BMW M8 vs Aston Martin DB12
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Coupes compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The BMW M8 starts from $377,000 before on-road costs, while the Aston Martin DB12 opens at $455,000. That makes the BMW M8 the more affordable entry point by $78,000.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $414,700 and $500,500 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW M8 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, Bowers & Wilkins audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Aston Martin DB12. The Aston Martin DB12 counters with Apple CarPlay and Burmester audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BMW M8 uses a Petrol producing 460kW and 750Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5 seconds.
The Aston Martin DB12 responds with a Twin-turbo petrol making 500kW and 800Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 3.6 seconds.
The Aston Martin DB12 has the clear power advantage at 500kW vs 460kW. In the real-world sprint, the Aston Martin DB12 is 1.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW M8 measures 5,098mm long on a 3,027mm wheelbase, 373mm longer than the Aston Martin DB12 at 4,725mm (2,805mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW M8 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 420L in the BMW M8 and 262L in the Aston Martin DB12, giving the BMW M8 a 158L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m diameter
Average
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $3,278/year for the BMW M8 and $3,477/year for the Aston Martin DB12. That is a $199 annual difference in favour of the BMW M8.
Estimated annual total: $3,278 (BMW M8) vs $3,477 (Aston Martin DB12). The BMW M8 saves you roughly $199 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW M8) vs 3 years (Aston Martin DB12). The BMW M8 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW M8 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Aston Martin DB12 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Aston Martin's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW M8 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The BMW M8 will save you roughly $199 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the BMW M8 has a clear edge. The BMW M8 adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW M8 and Aston Martin DB12?
The BMW M8 is the cheapest at $377,000 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Aston Martin DB12 by $78,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW M8 uses the least fuel at 11.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW M8 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW M8 has the largest boot at 420L.
Which has the best warranty?
The BMW M8 has the longest warranty at 5 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Aston Martin DB12 makes the most power at 500kW. The Aston Martin DB12 is quickest to 100km/h in 3.6s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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