The DB9 is elegant, luxurious and supremely comfortable. Its cabin is hand-trimmed in beautiful, natural materials – primarily wood and leather – and incorporates the latest in modern technology without resorting to superfluous controls or displays. There is a minimum of distraction – even the satellite navigation screen folds discreetly away when not in use.
Every element of the interior is hand-made and hand-finished, from the cutting of the leather to the carefully crafted wood. This is done not out of deference to tradition, but because a skilled craftsman can finish wood or leather to a far higher standard than any machine. The leather is particularly soft and supple, as you would expect of Aston Martin, and is used throughout the cabin.
The wood trims are inspired by hand-finished modern furniture and there is a choice of five: Walnut, Mahogany, Bamboo, Tamo Ash and Piano Black. In every case, ‘single-piece’ cuts are used, rather than tiny strips or thin appliqués. Crafting such large pieces of wood is only possible when done by hand.
The use of aluminium on the dashboard, instrument panel, centre console and door handles reflects the aluminium structure that underpins the entire car. The finish is stylish and contemporary, yet the material itself is steeped in automotive tradition.
The DB9 has exceptional equipment levels, as one would expect in a high-performance sports car with GT levels of comfort and refinement.
The driver’s first interaction with the powerful V12 engine is a blend of tradition and high technology, with a touch of theatre. The ignition is controlled by a stainless steel and glass ECU (Emotion Control Unit), designed to be as tactile and refined as a fine timepiece. The ECU is inserted into a special docking station set within the traditional clear glass starter button. Pressing the ECU flush with the surface of the starter button fires the engine. After pressing once again to stop the engine, the ECU rises out of its slot within the button so that it can be removed.
The centre console has clear, crisp graphics, with a traditional analogue clock at the centre flanked by rotary controls for the heating and air-conditioning system. These solid, turned aluminium controls also operate the audio system, integrated Bluetooth telephone and ultra-quick Hard Disk Drive (HDD) satellite navigation functions.
Audio is provided by the 700 W Premium Audio System with Dolby® Pro Logic II®. Designed exclusively for Aston Martin, this system features high-quality, fibre-optic electronics, which pass audio signals with marvellous precision and near-perfect clarity. The console also includes a slot for the six-CD auto-changer, while beneath the centre armrest there is connectivity for iPod and MP3 players.
Full Bluetooth integration is standard on the DB9, enabling you to synchronise your mobile telephone directory through the car’s display screens. It can also display the last 10 calls received, made and missed.
Aston Martins are hand-built cars, made to order, and this bespoke approach enables the provision of any combination of paint and leather trim colours. There is, however, an extensive palette of standard body colours and interior finishes, carefully chosen by Aston Martin’s design team to complement the forms, materials and surfaces of the car.
Twenty standard paint colours are available, categorised as either ‘contemporary’, ‘fast track’ or ‘special’, and varying from subtle metallics to the brightest hues. In addition, twenty shades of the finest, softest leather, nine colours of carpet and five choices of wood trim complete the standard range. For the DB9 Volante, there are eight hood colours available, from Black to Sandstorm.
Standard features include satellite navigation (where available), rear parking sensors, Bluetooth telephone connectivity, cruise control, powerfold mirrors, tyre-pressure monitoring and heated front seats. Additional options are available, including diamond-turned alloy wheels, personalised sill plaques and a bright-finish grille.
The DB9 was the first Aston Martin to be produced at the company’s factory at Gaydon in Warwickshire. Hand-built by technicians and craftsmen at a series of work stations, it benefits from the superior levels of finish and exclusive design details that would be impossible in a mass-produced car. The paintwork of each DB9 undergoes 50 man-hours of painting, polishing and finishing to achieve the perfect surface.