The 2026 Aston Martin DB12 S refines a classic luxury sports car

The super tourer gets stronger

Aston Martin has given its sleek DB12 a major upgrade. The 2026 DB12 S isn’t just another model; it’s a sharper, faster, and more confident version of a car that already impressed the world.

With more power, improved handling, and design tweaks that lend it an extra attitude, the new DB12 S seamlessly blends performance and elegance like few cars can. It’s the kind of machine that turns heads just by starting up, and it proves Aston Martin is still one of the best at combining speed with sophistication.

Power that packs a punch

Under the hood, the DB12 S conceals a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine that now produces an impressive 690 horsepower. That represents an increase of 20 PS (approximately 19 imperial horsepower) over the standard DB12, providing drivers with an extra surge whenever they press the accelerator.

Torque remains at 590 lb-ft, delivered across a broad band from approximately 3,000 to 6,000 rpm, for strong mid-range power. That combination makes the DB12 S not just fast, but effortlessly quick. It’s the kind of power that comes on instantly, letting you surge forward with confidence and grace instead of brute force.

Quicker off the line

Speed is only as good as how it’s delivered, and Aston Martin’s engineers clearly understood that. The DB12 S gets an upgraded launch control system that reduces gearshift times by more than 50 percent.

Aston quotes 0–60 mph in 3.4 seconds for the DB12 S; no separate official time for the Volante has been published. It’s not just about raw numbers; it’s about how cleanly the DB12 S explodes forward when you floor it. It’s a thrilling feeling that combines technology and adrenaline into one seamless launch, both savage and smooth.

A sound worth chasing

Aston Martin knows that a car this powerful should sound as good as it looks. The DB12 S now features a reworked stainless-steel exhaust system that deepens and sharpens its distinctive growl.

An optional titanium exhaust trims approximately 11.7 kg (≈25.8 lb) and raises the sound level by about 1.5 dB, sharpening the car’s soundtrack. That might sound small on paper, but in person, it makes the car’s roar impossible to ignore. It’s music to a car lover’s ears, rich, raspy, and full of personality.

Handling with attitude

Power means nothing if a car can’t handle it, so Aston Martin fine-tuned the DB12 S to stay composed at any speed. Engineers stiffened the rear anti-roll bar and adjusted the suspension software to improve balance through tight corners.

The car now feels more agile and precise, like it’s reading your mind as you steer. These small but meaningful changes give the DB12 S sharper reflexes and greater confidence on twisty roads. It’s not just a cruiser, it’s a dancer built for rhythm and control.

Tech that improves every drive

The updates extend beyond the hardware. Aston Martin refined the steering, tuned the electronic rear differential, and reprogrammed the dampers to better manage body movement.

These changes give the DB12 S a stronger connection between driver and road. Every turn of the wheel feels more natural, every corner more predictable. It’s a car that rewards confidence and invites you to push harder, knowing that the technology underneath is always working to keep things perfectly balanced.

Brakes built to perform

To match its extra power, the DB12 S comes standard with carbon-ceramic brakes, previously a $14,500 option on the base model. These brakes don’t just improve stopping distances; they completely change the way the car feels under heavy use.

Aston says the carbon-ceramic brakes reduce unsprung mass by approximately 27 kg (60 lb) compared to steel brakes, thereby enhancing thermal capacity and handling feel. That makes the DB12 S quicker to respond and better at handling rough roads. It’s the kind of upgrade that serious drivers notice from the first touch of the pedal.

Racing-inspired control

Aston Martin also fitted the DB12 S with its next-generation Corner Braking Control system, or CBC. It’s designed to keep the car balanced while braking into corners, helping drivers stay smooth even when driving at high speeds.

By managing brake pressure at each wheel, the system improves stability and precision. This technology may sound complex, but its effect is simple—it makes the car feel more planted and predictable. It’s another example of Aston’s racing expertise shaping real-world performance.

A design that demands attention

Visually, the DB12 S looks both familiar and fierce. It wears a new front splitter, redesigned hood vents, and a more aggressive rear diffuser that frames a quad-tailpipe exhaust setup.

These subtle details give it a lower, wider stance that feels ready to pounce. Even standing still, the car gives off a quiet sense of power. It’s Aston Martin at its best, elegant but never shy about its strength.

Interiors made for indulgence

Inside the DB12 S, Aston Martin offers three interior themes to match every taste: Accelerate, Inspire S semi-aniline, and Inspire S full semi-aniline leather. Each setup combines soft leather, Alcantara, and precision stitching.

The Inspire trims also feature herringbone quilting and an Alcantara headliner that wraps the cabin in luxury. Every surface feels handcrafted, reminding you that this isn’t a mass-produced car—it’s a tailored experience.

Comfort meets control

Aston Martin’s designers managed to make luxury and performance coexist beautifully. The DB12 S features seats that hold you firmly during cornering while remaining soft enough for long drives.

Controls are positioned intuitively, making the interior feel like an extension of the driver. Everything from the steering wheel shape to the stitching pattern enhances the sense of occasion each time you slide behind the wheel.

Coupe or Volante, your choice

The DB12 S comes in two styles: a sleek hardtop coupe and an open-top Volante convertible. Both share the same performance DNA and striking design.

The coupe offers a more classic grand touring experience, while the Volante adds fresh air and open-sky thrills. Drop the top, hear that V8 roar, and it’s pure driving bliss. Each one brings its own kind of magic.

Luxury with a rare touch

Exclusivity is part of the Aston Martin experience. The DB12 S isn’t mass-produced; it’s handcrafted for those who want something special.

Pricing hasn’t been announced; multiple outlets estimate the coupe at around $270,000 and the Volante at approximately $290,000. It’s more than a machine; it’s a statement of taste and refinement.

A century of performance

Aston Martin has spent over 110 years refining the art of grand touring. The DB12 S continues that legacy, blending timeless design with the latest engineering advances.

From the early DB models to modern icons, every Aston carries a sense of British heritage. The DB12 S honors that history while pushing it forward with modern power and technology.

Built for emotion, not just numbers

Every part of the DB12 S is designed to make driving an emotional experience. The steering feels alive, the throttle responds instantly, and the car’s sound reminds you that driving can still be thrilling.

While many brands chase electric efficiency, Aston Martin stays true to the feeling of connection that only a roaring V8 can deliver. It’s about passion, not just performance stats.

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Ready to rule the road

Deliveries for the DB12 S are scheduled to begin in early 2026, and excitement is already building. This isn’t just a faster DB12, it’s the evolution of everything Aston Martin stands for.

From its handcrafted luxury to its raw performance, the DB12 S redefines what a super tourer should be. It’s powerful, elegant, and built to leave a lasting impression that endures long after the engine stops.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.