What Is The Aston Martin DB12 S?

This is the brand’s third new S model. First came the DBX S, followed by the Vantage S. A car with an S badge has been pushed that little bit further by Aston’s engineering boffins, meaning it’s more focused.

Before now, the DB11 replacement arrived in 2023 with supercar aggression in GT car form; it was elegant, beautifully styled, and put Ferrari to shame. Fast forward three years and Aston’s made a great car even better.

Changes include smoother, calmer edges. There are new bonnet louvres to disperse hot air, and a dual-element front splitter. At the back is a fixed rear spoiler, funky stacked exhaust tips and a redesigned rear diffuser.

Underneath its long sculpted bonnet lies the same 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 as found in the standard DB12, but instead feeds 690 bhp (a 19bhp difference) to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Likewise, it has carbon brakes, saving an additional 27kg, and a stiffer anti-roll bar, but more on that later.

What Is The Aston Martin DB12 S Like Inside?

Like the DBX S I drove recently, and the DBX 707 before, the DB12 S is a stunning place to sit. It’s very similar to the DB12, but buyers can choose from three interior trims: Accelerate leather and alcantara, Inspire S semi-aniline leather and alcantara and Inspire S semi-aniline leather.

There are lots of physical buttons, each with a satisfying click. The digital instrument cluster and touchscreen also now use Apple CarPlay Ultra, which is a bit slicker than Aston’s software.

There are two seats at the rear, but these are best left for shopping bags, small children and those you dislike.

How Does The Aston Martin DB12 S Drive?

If you’re fairly new to Aston Martins, like I am, then you’re in for an absolute treat. If you know them well, you won’t be disappointed.

Around town, the DB12 S is as civilised as a low-slung GT car can be; it oozes elegance, and constantly snaps necks wherever it goes. People point, scream, and some get jealous.

The latter is an interesting one. I’ve had this with a few high-end cars: some will let you out of junctions just so they can have a peek, while others would rather you sit till your skeletal remains need to be collected. And the Aston was no different. Still, there are certainly worse places to be than sat in an Aston Martin.

Its seating position is spot-on, making you feel more connected to the car. Similarly, it’ll remain a cosseting cruiser, with only lower speeds ever so slightly upsetting the car’s ride.

On winding tarmac is where the DB12 S feels most at home, however. Engaging Sport Plus on my loaner opened the optional titanium exhaust's valves, releasing a gurgle like Satan’s morning cough. This combined with supercharger whine makes for an utterly glorious driving experience.

At every tight bend, the Aston encourages you to go faster. There’s a slight bit of body movement at times, but this is a near 1.7-tonne GT car, after all. Regardless, there’s enough grip and agility to have fun, even through the tightest of corners.

Moreover, it doesn't terrify you when you stomp on the throttle, likely because you're so engaged with the car. For example, a Porsche 911 Turbo S feels too much at times, whereas the DB12 S feels just right; I feel it would be more forgiving if you hit a rutted road surface while pressing on than the Porsche. The car’s eight-speed ‘box swaps cogs without a hitch, although Porsche’s PDK feels slightly snappier.

Aston Martin DB12 S Verdict

For £14,000 more, you can have the DB12 S over the standard car, but at £211,500, the Aston sits firmly between Bentley’s new Continental GT S — a car I'll be testing in the coming months — and the Ferrari Roma. Of course, there are other options, including the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT, Porsche 911 Turbo S, and Maserati GranTurismo Trofeo.

Like S cars before it, the DB12 S adds a bit more to the already excellent GT car it’s based on. Comfort and refinement remain uncompromised, but there’s now more speed, agility and sound. The Aston Martin DB12 S is up there with the best cars I’ve ever driven, but can the Bentley Continental GT S beat it? We’ll soon find out.