The Aston Martin DB12 S marks the newest chapter in the British brand’s grand tourer lineage, delivering a more performance-driven version of the DB12 introduced in 2023. Offered as a coupe or the open-top Volante, this model caters to drivers seeking greater engagement while preserving the car’s refined character.
The S treatment: subtle but purposeful
Aston Martin’s team made precise adjustments to the DB12’s design, focusing on function over flash. A revised front spoiler enhances aerodynamic stability and brake cooling, while hood vents manage engine heat. The side sills receive minor updates, but the most noticeable change appears at the rear, where four stacked exhaust outlets integrate with an optimized diffuser. The standard DB12’s automatic rear spoiler gives way to a lighter, fixed version, and handcrafted enamelled badges signal the model’s identity.
Inside, red accents distinguish the S variant—stitched into the leather and anodized into the drive-mode selector. The center console swaps plastic switches for knurled metal, reinforcing the car’s premium feel. Though the touchscreen supports Apple CarPlay Ultra, Aston’s own software remains the primary interface, especially for the customizable digital gauges.
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Customization defines the DB12 S, with extensive options for colors, trims, and materials. Buyers with particularly deep pockets can effectively have a bespoke specification. Not that such a thing is needed for this car to feel special.
Performance with polish
The DB12 S houses a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 co-developed with Mercedes-AMG, tuned to produce 700 horsepower and 800 Newton-meters of torque. Its exhaust note remains a defining feature—subdued during relaxed driving but rising to a growl under acceleration.
The adaptive suspension allows drivers to adjust between comfort and sport modes, though the stiffest settings require a racetrack to avoid discomfort. Even at lower speeds, the car feels exceptional. Steering is precise, brakes are reassuring, and the chassis responds eagerly to inputs. While not as smooth as a luxury sedan, it remains comfortable for extended trips—assuming the passenger shares the driver’s enthusiasm.
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Practicality takes a backseat in the DB12 S. The rear seats work best for small items or luggage, and the boot is smaller than that of most family hatchbacks, but it’s still large enough for golf clubs or luggage for two for a week away. Nobody buys a car such as this expecting estate-like cargo-carrying capacity.
The upgrades in this variant go beyond raw speed. From the exhaust tone to the tactile interior, every detail enhances the driving experience, whether idling or handling winding roads. It balances daily usability with track-ready capability, rewarding engagement without demanding it.
The sense of occasion promised by the exterior design and interior tactility ramps up a notch when you put your foot on the brake pedal and press the engine-start button. The big V8 under the bonnet roars into life through the S’s upgraded sports exhaust and settles down to an always-audible rumble.
