Aston Martin has pulled the covers off the DB12 S, the quickest and most powerful iteration of the British firm’s grand tourer. In addition to the mechanical and performance enhancements, the DB12 S features cosmetic upgrades inside and out.
- Aston Martin DB12 S does 0-100kph in 3.4 seconds and gets a louder exhaust system
- It has sharper handling thanks to various suspension tweaks, carbon ceramic brakes, and more
- DB12 S gets a new front splitter, bonnet louvres, quad exhausts and ducktail spoiler
2025 Aston Martin DB12 S powertrain and performance
Puts out 20hp more than the standard DB12.
The DB12 S is powered by the same 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 as the non-S models, but it now makes 700hp – up 20hp. Torque remains the same at 800Nm and so does the 8-speed torque converter gearbox funnelling the V8’s grunt to the rear wheels. However, Aston Martin has recalibrated the launch control system to shave gearshift times down to 120 milliseconds, and the throttle response has been fettled for greater responsiveness.
One-tenth of a second quicker in the 0-100kph sprint, and louder too.
These upgrades allow the DB12 S to dispatch the 0-100kph run in 3.4 seconds – 0.1 seconds quicker than the vanilla DB12, while the top speed remains the same at 325kph. On its way to that velocity, the DB12 S will also emit a more vocal note, courtesy of a new stainless-steel exhaust system. Buyers can also opt for a titanium exhaust system, which is said to be even louder (up 1.5 decibels) and lighter by 11.7kg.
Several handling and dynamics upgrades on offer.
On the dynamics front, the DB12 S gets tweaked Bilstein DTX dampers, fine-tuned steering and wheel geometry settings, an electronic rear differential, and a stiffer rear anti-roll bar, all of which make for superior agility in the bends. Notably, carbon ceramic brakes are standard fitment on the DB12 S, with 410mm and 360mm discs at the front and rear, respectively. These, expectedly, improve braking performance and save 27kg of unsprung weight compared to the non-S version’s steel brakes.
Speaking of which, the DB12 S also comes equipped with a new iteration of Aston Martin’s corner braking control (CBC) system, which effectively helps the car maintain composure while braking into corners at high speeds.
2025 Aston Martin DB12 S exterior and interior changes
Bonnet louvres, new front splitter, quad-exhaust setup, and more.
Up front, the DB12 S features a redesigned splitter and bonnet louvres, which help draw heat away from the engine. There’s red ‘S’ badging on the front fenders, along with gloss-black trim and new alloy wheels. At the rear, the most prominent additions are a quad-exhaust setup and a ducktail spoiler.
Cabin gets loads of red accents and bespoke upholstery options.
Inside, the DB12 S is largely identical to the standard model but distinguishes itself with red highlights for the drive mode selector, seatbelts, stitching, and headrest embroidery, among others. The interior can also be had with one of three upholstery and trim themes: ‘Accelerate’ leather and Alcantara, ‘Inspire S’ semi-aniline leather and Alcantara and ‘Inspire S’ full semi-aniline leather.
As with any Aston Martin, DB12 S buyers have plenty of scope for personalisation, including options like a heated steering wheel.
2025 Aston Martin DB12 S launch plans
Available in coupe and convertible body styles.
The order books for the DB12 S – both in the coupe and convertible ‘Volante’ forms – are now open in global markets, and deliveries will commence in Q1 2026. There’s no word on an India launch for the DB12 S, and unlike the Vantage S and DBX Sit isn’t listed on Aston Martin India’s website yet.
Also see:
Aston Martin Valhalla India launch on cards
Aston Martin India sales split 50:50 between SUV and sportscars
