There is a distinct magic to a British grand tourer. It is a formula predicated on a seemingly impossible contradiction: a machine capable of crushing continental distances in absolute luxury, yet agile enough to dance across a mountain pass at a moment’s notice. When Aston Martin dropped the standard DB12, they boldly claimed they hadn’t just built another GT; they had birthed the world’s first “Super Tourer.”
Now, the iconic brand has sharpened that definition even further with the arrival of the Aston Martin DB12 S. This isn’t a completely different vehicle, but rather a masterclass in surgical refinement. It takes everything exceptional about the baseline model and injects a shot of pure adrenaline.
Aggression Wrapped in Elegance
At first glance, the DB12 S retains the gorgeous, muscular proportions that make modern Aston Martins immediate superstars on the road. Look closer, however, and the “S” treatment reveals its purposeful, aerodynamic intent.
Up front, a new dual-tier front splitter sits lower to the tarmac, aggressively managing airflow to increase high-speed downforce. The hood features striking new louvred vents designed to pull heat away from the massive engine bay while adding a distinct track-inspired aesthetic.
Moving toward the rear, the previous deployable rear spoiler has been replaced by an all-new fixed carbon fiber ducktail spoiler. This element delivers consistent rear-end stability across all speed ranges, eliminating the fluctuating balance of active aero. Finally, the rear fascia is anchored by a bold, vertically stacked quad-exhaust system, replacing the standard dual pipes and shouting the car’s performance intentions before you even turn the key.
Power and Precision: The 700 PS Milestone
Under the sculpted hood lies a finely tuned masterpiece: a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. For the DB12 S, Aston Martin’s engineers have massaged the power output up to a whopping 700 PS (690 bhp) and 800 Nm of torque.
While a 20-horsepower bump over the standard model might sound modest on paper, the real magic lives in how that power is deployed. Aston Martin completely overhauled the powertrain and transmission calibration. The rear mid-mounted ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox now boasts shift speeds that are 50% faster.
Combined with an optimized launch control system, the DB12 S dispatches the 0–60 mph sprint in a blistering 3.4 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds), on its way to a relentless top speed of 202 mph.
The Soundtrack: To match this ferocity, the standard stainless-steel sports exhaust features active valve control for a deeper, more commanding bark. For the true audiophile, an optional titanium exhaust system sheds 11.7 kg of weight and amplifies the V8’s raucous symphony by an extra 1.5 decibels.
Cornering with Confidence
Power is nothing without control, and the chassis tweaks on the DB12 S are where driving enthusiasts will truly notice the difference. The goal wasn’t to ruin the ride, but to sharpen the car’s reflexes.
- Recalibrated Bilstein DTX Dampers: Enhanced software offers tighter roll and pitch control without sacrificing grand touring comfort.
- Stiffer Rear Anti-Roll Bar & Tweaked Geometry: Designed to reduce low-speed understeer, allowing the nose to tuck into corners with immediate, laser-like precision.
- Standard Carbon Ceramic Brakes (CCBs): Massive 410mm front and 360mm rear discs come standard, shaving a massive 27 kg of unsprung mass off the car for razor-sharp handling and fade-free stopping power.
The secret weapon, however, is the integrated Corner Braking Control (CBC). Utilizing a 6-dimensional accelerometer, the system subtly vectors torque and brake pressure across the rear axle, pulling the car tightly from corner entry to apex. It gives this substantial grand tourer the nimble, eager feel of a much shorter-wheelbase sports car.
A Bespoke Interior Built for Speed
Inside, The DB12 S is a triumph of ultra-luxury craftsmanship. The cabin treats the driver to an exquisite balance of digital sophistication and tactile materials. The dual 10.25-inch displays handle driver information and infotainment seamlessly, but the focus remains on the drive.
The S model elevates the interior with vibrant red anodized accents on the knurled metal drive-mode selector, echoed by red seatbelts, stitching, and custom headrest embroidery. Buyers can select from three ultra-premium environments, including the track-focused ‘Accelerate’ leather and Alcantara blend or the jaw-dropping ‘Inspire S’ semi-aniline leather featuring bespoke herringbone quilting.
The Verdict
The Aston Martin DB12 S doesn’t rewrite the rulebook; it perfects it. While current DB12 owners might find the upgrades beautifully subtle, anyone looking to enter the ultra-luxury sports car market fresh will find the “S” to be the definitive choice. It stands as the absolute pinnacle of the front-engined, rear-wheel-drive Super Tourer.