2026 Aston Martin DB12 S - The Super Tourer, Supercharged

Aston Martin has long defined the Grand Tourer (GT) segment, blending potent performance with timeless style and continent-crossing comfort. With the introduction of the DB12—a car the marque proudly crowned the "Super Tourer" it established a new benchmark for V8-powered luxury performance. Now, for the 2026 model year, Gaydon has pulled the silk off the DB12 S, and the message is clear: the focus has shifted sharply toward driver engagement, agility, and visceral excitement.

The 'S' designation in Aston Martin lore, tracing its lineage back to the 1953 DB3S, has always marked the pinnacle performance derivative of an established model. The DB12 S follows this noble tradition, taking the already formidable standard car and subjecting it to a comprehensive, ground-up overhaul focusing on chassis dynamics, power delivery, and acoustic drama. It’s not just an ECU tune and a spoiler; it’s an engineering deep dive intended to push the boundaries of what a front-engined, V8-powered non-hybrid GT can achieve. While the standard DB12 is a supremely capable scalpel, the DB12 S is honed, weighted, and sharpened into a true track-ready weapon, yet one that astonishingly sacrifices none of its inherent Grand Touring refinement.

The Heart of the Beast: Power and Precision

The heart of the DB12 S remains the magnificent, Mercedes-AMG-sourced 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. However, Aston Martin’s engineers have found yet more performance from this ‘hot-V’ architecture. Power rises incrementally yet meaningfully, climbing from 671 hp to a potent 690 hp (or 700 PS, depending on your measurement standard), all achieved at 6,000 rpm. Torque remains a gargantuan 590 lb-ft, delivered across a massive band from 3,000 to 6,000 rpm, ensuring brutal, on-demand acceleration in any gear.

While an increase of 20 hp might seem modest for an 'S' model, the true story lies in the transmission and throttle mapping. The rear mid-mounted ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox, already excellent in the standard car, has been extensively recalibrated. The result is a staggering 50% reduction in gearshift times, transforming quick shifts into lightning-fast, almost dual-clutch-like transitions. This, combined with an optimized Launch Control system and a new, more progressive drive-by-wire throttle map, shrinks the 0-60 mph sprint time to a blistering 3.4 seconds (down from 3.6 seconds). The 202 mph top speed is maintained, but reaching it is now a far more immediate and explosive experience.

The powertrain's enhanced responsiveness elevates the driving experience from merely rapid to genuinely thrilling, establishing the DB12 S as the most powerful V8-powered non-hybrid Super Tourer in its class.

Dynamic Revelation: Chassis and Cornering

The most significant engineering changes defining the DB12 S are found in the chassis, steering, and braking systems. Aston Martin’s aim was simple: amplify driver connection and agility without introducing the harshness often associated with performance variants.

The headline hardware upgrade is the standard fitment of Carbon Ceramic Brakes (CCBs). These massive discs—410mm at the front and 360mm at the rear—provide exceptional stopping power and thermal capacity, virtually eliminating brake fade even under sustained track use. More critically for the car’s dynamic envelope, the CCBs shave an impressive 27 kilograms (approximately 60 pounds) of unsprung weight. This weight reduction directly translates to immediate improvements in ride quality, steering precision, and suspension articulation, as the adaptive dampers have less mass to control.

Speaking of suspension, the Bilstein DTX adaptive dampers receive unique software changes to improve roll and pitch control, working in tandem with a stiffer rear anti-roll bar. The revised geometry—finessed camber, toe, and castor settings—improves front-end confidence and overall agility, making the steering feel more direct and intuitive upon turn-in.

Furthermore, the electronic rear differential (E-Diff) and the electronic power steering (EPAS) systems have been recalibrated. The E-Diff is optimized to modulate torque distribution more aggressively for faster corner exits and improved balance, while the steering software delivers increased weighting and superior feedback, allowing the driver to confidently exploit the chassis's newfound capabilities. Integrated Brake Slip Control, part of the next-generation Corner Braking Control system, utilizes torque vectoring across the rear axle to provide predictable and precise cornering behavior, bridging the gap between a refined GT and a focused sports car.

Aesthetics, Acoustics, and Atmosphere

Visually, the DB12 S maintains the gorgeous, muscular proportions of the standard car, but adds carefully integrated elements that communicate its heightened performance. These subtle aerodynamic and cosmetic additions are not mere adornments; they are functional.

The front fascia receives a new dual-element splitter that enhances downforce. The bonnet gains functional louvers, which can be specified in gloss black or optional 2x2 Twill Carbon Fibre, designed to efficiently extract hot air from the twin-turbo V8. Gloss black sill extensions connect the front and rear, visually lowering the car's stance.

The rear end is dominated by a restyled diffuser and the most striking visual cue: vertically stacked quad exhaust tailpipes. This new stainless steel sports exhaust system has been meticulously tuned to accentuate engine frequencies, delivering a soundtrack with added depth and potency that is noticeably more aggressive than the DB12’s. For true enthusiasts, an optional titanium exhaust system not only sheds 11.7 kg of weight but also amplifies the sound pressure level by 1.5 dB—a subtle but important boost to the auditory experience. The finishing touch is the discreet, hand-forged 'S' badge, often rendered in red glass enamel, placed strategically on the fenders.

Inside the cabin, the theme of dynamic luxury continues. The DB12’s stunning 10.25-inch infotainment system and high-quality materials are retained, but the 'S' introduces unique styling elements. The knurled metal rotary drive mode controller, a centerpiece of the console, now features a distinctive red anodized finish. Buyers can choose from exclusive interior environments like 'Accelerate' (leather and Alcantara) or the luxurious 'Inspire S' packages, which feature S Herringbone quilting with micro-perforations. Optional Carbon Fibre Performance seats are available for those who truly prioritize lateral support, confirming the DB12 S’s dual mandate: luxury cruiser one moment, apex hunter the next.

Verdict: The Definitive V8 Aston Martin

The 2026 Aston Martin DB12 S is more than just a power boost; it is a meticulously engineered dynamic overhaul. Aston Martin’s Director of Vehicle Performance, Simon Newton, remarked that the DB12 S "elevates the Super Tourer ethos to a thrilling new level." Having delivered a car with a faster-acting transmission, sharper throttle response, a dramatically lightened and stiffer chassis, and a more aggressive aero profile, that claim holds true.

The DB12 S is aimed squarely at the driver who uses the standard car to cross a continent but wants to attack the mountain pass at the other end with genuine sports-car precision. The upgrades are transformative in feel: the standard CCBs improve the daily drive as much as they do track performance, and the transmission's newfound speed connects the driver to the V8’s limitless thrust with greater urgency.

While the standard DB12 remains the quintessential all-rounder, the DB12 S is the definitive expression of the V8 Super Tourer—a car that sacrifices nothing in terms of luxury while delivering a thrilling, focused, and utterly addictive driving experience. If your idea of Grand Touring involves hitting the redline with a quad-pipe symphony behind you, the DB12 S is your new, magnificent halo.