The 2026 Aston Martin DB12 S has been revealed as the new ‘halo’ model for its DB-series grand tourer, promising more grunt, better handling, and a more “striking” design.
Following the DBX S and Vantage S, the DB12 S is headlined by a more powerful 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, tuned to deliver an extra 20hp (14.7kW) for a quoted power output of 529.5kW at 6000rpm, and a monstrous 800Nm of torque delivered between 3000-6000rpm.
Aston Martin says the DB12 S is capable of accelerating from 0-60mph (0-97km/h) in just 3.4 seconds, which is 0.1 seconds quicker than its predecessor, on its way to a top whack of 202mph (325km/h).
The AMG-sourced V8 is claimed to offer more sound, too. The DB12 S gets a new quad-tailpipe stainless steel sports exhaust, while a titanium unit is available as an option.
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Aston Martin says the stacked exhaust system “has been tuned to accentuate the engine frequencies throughout the rev range for added depth and potency”. Opting for the titanium sports exhaust not only “amplifies” the soundtrack by 1.5dB, but reduces weight by 11.7kg.
The DB12 S receives a recalibrated Launch Control function too, which claims to reduce shift times by 50 per cent and contributes to the improved acceleration time. Aston Martin has also added a “more progressive throttle pedal feel” with model-specific drive-by-wire throttle maps helps to provide “an even greater sense of connection and control”.
Under the skin, the Bilstein DTX dampers have received software changes designed to improve roll and pitch control. A stiffer rear anti-roll bar and “finessed” wheel camber, toe and castor geometry claim to improve front-end feel and overall agility.
As standard, the DB12 S upgrades to carbon ceramic brakes, which improve braking performance and thermal capacity while also significantly reducing unsprung weight – to the tune of 27kg. The enhanced brake package includes 410mm rotors at the front and 360mm units at the rear.
The British marque says the reduction in unsprung weight not only improves braking performance, but also benefits ride quality, steering feel and “dynamic handling behaviour”.
Changes have been made inside the cabin as well, with the DB12 S boasting unique details compared to the outgoing DB12.
These include a red anodised finish for the knurled metal drive mode rotary controller, as well as contrasting accents for the seatbelts and top-stitching, in addition to head restraint embroidery.
Buyers can further tailor their specification to include a sportier Alcantara finish for the heated sports steering wheel, while the Aston Martin logos on the head restraints are applied using an industry-first technique which utilises both embossing and debossing for “unprecedented precision and sculptural depth”.
Aston Martin will offer the DB12 S with three different interior trim “environments”, including ‘Accelerate’ leather with Alcantara, ‘Inspire S’ semi-aniline leather and Alcantara, and ‘Inspire S’ full semi-aniline leather.
The Inspire S packages boast Herringbone quilting with micro-perforations, along with an Alcantara headliner. Sport Plus power front seats with 16-way adjustment are standard, with racy carbon-fibre Performance seats available as an option.
As before, the Aston Martin DB12 S will be offered in Coupe and Volante (Convertible) body styles, with global deliveries to commence in the first quarter of 2026.
Precise Australian availability details are yet to be confirmed, but the DB12 S Coupe will be priced at $495,000 before on-road costs and options, which is $40,000 more than the model on which it’s based.
For reference, the existing DB12 Coupe and Volante are priced from $455,000 and $492,000 plus on-roads, respectively.
The ‘S’ badge has been applied to a number of Aston Martin models since the 1950s, worn by the “highest performing derivative of a established model”.
It all began with the 1953 DB3S ‘road racer’, with more recent examples of the breed including the ’04 and ’16 Vanquish S, as well as the ’11 V8 Vantage S and ’13 V12 Vantage S, along with the ’13 Rapide S.
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