2025 Aston Martin DB12 vs 2026 BMW M4
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Aston Martin DB12 arrives as the pinnacle of grand touring, boasting a staggering 671 hp from its potent engine, an emotional proposition priced at $245,000. Conversely, the 2026 BMW M4 represents razor-sharp track capability paired with genuine usability, offered significantly lower at $81,300 and appealing to purists with its standard 6-speed manual transmission. The power gap is immense; the DB12 unleashes 198 hp more than the M4's 473 hp, but this comes at a steep cost, as the Aston Martin manages only 17 combined MPG compared to the M4’s superior efficiency. Furthermore, the DB12 sits lower and wider at 51.0 inches tall and 76.5 inches wide, embodying classic supercar proportions versus the slightly taller M4 at 55.0 inches. This comparison pits ultra-luxury performance against accessible, driver-focused agility.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 BMW M4
The BMW M4 wins for commuting due to its significantly lower MSRP of $81,300 and better overall fuel consumption.
2026 BMW M4
The M4 is the practical choice here, offering 15.5 cu ft of cargo capacity and a $163,700 lower entry price.
2025 Aston Martin DB12
The Aston Martin DB12 claims the enthusiast crown with its dominant 671 hp, offering a far more explosive performance experience.
2026 BMW M4
With a price difference exceeding $160,000, the 2026 BMW M4 provides an unmatched blend of performance and affordability.
Choose the Aston Martin DB12 if...
- You demand maximum performance, highlighted by the DB12's 671 hp output.
- You desire the ultimate statement in luxury grand touring with a low stance of 51.0 inches.
- Budget is unrestricted, and the experience of driving an Aston Martin is the primary goal.
Choose the BMW M4 if...
- You prefer a direct connection to the drivetrain via the standard 6-speed manual transmission.
- You require better fuel economy, as the M4 avoids the DB12's low 17 combined MPG figure.
- You prioritize excellent performance for under $85,000, rather than the DB12's $245,000 MSRP.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Aston Martin DB12 | BMW M4 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 186.0" | 189.1" |
| Width | 76.5" | 74.3" |
| Height | 51.0" | 55.0" |
| Wheelbase | 110.4" | 112.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Aston Martin | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Integrated Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Front Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | — | 2 |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Aston Martin | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 4.0 L | 3.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V8 | inline 6 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 671 hp @ 6000 rpm | 473 hp @ 6250 rpm |
| Torque | 590 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm | 406 lb-ft @ 2650 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 32 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Aston Martin | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Rear Differential Type | Limited Slip | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Aston Martin | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 15/22 MPG | — |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 17 MPG | — |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 309.0/453.2 mi. | 0/0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20.6 gal. | 15.6 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Aston Martin | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front View Camera | ✓ | — |
| Side View Camera | ✓ | — |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Parking Assist | ✓ | — |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Aston Martin | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.25 in | 14.9 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 390W | 464W |
| Speaker System | 11 | 16 |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | With Real Time Traffic | ✓ |
| Premium Speaker Brand | — | Harman/Kardon |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 2 |
| Surround Audio | — | Discrete |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 12 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Aston Martin | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Aston Martin | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.6 in. | 40.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 45.1 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 54.3 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 12-way | 10-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 3 | 2 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 12-way | 10-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | 3 | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Premium Leather | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Aston Martin | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Rear Head Room | — | 35.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | — | 34.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | — | 51.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Aston Martin | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 21 in | 19 x 10.5 in |
| Tire Type | Performance | Performance |
| Tire Size | 325/30R Z | 285/35R Z |
Suspension
| Feature | Aston Martin | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Aston Martin | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 3 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 10 yr./ unlimited mi. | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Aston Martin DB12 and 2026 BMW M4.
How much more powerful is the Aston Martin DB12 than the BMW M4?
The 2025 Aston Martin DB12 packs significantly more punch with 671 hp, giving it a massive 198 hp advantage over the 2026 BMW M4's 473 hp.
Is the price difference between these two coupes substantial?
Yes, the price gap is substantial; the DB12 starts at $245,000 while the M4 is priced at $81,300, resulting in a $163,700 difference.
Which car is better for long-distance cruising regarding fuel economy?
The BMW M4 is the better cruiser for efficiency, offering significantly better mileage than the DB12, which achieves only 17 combined MPG.
Does the BMW M4 offer an automatic option for daily driving?
While the comparison specifies the M4 comes with a 6-speed manual, BMW typically offers an automatic variant for the M4, which may suit daily commuters better than the pure manual setup listed.
Are there notable differences in size that affect parking or garaging?
The DB12 is slightly wider at 76.5 inches compared to the M4's 74.3 inches, but the M4 is slightly longer at 189.1 inches versus the DB12's 186.0 inches.
Which car is technically easier to live with on a day-to-day basis?
The M4 is easier due to its significantly lower cost, better projected efficiency, and 15.5 cu ft of cargo space, making it a more practical coupe.
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