Aston Martin has sharpened its GT line up with the arrival of the DB12 S — a more focused, faster version of the DB12 that doesn’t require buyers to jump to the V12 Vanquish. Offered as both a coupe and an open-top Volante, the S brings subtle but purposeful upgrades to power, chassis and styling. It carries a list price that starts at about €257,400. Under the sculpted bonnet sits the same twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 but with a clear performance nudge: output rises from 671 hp to 692 hp, delivered at a fairly high 6,000 rpm thanks to revised engine calibration rather than major hardware changes. Peak torque remains a broad 800 Nm, available from 3,000 to 6,000 rpm. Engineers have reworked throttle mapping and gearbox software to sharpen responses; Aston reports up to 50% faster shifts compared with the standard DB12. The net result is a modest but meaningful 0.1-second reduction in sprint time — the coupe hits 0–100 km/h in 3.5 seconds, the slightly heavier Volante in 3.6 seconds — and a top speed that’s effectively unchanged at around 325 km/h.
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Weight and sound play important roles in the S’s character. An optional titanium exhaust, hidden behind the new stacked tailpipes, lifts the soundtrack at the rear by a few decibels while trimming 11.7 kg from the system’s mass. Unsprung weight is also addressed via standard-fit carbon-ceramic brakes, which shave roughly 27 kg — a significant reduction that improves both turn-in and composure on uneven surfaces. Chassis work is comprehensive but understated. Electric power steering has been retuned for crisper feedback, the electronically controlled rear differential receives revised programming, and the Bilstein DTX adaptive dampers operate with updated software.
These changes are married to stiffer anti-roll bars and fresh suspension geometry designed to sharpen turn-in, reduce body roll and keep the car planted through high-speed transitions. The cumulative effect aims to make the S feel more immediate and confidence-inspiring without compromising GT refinement. Visually, the DB12 S reads as a performance derivative rather than a full-on track car. The front fascia gains a double-plane lower splitter and bonnet louvres that subtly improve airflow and downforce. The rear sees the most obvious revision: a new diffuser, stacked exhaust outlets and a prominent lip spoiler provide a stronger visual anchor and hint at the model’s enhanced dynamics. A bespoke 21-inch wheel design is paired with hand-finished ’S’ badges in red enamel for added distinction. Inside, changes are modest but characterful. Unique trim options and material touches distinguish the S from its standard sibling, highlighted by a blood-red engine mode switch that underlines the variant’s sportier intent.
Beyond those bespoke elements, the cabin retains the DB12’s familiar layout and luxury feel. On the tech front, the DB12 S is among the first Aston models to offer Apple CarPlay Ultra, which integrates more deeply than a typical mirroring system by extending to the driver’s display as well as the central screen. Connectivity and infotainment now match the car’s modern mechanical upgrades.
If you need more practicality, used examples of Aston’s SUV — the DBX — can be found on the market for just over €140,400, offering a roomier alternative without sacrificing brand appeal. The DB12 S, meanwhile, slots into the range as a sharper, more engaging GT: more power from the V8, faster shifts, targeted weight savings and revised chassis and aero work combine to deliver a coupe and convertible that feel quicker, keener and more polished than before.
