Meet the First Aston Martin DB12 S: Aston Martin’s New Super Tourer
The Aston Martin DB12 S represents a new chapter for one of the British luxury automaker’s most prestigious nameplates. Created as the high-performance evolution of the DB12, the new S version combines greater power, sharper handling and distinctive styling while preserving the refinement expected from an Aston Martin grand tourer.
Aston Martin describes the DB12 S as a “Super Tourer”, taking the concept of the grand tourer and pushing it toward a more performance-focused character. The result is a car designed not only to cross long distances in comfort, but also to deliver a more engaging driving experience.
The First DB12 S Signals a New Era for Aston Martin
The DB12 S is part of Aston Martin's renewed focus on high-performance versions carrying the legendary S designation. Alongside the Vantage S and DBX S, the DB12 S forms part of a broader performance-oriented lineup from the British marque.
The first examples of the DB12 S have attracted attention because they demonstrate how Aston Martin has evolved the original DB12 formula without radically changing its identity.
Rather than creating an entirely different sports car, Aston Martin focused on carefully targeted improvements to the engine, transmission, chassis, braking system, exhaust and aerodynamics.
Nearly 700 Horsepower From a Twin-Turbo V8
At the heart of the DB12 S is a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8.
Aston Martin increased output to approximately 700 PS and 800 Nm of torque, giving the DB12 S considerably more performance than the standard DB12. The engine delivers its maximum torque across a broad portion of the rev range, helping provide strong acceleration without sacrificing everyday drivability.
The official figures are impressive:
- Engine: 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8
- Power: 700 PS
- Torque: 800 Nm
- 0–60 mph: 3.4 seconds
- Top speed: 202 mph
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drive: Rear-wheel drive
The performance upgrades are not limited to engine output. Aston Martin also recalibrated the transmission and reduced shift times, helping the car respond more aggressively when the driver demands maximum performance.
A Sharper Chassis for More Driver Engagement
One of the most important characteristics of the DB12 S is that Aston Martin did not simply add horsepower.
Engineers also revised the chassis to make the car more agile and responsive.
The suspension software, electronic differential and anti-roll bar have been optimized to improve body control and cornering behavior. The result is intended to give drivers greater confidence when pushing the car harder while maintaining the comfortable character expected from a luxury GT.
That balance is particularly important because the DB12 S is not intended to become an uncompromising track car.
It remains a road-focused luxury performance machine.
Carbon-Ceramic Brakes Come Standard
The braking system is another major area of improvement.
The DB12 S comes with standard carbon-ceramic brakes, providing greater stopping performance while also reducing unsprung mass. Aston Martin says the braking package contributes to a reduction of approximately 27 kilograms of unsprung weight.
Reducing unsprung mass can benefit both handling and ride quality because the suspension has less mass to control.
For a car combining substantial performance with luxury, this is an important engineering improvement.
A More Aggressive Design
Visually, the DB12 S maintains the elegant proportions of the DB12 but introduces a more assertive character.
The exterior features a dedicated aerodynamic package and distinctive details that separate the S from the regular DB12.
One of the most recognizable changes is the quad exhaust-tailpipe arrangement, which gives the rear of the car a more aggressive appearance while contributing to its enhanced exhaust character.
The S designation is therefore not simply a badge.
The car's design communicates the additional performance underneath the bodywork.
Inside the Aston Martin DB12 S
The performance-focused approach continues inside the cabin.
Aston Martin created specific S interior treatments, with customers able to choose different leather and Alcantara configurations.
The cabin can be configured with monotone, duotone or tritone themes, while details such as the red-anodized drive-mode controller help distinguish the S model.
The DB12 S also comes with 16-way Sport Plus electric front seats as standard, with a carbon-fiber performance seat available as an option.
This combination of handcrafted materials, advanced technology and sporting details reflects Aston Martin's attempt to maintain the car's dual personality: luxury cruiser and high-performance machine.
Coupe or Volante?
The DB12 S is not restricted to a single body style.
Aston Martin offers the model in both Coupe and Volante configurations, allowing buyers to choose between the more traditional fixed-roof GT and the open-top experience.
Both versions retain the fundamental characteristics of the S model, including its performance-focused powertrain and chassis upgrades.
The DB12 S at the 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed
The DB12 S has also become one of the headline models in Aston Martin's 2026 performance lineup.
At the 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed, the DB12 S appeared alongside the Vantage S and DBX S, forming a trio of new high-performance Aston Martin models carrying the S designation.
The event provided an opportunity to see the DB12 S in an environment particularly suited to its performance credentials.
Aston Martin highlighted the model's 700 PS output, 800 Nm of torque and 3.4-second 0–60 mph acceleration as key elements of its new Super Tourer identity.
A Special DB12 S for Monterey Car Week
The DB12 S has also received special attention at the 2026 Monterey Car Week.
Aston Martin's Q division created a trio of exclusive DB12 S models inspired by the sporting heritage of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
The three cars were individually curated as a special three-car collection, demonstrating how the DB12 S platform can serve as a foundation for highly personalized Aston Martin creations.
How Different Is the DB12 S From the Regular DB12?
The changes may appear subtle at first glance, but they are significant when considered together.
The standard DB12 already established Aston Martin's modern interpretation of the Super Tourer concept. The S version takes that foundation and increases almost every performance-related element.
| Feature | Aston Martin DB12 S |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 |
| Power | 700 PS |
| Torque | 800 Nm |
| 0–60 mph | 3.4 seconds |
| Top Speed | 202 mph |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Brakes | Carbon-ceramic, standard |
| Body styles | Coupe and Volante |
| Positioning | High-performance Super Tourer |
Independent testing has also highlighted the DB12 S's ability to combine stronger performance with a surprisingly comfortable ride. MotorTrend described the car as a more performance-oriented evolution of the DB12 while emphasizing its balance between comfort, steering feel and handling.
The Aston Martin DB12 S Is More Than a Faster DB12
The most interesting aspect of the DB12 S is that Aston Martin did not simply chase a bigger horsepower number.
Instead, the company attempted to create a more complete performance package.
More power is combined with faster transmission shifts, revised suspension calibration, an optimized electronic differential, stronger braking hardware, a new exhaust system and aerodynamic changes.
That approach explains why Aston Martin continues to describe the DB12 S as a Super Tourer rather than simply a high-performance grand tourer.
Final Thoughts
The Aston Martin DB12 S represents a sophisticated interpretation of performance luxury.
It retains the elegance, craftsmanship and long-distance capability associated with the DB family while adding nearly 700 horsepower, sharper chassis tuning and a more aggressive personality.
For buyers who want the comfort of a luxury GT but also want a car capable of delivering genuine sports-car performance, the DB12 S occupies an increasingly interesting position.
It is not designed to abandon the grand-tourer formula.
It is designed to push that formula further.
And that may ultimately be the most important characteristic of the first Aston Martin DB12 S: it shows how a traditional British luxury GT can evolve into something faster, sharper and more emotionally engaging without losing the elegance that made the DB name famous.
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