Introducing the Aston Martin DB12 S: A New Era of Luxury Performance

Aston Martin is proud to announce the new DB12 S, a halo model. Taking the thrilling, driver-focused DB12 as its starting point, the DB12 S builds on that pioneering recipe of intensely dynamic, ultra-luxury performance by adding more power and even greater dynamic prowess. Together with striking exterior changes and extensive interior enhancements, DB12 S is the new pinnacle of Super Tourer.

Joining DBX S and Vantage S, DB12 S is the latest to honour Aston Martin’s long tradition of applying the ‘S’ suffix to the highest performing derivative of an established model. This custom began in 1953 with the glorious DB3S road racer.

More recent examples include the first and second-generation Vanquish S, launched in 2004 and 2016, respectively; the V8 and V12 Vantage S models, introduced in 2011 and 2013; and the magnificent four-seater Rapide S, also launched in 2013.

The heart of the DB12 S is an even more potent version of the formidable Aston Martin 4.0-Litre Twin-Turbo V8. Now with 700PS @ 6000rpm – an increase of 20PS – and 800Nm delivered between 3000 and 6000rpm, the DB12 S offers scintillating response, relentless acceleration and a 202mph top speed.

In keeping with this intensified spirit, DB12 S features a distinctive new exhaust sound character. The new quad tailpipe stainless steel sports exhaust system has been tuned to accentuate the engine’s frequencies throughout the rev range, adding depth and potency.

An optional titanium exhaust system amplifies that soundtrack, further boosting the bass, mid and treble frequencies, uplifting the sound level by 1.5dB. While also reducing weight by 11.7kg compared to the stainless steel system.

Calibration changes to the powertrain have optimised the Launch Control system, reducing gearshift times by more than 50% and contributing to a 0.1-second improvement in 0-60mph time, which is now just 3.4 seconds.

Aston Martin engineers have further refined the throttle pedal calibration, introducing a more progressive throttle pedal feel with a new S-specific drive-by-wire throttle map to provide the driver with an even greater sense of connection and control.

An extensive package of chassis changes aims to achieve a commensurate increase in the driver’s sense of agility, connection, and precision, along with improvements in feel and composure. Software changes to the Bilstein DTX dampers to improve roll and pitch control work in harmony with a stiffer rear anti-roll bar and finessed camber, toe and caster geometry settings. Combining these changes brings improvements in front-end confidence and an overall sense of agility.

Additional tuning of the steering calibration and electronic rear differential (E-diff) has enabled Aston Martin’s chassis engineers to fine-tune the connection and response for an even more natural and intuitive feel.

With the ability to use more throttle earlier in the corner for maximum satisfaction from entry to exit, the DB12 S achieves an impeccable balance of agility and exploitability, along with an underlying stability that fosters ultimate confidence and enjoyment.

Another significant upgrade for the DB12 S is the standard fitment of Carbon Ceramic Brakes (CCB). Offering increased braking performance and thermal capacity together with a substantial reduction in unsprung weight, the CCBs – 410mm diameter at the front, 360mm at the rear – combine linear brake response and consistent pedal feel with exceptional resistance to fade.

They also save 27kg of unsprung weight compared to steel brakes, which brings benefits to ride quality, steering feel and dynamic handling behaviour.

The DB12 S also benefits from the next-generation corner braking control system (CBC), which optimises interaction between the Integrated Brake Slip Control and the Integrated Vehicle Control modules. A predictive function within the CBC allows the car to maintain optimum stability while trail braking into a corner, using more of the rear braking performance to maintain a tighter line from corner entry to apex.

This system allows the driver to brake later and with improved stability. The Integrated Brake Slip Control system provides torque vectoring across the rear axle, offering predictable, precise, and consistent cornering behaviour in all driving environments, from twisting country roads to high-speed highway junction exits or driving on a racetrack.

Aston Martin Director of Vehicle Performance, Simon Newton, said, “The technology we introduced with the DB12 now allows us exceptional scope to explore a new depth of character and capability within the same vehicle platform.

With the DB12 S, we have carefully engineered a host of detailed changes that preserve signature levels of refinement, boost vehicle performance, and amplify driver engagement. Having added this greater dynamic and performance bandwidth to DB12 S, we believe this elevates the Super Tourer ethos to a thrilling new level.”

Visually, the new DB12 S reflects its significantly bolstered performance and sporting feel with a striking new look. Starting at the front, the DB12 S is distinguished by a new dual-element front splitter and new bonnet louvres, each serving both functional and aesthetic purposes.

The splitter visually lowers and widens the DB12 S to create a more assertive look, while also generating downforce and guiding airflow in and around the front wheel arches to stabilise airflow and further reduce lift. The bonnet louvres – finished in gloss black or optional 2×2 Twill Carbon Fibre – aid extraction of hot air from the ‘hot-V’ configured 4.0-litre V8 while completing DB12 S’s more aggressive frontal aspect.

Moving to the flanks, DB12 S features gloss black sill additions. These continue the line formed by the new front splitter, further enhancing the ground-hugging stance. DB12 S also continues the tradition of carrying S badges in key locations, specifically, on the fenders just below each side strake. Featuring a hand-made, in either bright or dark chrome, forged ‘S’ badge completed with red glass enamel, it is a discreet but enduring mark of performance.

The rear design of the DB12 S makes a bold statement, capturing the essence of enhanced power, refined dynamics, and an unforgettable soundtrack. Once again, aerodynamics play a significant role, the fixed rear spoiler adding drama and increasing high-speed stability.

Below is the new rear diffuser, which reduces lift while allowing space for the DB12 S’s signature stacked pairs of exhaust tailpipes, framed within a broader rear bumper for maximum visual impact.

In common with its ‘S’ badged stablemates in the revitalised Aston Martin range, the interior of DB12 S features a host of distinguishing details unique to the halo model. Foremost amongst these is a red anodised finish to the knurled metal drive mode rotary controller, which also informs the colour of the seatbelts, contrast seat welts, contrast stitching and headrest embroidery.

Among the enticing options offered on the DB12 S are an Alcantara heated sports steering wheel and the iconic Aston Martin wings applied to the seat headrests using an industry-first technique that combines embossing and debossing for unprecedented precision and sculptural depth.

DB12 S comes with a choice of three interior trim environments: Accelerate leather and Alcantara trim, Inspire S semi-aniline leather and Alcantara and Inspire S full semi-aniline leather.

Both Inspire S packages include S Herringbone quilting with micro-perforations and an Alcantara headlining. DB12 S is fitted with 16-way Sport Plus electric front seats as standard, plus the option of a Carbon Fibre Performance seat.   

DB12 S is now available for order, in Coupe and Volante forms, with deliveries set to commence in Q1 2026.