“Engagement” was a constant buzzword used by Simon Newton, the director of vehicle performance and attributes, in relation to the Aston Martin DB12 S. After taking our own time with the car, we finally knew what Simon was referring to. Once you meet this car, your relationship will eventually blossom into marriage.
According to Simon (excuse us), adding the suffix ‘S’ to the DB12 denotes high levels of performance and handling that focus on the holistic experience of using the features. What good does having an enormous power and improved handling serve if you do not get enjoyment from driving for a mile? With the DB12 S, you certainly will.
Also Read : 911 GT3 Evolution: Turbocharging Might Be the Future
Similar to the DB12, the power is delivered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine made by Mercedes-AMG. In the regular model, the engine produces 671 horsepower, while the new model is tweaked for more power production—upped to 690. This is all achieved thanks to increased boost pressure that kicks in at higher revolutions. It feels more progressive and doesn’t seem abrupt, making the vehicle feel like it has more power overall thanks to its improved throttle.
It should be noted that the improved performance to reach the 60-mph mark in just under 10 percent less time (our estimate is at 3.2 seconds) is not down to the engine modifications, although they have some effect as well in terms of producing more power at high rpm. Instead, the claim is that it’s due to faster shifting of gears in first and second gears in launch-control thanks to an exclusive modification to the eight-speed rear-transaxle.
Also Read : 2026 Toyota RAV4 Gets Major Infotainment Upgrade – Big Improvement!
It’s the tweaks to the exhaust that get you hitting the gas pedal like crazy. The S has two stacks of exhausts per side, which allowed for some modifications to be done to the sound quality and characteristics. For instance, Aston bumped up the bass notes for the standard stainless steel exhaust while adding more mid-ranges for the optional titanium exhaust. We got the stainless steel exhaust, and it did sound amazing while accelerating out of a corner or passing through tunnels.
The suspension has also been modified in such a way that makes the S quite fun to drive. There has been no reduction in the stiffness; rather, the firmness of the dampers has been adjusted. The balance between the rebound and compression has been altered such that, somehow, the ride comfort is improved. However, you do not have to set the dampers to their softest setting, GT mode, because it will start to move around when driving on bumpy roads.
Also Read : 685 HP Beast! Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing F1 Edition Breaks Cover
Aston has also improved cornering body control, with a slight thickening of the anti-roll bar at the back by 0.5 mm. This results in a more acute turn-in and also gives an impression of a shorter wheelbase. The S versions of the electronic differential have been adjusted to take care of the changes made and are a little more free with turn-in but lock up quickly as soon as you start accelerating out of the bend. One more point that needs to be mentioned here is that whereas carbon-ceramic brakes are an option on the base model, they are standard equipment on the S variant.
S comes equipped with several aerodynamic indicators. For instance, there is a split lip with bi-plane splitters located at the end of the spoiler. Additionally, there is a stand-up spoiler at the end of the rear deck lid. Also, the twin exhausts leave space for a wider and visually appealing rear diffuser. In our case, most parts of the vehicle were made of carbon fiber, which cost an additional $100,000 to the initial $300,100 price tag. However, how much is love worth?
Specifications
2026 Aston Martin DB12 S Coupe
Vehicle Type: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2+2-passenger, 2-door coupe
PRICE
Base: $300,100
ENGINE
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 243 in3, 3982 cm3
Power: 690 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 590 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 110.4 in
Length: 186.0 in
Width: 78.0 in
Height: 50.8 in
Trunk Volume: 9 ft3
Curb Weight (C/D est): 4050 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
60 mph: 3.2 sec
100 mph: 6.6 sec
1/4-Mile: 11.1 sec
Top Speed: 202 mph
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined: 17 mpg
