Rapide S delivers smooth, linear power—a distinct pleasure on the highway. Its longer wheelbase contributes to superior ride comfort and stability at speed, making it an excellent choice for family road trips or executive travel. While the rear seats are more suited for children or shorter adults on extended journeys, the ability to carry four people in genuine Aston Martin style makes it an unparalleled highway cruiser in its segment.
Aston Martin Vanquish (Previous Generation): A Legacy of Grandeur
The previous generation Aston Martin Vanquish (2012-2018) is a modern classic that perfectly embodies the spirit of a high-performance grand tourer. With its stunning design, crafted from carbon fiber panels, and powered by a potent 6.0-litre naturally aspirated V12, the Vanquish offers a raw, yet refined, highway experience.
The engine's glorious soundtrack, especially when revved, is a symphony that never tires. On the highway, it settles into a comfortable hum, providing ample power for effortless cruising. The interior, handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail, offers a level of luxury and sophistication that makes long journeys a true pleasure. The Vanquish, with its timeless appeal and formidable performance, remains an exceptional choice for those seeking an iconic Aston Martin highway companion.
Aston Martin DB12: The New Super Tourer
As the successor to the DB11, the recently unveiled DB12 has been dubbed the world's first "super tourer." While not extensively available, it promises to elevate the Aston Martin grand touring experience to new heights. With a formidable 671 hp twin-turbo V8 engine, advanced chassis dynamics, and an entirely new, state-of-the-art interior, the DB12 is designed to be even more engaging and comfortable over long distances. Its focus on enhanced performance paired with unparalleled luxury positions it as a truly exciting prospect for future highway adventures.
Why Aston Martins Excel on Highways
- Effortless Power Delivery: Aston Martin's V8 and V12 engines provide huge reserves of torque, allowing for relaxed cruising at high speeds and instant, responsive acceleration for overtaking, without ever feeling strained.
- Superior Ride Comfort and Stability: Sophisticated adaptive suspension systems expertly balance ride comfort with high-speed stability, absorbing road imperfections while keeping the car composed and planted.
- Luxurious, Serene Interiors: High-quality materials like Bridge of Weir leather, advanced infotainment systems, ergonomic seating, and exceptional sound deadening create a tranquil and opulent cabin environment, reducing driver fatigue on long journeys.
- Distinctive and Timeless Design: Every Aston Martin is a work of art. Their elegant, muscular forms turn heads on any road, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the highway experience.
- Driver Engagement: While comfortable, Aston Martins still offer a sublime connection between driver and machine, making long journeys not just relaxing, but also deeply rewarding.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Highway Companions
For those who view driving as an experience to be savored, not rushed, Aston Martin offers a collection of cars perfectly suited for the highway. From the refined elegance of the DB11 to the raw power of the DBS Superleggera, and the unique practicality of the Rapide S, each model provides a distinct flavor of grand touring excellence. These are not just cars; they are meticulously crafted machines designed to transform long journeys into memorable adventures, embodying the very essence of luxury, performance, and the sheer joy of the open road. When it comes to conquering highways in style, comfort, and exhilarating performance, an Aston Martin remains in a league of its own.