The DB12 S now packs a very healthy 700 PS and 800 Nm of torque from its twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8.
For those who thought the DB12 was just a bit too grand tourer-y, Aston Martin may have just the thing for you with its newly revealed DB12 S. Joining the ranks of the Vantage S and DBX S, this performance-focused variant is designed to blend grand touring elegance with a sharper edge.
Now as expected of any Aston Martin wearing the “S” badge, the DB12 S builds upon an already formidable base with a touch more fire in its belly. The engineers at Gaydon have fettled with the AMG-derived 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8, extracting an extra 20 horses to bring total output up to 700 PS and 800 Nm of torque.
These gains translate to improved straight-line pace, with the DB12 S Coupé completing the 0–60 mph sprint in just 3.4 seconds, a tenth quicker than before. The drop-top Volante meanwhile trails only slightly at 3.5 seconds. Top speed for both remains an impressive 202 mph (323 km/h), keeping it among the fastest front-engined GTs currently in production.
To deliver this added edge, Aston Martin has recalibrated more than just the powertrain. A new launch control system shortens shift times by up to 50%, while revised throttle mapping delivers a more progressive and natural pedal feel. The Bilstein DTX adaptive dampers in turn have been retuned for finer control over body movements, paired with stiffer rear anti-roll bars and optimised suspension geometry for sharper front-end response. The electronic rear differential has also been revised to enhance agility and traction through corners, working together to make the DB12 S feel more alert and composed on demanding roads.
Complementing the mechanical upgrades are carbon-ceramic brakes fitted as standard — 410 mm in front and 360 mm at the rear — which shave roughly 27 kg of unsprung weight compared to steel discs. And while on the topic of weight-saving, Aston Martin also offers an optional titanium exhaust system that not only sheds 11.2 kg but raises the V8’s soundtrack by 1.5 decibels for a more visceral aural experience.
Visually meanwhile, the DB12 S distinguishes itself from its non-S sibling up front sits a dual-element front splitter and new vented louvres on its bonnet. Gloss black sill extensions with discreet ‘S’ badging adorn the flanks, while the rear features a subtle extended lip spoiler and stacked quad exhaust outlets on its revised diffuser.
Inside, the DB12 S retains the contemporary cabin architecture introduced with the standard car but gains several bespoke touches. Chief among which is for its rotary controller to come in a red anodised finish, to further hint the spicy hot performance status.
Three interior themes are offered: Accelerate, which combines leather and Alcantara; Inspire S semi-aniline leather and Alcantara; and Inspire S full semi-aniline leather for those seeking maximum opulence. 16-way Sport Plus electric seats come standard, while Carbon Fibre Performance seats can be specified for added lateral support and reduced weight.
Deliveries for both Coupé and Volante variants are set to begin in the first quarter of 2026, with pricing yet to be confirmed. Given that the regular DB12 starts at around £200,000 (RM 1.13 million) though, it is expected for this higher-end S to command a slight premium closer to £225,000 (RM 1.27 million).
