Whether or not you’re a secret agent, Aston Martin’s DB-9 Volante stirs the heart.

Even if James Bond never drove an Aston Martin in the pages of Ian Fleming’s novels, the marque has forever become linked to the movie hero.

And certainly the Aston Martin DB-9 Volante is a heroic car, one that shakes your head and stirs your heart. It is every bit the grand touring car – a sports car with a bit of comfort – and is very much the aristocrat of the car world.

Its shape speaks of its athleticism without shouting; its sporting appearance reeks of money but does so without being crass. There’s a knowing attitude that reflects its racing heritage, a reputation fostered over many decades. It has nothing to prove.

Pop open its flush door handles and the aroma of leather greets you as you climb behind the wheel. Look around. The center console gracefully flows out to meet you. The materials are impeccable, superior to those used in many European cars. There’s a warmth that welcomes you.

Slot the etched-glass fob into the center of the instrument panel and press; a symphony awakens your senses as the 470-horsepower, 6.0-liter V12 comes to life with the bark of a race car.

But that’s not all that’s coming alive.

A pair of Bang & Olufsen “acoustic lenses” rise from corners of the dashboard, ready to augment the engine’s silky sound with music of your choice. While I am not sure what an acoustic lens does, I know the sound that emanates from them is sparkling.

If, as they say, clothes make the man (or woman), then so does the car. It’s impossible not to feel cool and confident behind the wheel, not to mention shaken and stirred.

Put the six-speed transmission in gear, and the car rewards you.

How could it not?

For decades, 12 cylinders under the bonnet has been the sign of a true luxury car. Packard did it; Ferrari followed Packard’s lead. Jaguars were famous for them.

Of course, this Aston has 12 cylinders. There’s enough power to make passengers scream with delight – or fear. Certainly, they’ll wish they had used the bathroom before going for a spin. Zero to 60 mph? Less than 5 seconds.

That said, the DB-9 is a grand touring car, so while it has incredible velocity and tremendous grip for negotiating twisting roads, this is not a pure sports car. There’s too much weight for that, despite the car’s extensive use of aluminum and lightweight materials in key components.

And yes, the back seats are perfect for purses and briefcases. Don’t think of using them for people. The trunk is rather small; but hey, this  is a GT, not a minivan. Pack lightly.

While I am feeling grumpy, let’s just say that specter of incompetently engineered British electrical components lingered when the test car – truly a lovely thing to admire or drive – flashed  its check-emissions-system light despite the vehicle’s low mileage, less that 500 miles on the clock. The car didn’t seem affected, even if I was.

But like a significant other who doesn’t hold  the true power in a relationship, I had fallen under this car’s spell and found it all too easy to forgive and forget.

No matter how long it was in my garage, it was hard not to drool on it or over it.

And while 007 was never seen drooling over his Aston, James Bond isn’t real.

The car is.

What we say: Excuse me, I was drooling

Pro: So fast, so cool, so pretty

Con: A Jaguar XKR does the same thing for half the price

Stats

Engine: 6-liter V12    

Wheelbase: 108 inches      

Length: 185.5 inches     

Weight: 3,968 pounds    

Cargo space: 7 cubic feet    

EPA rating (city/highway): 13/20 mpg      

Fuel economy: 14 mpg     

Fuel type: Premium unleaded  

Base price: $198,870 

As tested: $215,095