The 2026 Aston Martin DB12 S brings more power, sharper handling and lower weight to the DB12, creating a sportier alternative to the standard grand tourer. With 690 horsepower, quicker acceleration and a $276,000 starting price, the DB12 S sits between Aston Martin’s softer cruisers and its more extreme models.
What Makes the DB12 S Different?
The DB12 S should not be confused with the discontinued DBS Superlegerra, which used a V12 engine. Instead, the DB12 S retains the AMG-sourced twin-turbocharged V8 from the standard DB12.
Power increases from 671 horsepower to 690, while torque remains at 590 pound-feet, although the torque band is wider.
Aston Martin also equips the DB12 S with standard carbon ceramic brakes that reduce unsprung weight by 60 pounds. An optional titanium exhaust cuts another 26 pounds, while a fixed rear spoiler and stiffer rear anti-roll bar add to the car’s changes.
The throttle calibration, gearshifts, steering, E-differential and Bilstein DTX dampers have also been retuned for sharper and more enthusiastic responses.
2026 Aston Martin DB12 S Gets Quicker
The modest power increase, combined with changes to the transmission and launch control system, cuts the claimed 0-60 mph time from 3.5 seconds to 3.4 seconds.
In testing, the DB12 S was even quicker, reaching 60 mph in 3.3 seconds. That was faster than the V12-powered Vanquish, which reached 60 mph in 3.36 seconds, but slower than the Vantage S Roadster’s 3.27-second result.
The DB12 S also moves further away from the cushy grand-tourer character of the standard DB12. At the same time, it remains less hardcore than the Vanquish, a supercar that is shaped like a GT.
For buyers looking for a middle ground between Aston Martin’s most extreme models and its softer cruisers, the DB12 S offers a sharper driving experience. It gives up some of the base car’s comfort while remaining more refined than a Ferrari Amalfi and sharper than rivals such as the Bentley Continental GT.
Small Tuning Changes Make a Big Difference
The calibration changes make the DB12 S feel substantially different from the standard DB12. Sharper steering keeps the driver more engaged, while the revised transmission and differential make it easier to apply power through corners without fear of losing control.
With the optional titanium exhaust, the DB12’s V8 produces a low rumble. The overall experience makes the absence of a V12 less noticeable.
The DB12 S is described as a car that combines the comfort needed for everyday driving with sharper performance-focused responses.
Is the Aston Martin Vanquish Worth the Extra Cost?
The Vanquish remains Aston Martin’s more dramatic GT. Its twin-turbocharged 5.2-liter V12 produces 823 horsepower, and the car’s styling matches that level of performance.
The Vanquish is 5.2 inches longer than the DB12, with more than three of those inches added to the wheelbase. Details such as its Kamm Tail rear end give it a presence that the DB12 S cannot match.
That added drama comes at a significant price. The Vanquish starts at $436,500, while the DB12 S starts at $276,000, which is $10,000 more than a standard DB12.
In testing, the Vanquish struggled to put all 823 horsepower to the ground and was slower to 60 mph than its V8 counterparts. At triple-digit speeds, its additional power allows it to pull ahead, but the Vanquish was the slowest to 60 mph among the Aston Martin models tested.
The Vantage S Offers Another Option
For buyers focused on driving performance, the Vantage S presents a less expensive alternative. The Vantage S Coupe starts at $199,500.
The current-generation Vantage was not initially well received by the reviewer, but Aston Martin gradually improved it with versions such as the F1 Edition. The Vantage S represents the culmination of those improvements, combined with the enhanced interior technology found across the company’s recent models.
The smaller Vantage S is more agile than the DB12 S and was also quicker to 60 mph in testing. It seats only two passengers, but its hatch-style trunk offers additional utility compared with the DB12’s back seat.
Where the DB12 S Fits in Aston Martin’s Lineup
The DB12 S stands out as a well-balanced GT, but its appeal is aimed at a relatively narrow group of buyers. Those seeking a four-seat cruiser may prefer the standard DB12, while buyers looking for Aston Martin’s most dramatic experience can move up to the Vanquish.
For driving enthusiasts seeking a sharper Aston Martin for curvy back roads or an occasional track day, the Vantage S provides another option at a lower starting price.
