The Aston Martin DB12 S is a faster, more aggressive derivative of the DB12 grand tourer, engineered to blur the line between everyday luxury and hypercar performance. This newly developed twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine, sourced from AMG, produces 785 PS (774 hp) and 516 lb-ft of torque—the most powerful V8 ever fitted to an Aston Martin DB model. The car accelerates from 0-62 mph in 3.5 seconds and hits a top speed of 202 mph, available to order now with first deliveries having begun in late 2024 across Europe and the UK.
Key Takeaways
- 785 PS twin-turbo V8 engine makes the DB12 S the most powerful DB ever built.
- 0-62 mph in 3.5 seconds; top speed of 202 mph.
- Enhanced chassis with stiffer suspension, retuned dampers, and upgraded 6-piston front brakes.
- Active aerodynamics include deployable rear wing and front splitter for dynamic handling.
- Retains grand tourer comfort: leather interior, 10.25-inch infotainment, customizable ambient lighting.
Raw Power Meets Practical Luxury
The Aston Martin DB12 S engine upgrade delivers a visceral punch without abandoning the grand tourer’s DNA. The 785 PS output represents a 25 PS jump over the standard DB12, and that extra power translates to measurable performance gains: 0.2 seconds quicker to 62 mph than its sibling. But numbers alone don’t capture what matters on a winding road. The 8-speed automatic transmission features paddle shifters for manual control, and the titanium exhaust valves sharpen the engine note into something genuinely thrilling rather than merely competent.
Chassis engineering separates the S from poseurs. Stiffer suspension springs, retuned adaptive dampers, and larger brake discs with 6-piston front calipers transform how the car corners. Active aerodynamics—a deployable rear wing and front splitter—adjust automatically based on speed and driving mode, working in concert with the suspension to keep the 1,775 kg frame planted. This is not a car that sacrifices handling for headline figures.
Where the DB12 S Sits in the Competitive Landscape
Comparing the Aston Martin DB12 S to rivals reveals its positioning: it is not a track weapon like the Porsche 911 Turbo S (650 PS, 2.7s 0-100 km/h) or a pure performance machine like the Ferrari Roma (612 PS, 3.4s 0-100 km/h). Instead, the DB12 S occupies a different territory—the grand touring space where 785 PS serves the driver’s daily needs, not a lap time target. It is faster than both competitors in absolute power, yet it prioritizes the luxury of long-distance cruising, the quality of materials, and the everyday usability that justifies its £206,000 starting price.
The interior reinforces this philosophy. Leather upholstery wraps the cabin, a 10.25-inch infotainment screen handles navigation and entertainment, and customizable ambient lighting sets the mood. This is not spartan or stripped-back. Weight sits at approximately 1,775 kg dry, competitive for its class, though combined WLTP fuel economy of 21.1 mpg reflects the reality of turbocharged performance.
The Engineering Trade-Offs
Power and usability come with compromises. The Aston Martin DB12 S is not the most efficient grand tourer, nor is it the lightest. The active aerodynamics add complexity—another system that requires maintenance and can fail. The stiffer suspension, while sharper, sacrifices some of the velvet-cushioned ride that defines traditional grand touring. These are not criticisms but acknowledgments: the DB12 S demands you choose between outright comfort and engaging dynamics, and it commits fully to the latter.
Deliveries have already begun in Europe and the UK, meaning potential buyers can move from order to ownership relatively quickly by hypercar standards. For those seeking a car that accelerates like a hypercar but lives like a grand tourer, the DB12 S delivers. For those expecting it to redefine the segment or offer breakthrough efficiency, it will disappoint.
Does the Aston Martin DB12 S justify its price?
The Aston Martin DB12 S asks for £206,000, a significant sum for any car. That money buys you the most powerful DB V8 ever, chassis refinements that genuinely improve handling, and a luxury interior that rivals anything in its segment. Whether that justifies the cost depends on whether you value the combination of performance and everyday usability over pure track capability or outright efficiency. For buyers who want hypercar acceleration without sacrificing grand touring practicality, the answer is yes.
How does the DB12 S compare to the standard DB12?
The standard DB12 produces 760 PS and reaches 62 mph in 3.7 seconds. The DB12 S adds 25 PS, cuts 0.2 seconds from that acceleration figure, and introduces chassis enhancements—stiffer springs, retuned dampers, upgraded brakes, and active aerodynamics. The S is measurably sharper and quicker, though both cars share the same fundamental DNA and luxury focus.
What engine powers the Aston Martin DB12 S?
A newly developed twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 sourced from AMG delivers 785 PS and 516 lb-ft of torque. An 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters handles power delivery, while titanium exhaust valves amplify the engine note. This is the most powerful V8 ever fitted to an Aston Martin DB model.
The Aston Martin DB12 S succeeds because it refuses to choose between two worlds. It is fast enough to thrill, luxurious enough to live with daily, and engineered with enough precision to reward spirited driving. Whether that fusion justifies the asking price depends entirely on what you value in a grand tourer—but for those who want it all, the DB12 S delivers.
This article was written with AI assistance and editorially reviewed.
Source: T3
