Aston Martin’s legacy of blending elegance with raw power continues with the arrival of the Aston Martin DB12 S, a sharper, faster evolution of what the brand proudly calls the “world’s first super tourer.”
Building on the already thrilling DB12, this new S variant represents the pinnacle of performance and refinement in Aston’s grand touring lineup—pushing boundaries while staying true to the brand’s timeless British craftsmanship.
The “S” badge carries deep significance in Aston Martin’s history. Dating back to the DB3S racer of 1953, it has always marked the brand’s most performance-oriented models. The DB12 S continues that tradition, joining the DBX S and Vantage S in the automaker’s current high-performance portfolio. It’s more than just a badge—it’s a statement of intent: precision engineering, enhanced dynamics, and the relentless pursuit of speed.
Under the sculpted hood lies Aston Martin’s familiar 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8, now tuned for even greater potency. Output climbs to 690 horsepower, a 10-hp bump over the standard DB12, while torque remains a formidable 590 lb-ft. That’s enough to launch the DB12 S from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, trimming a tenth off its predecessor’s time.
Top speed? Still a blistering 202 mph, putting it in the same league as supercars that prioritize outright velocity over luxury. But Aston Martin insists that the DB12 S is more than just numbers—it’s about feel. The brand has worked meticulously to fine-tune the car’s responses for a more immersive driving experience.
Shift times have been halved, ensuring lightning-fast gear changes that keep power seamlessly flowing. The Bilstein DTX adaptive dampers benefit from new software calibrations, while optimized chassis settings enable more precise throttle application mid-corner. Even the braking system has been rethought: carbon ceramic brakes now come standard, trimming roughly 60 pounds of unsprung weight and offering superior fade resistance under hard use.
The result? A GT that feels more connected, agile, and exhilarating than ever—what Aston calls the “super tourer” experience taken to its extreme.
Visually, the DB12 S distinguishes itself through subtle yet effective aerodynamic enhancements. Up front, a lower, wider front splitter helps generate extra downforce while channeling air efficiently around the car’s body. Paired with gloss black or optional carbon fiber hood vents, the nose takes on a more assertive, motorsport-inspired stance.
Gloss black detailing continues along the side sills, complemented by discreet S badging that announces its elevated status without shouting. Around back, there’s a fixed rear spoiler that balances the car’s aerodynamic profile, working in harmony with a new diffuser to reduce lift at high speeds. The final flourish? A quad exhaust setup unique to the DB12 S, emitting a soundtrack that’s as refined as it is ferocious.
Together, these updates don’t just make the car look faster—they make it feel faster, offering measurable aerodynamic benefits at speed while reinforcing Aston Martin’s signature aesthetic of power wrapped in elegance.
Inside, the DB12 S blends high performance with handcrafted luxury. The cabin echoes the sophistication of the standard DB12 but adds its own distinctive flair. A red anodized finish adorns the drive mode rotary controller, subtly hinting at the car’s fiery performance credentials.
Red seatbelts, contrast stitching, seat welts, and embroidered headrests complete the visual transformation, creating a cockpit that feels simultaneously sporty and opulent. For those seeking even more exclusivity, Aston Martin offers an optional Alcantara heated sports steering wheel, ensuring maximum grip and comfort during spirited drives.
One particularly innovative option involves the Aston wings on the headrests, applied using a new embossing and debossing technique that delivers unprecedented depth and precision. It’s a small but telling example of the brand’s obsession with craftsmanship—every detail, no matter how subtle, receives meticulous attention.
Aston Martin positions the DB12 S as the ultimate evolution of the grand tourer formula: a car designed to cover continents at speed while cocooning its occupants in luxury. It’s available as both a coupe and a Volante convertible, appealing to drivers who crave open-air exhilaration without sacrificing refinement.
While pricing remains undisclosed, expect the DB12 S to command a significant premium when it reaches dealerships in early 2026. Given the DB12’s already substantial performance and price tag, the S variant will likely sit comfortably in the upper echelons of the GT segment—alongside rivals from Ferrari, Bentley, and McLaren.
But comparisons only go so far. The DB12 S isn’t about chasing others—it’s about defining its own space. With a blend of supercar-level performance, bespoke British craftsmanship, and unmistakable Aston Martin design, it solidifies the marque’s ambition to lead the new era of grand touring.
At its core, the Aston Martin DB12 S encapsulates the spirit of the brand: sophistication, performance, and unmistakable style. It’s not just a faster DB12—it’s a deeper expression of what a true grand tourer can be when pushed to its limits.
From its thunderous V8 to its precision-tuned chassis and artfully refined cabin, the DB12 S isn’t merely about getting from one place to another. It’s about savoring every mile in between.
With the DB12 S, Aston Martin has once again proven that when power meets poise, and luxury meets speed, the result is nothing short of extraordinary.
