Aston Martin
DB11
Owner report available
BMW
M8
Owner report available
Aston Martin DB11 vs BMW M8
The short answer
Based on available data, the Aston Martin DB11 comes out ahead of the BMW M8 on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
DB11
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear divide between appreciation for its grand touring character and criticism of its driving dynamics and competitive positioning. The DB11 is consistently praised for its stunning aesthetics, long-distance comfort, and the emotional appeal of the V12 engine, particularly in earlier, naturally aspirated models from the VH platform. Owners report high satisfaction with its usability as a daily driver or for extensive road trips, citing a comfortable ride and a special, understated presence.
Best version to buy
V12 models are overwhelmingly recommended over V8 models. The AMR trim is mentioned favorably.
Known issues
- Brake squeal (Brembo system): very loud squealing, especially at low speeds when brakes are warm. Frequency: recurrent.
- Feels heavy and lacks engagement: car feels large, heavy, and not as sharp or engaging to drive as competitors; V8 engine noted as underpowered for the chassis. Frequency: recurrent.
- High running costs: very expensive parts and labor; high insurance premiums with limited carrier options; specialist subscription required for repair manuals. Frequency: recurrent.
M8
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear divide between appreciation for its capabilities and criticism of its character. The vehicle is widely acknowledged as extremely fast, comfortable, luxurious, and built to a high quality with tight assembly tolerances. It is consistently described as an excellent grand tourer that does everything well, offering a blend of performance, technology, and daily usability.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" version (e.g., Coupe vs. Gran Coupe, Competition vs. base).
Known issues
- Lack of driving emotion/excitement: described as bland, boring, or lacking visceral feel despite high performance. Frequency: very frequent.
- Ignition coil and coolant hose failures: on the hot-V 4.4L V8 in related models (M6), noted as a potential age-related concern for the M8. Frequency: isolated.
- Ride quality: described as very stiff, to the point of compromising its grand touring comfort, especially when compared to the M850i. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Aston Martin DB11 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the BMW M8, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Aston Martin DB11 are a dealbreaker, the BMW M8 is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Aston Martin DB11 or the BMW M8?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Aston Martin DB11 than the BMW M8. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Aston Martin DB11 or the BMW M8?
The BMW M8 seats more passengers than the Aston Martin DB11 on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Aston Martin DB11 is classed as a Coupe, the BMW M8 as a Coupe.
Which has better fuel economy, the Aston Martin DB11 or the BMW M8?
The EPA rates the 2023 Aston Martin DB11 at 17–20 mpg combined and the 2025 BMW M8 at 17 mpg, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Aston Martin DB11 or the BMW M8?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Aston Martin DB11 than the BMW M8. See the known issues comparison above.