Aston Marin has honed the DB12 to create the DB12 S. Quicker, more powerful, and more focused than before.
Aston Martin has revealed the 2026 Aston Martin DB12 S, a new halo model for the brand’s iconic DB line of grand touring coupes.
Like the regular DB12, the DB12 S sticks with Mercedes-Benz sourced V8 power, tuned up to 515kW, 15kW more than the standard DB12, while torque remains unchanged at 800Nm.
The revision brings the 0-100km/h sprint down slightly to 3.5 seconds from 0-100km/h for the DB12 S coupe and 3.6 seconds for the Volante convertible, 0.1 seconds faster than the non-S versions.
Changes to the eight-speed automatic transmission, with 50 per cent faster shift times, and a new, more progressive mapping for the drive-by-wire throttle also help reduce sprint times.
Aston Martin engineers have introduced a stiffer anti-roll bar at the rear, adjusted toe, and castor geometry settings, and made software changes to the Bilstein DTX adaptive dampers for a more agile feel.
Appealing to the emotional side for buyers, a new stainless steel exhaust system includes a retuned sound signature, while buyers can also opt for a titanium exhaust that’s 1.5dB louder than the standard system and saves 11.7kg of weight.
Steering calibration and electronic rear differential controls have also been finessed.
Braking is handled by a standard carbon ceramic brake package with 140mm front rotors and 360mm rear rotors, saving around 27kg compared to a comparable steel brake setup.
Styling changes for the DB12 S include a package of gloss black elements, including bonnet louvres, a new ‘dual element’ front splitter, sill extensions, a new rear diffuser and fixed rear wing.
The rear bumper also features diagonally stacked quad exhaust outlets.
The new front splitter has been designed to stabilise airflow and reduce lift, while the rear spoiler aids high-speed stability.
The interior includes highlights like a red anodised finish on the knurled rotary drive mode controller, framing the engine start-stop button ahead of the gear selector toggle.
The BD12 S will be offered with a choice of ‘Accelerate’ leather and Alcantara trim, or an “Inspire S” trim package in either semi-aniline leather and Alcantara or full semi-aniline leather.
The DB12 S comes standard with 16-way Sport Plus electric front seats with the option of available carbon-fibre performance seats.
In what Aston Martin describes as an industry first, the Aston Martin logo can be optioned on the front headrests in a new process that combines embossing and debossing for “unprecedented precision and sculptural depth.”
Orders for the DB12 S Coupe and Volante are now open, with customer deliveries to begin in the first quarter (January to March) of 2026.
Australian pricing for the DB12 S model has not yet been announced, with the regular DB12 starting from $455,000 for the Coupe and $492,000 for the Volante convertible, both before on-road costs.
Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.
