2026 Aston Martin DB12 S Coupe Review: Close to 700 HP and 0-60 in 3.4 Seconds

Gorgeous. Powerful. Balanced. Svelte. Luxurious. Responsive. Quick.

Now that I have your attention, please meet the Aston Martin DB12 S Coupe, the newest of the new from the area that begat Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon, which is about 100 miles from London, in the town of Gaydon. Rumors hold that the town was named due to the delight of driving an Aston Martin, but I could find no support for such a claim. Nevertheless, if the talent of William S. came from the water, it would make sense that Aston would be equally erudite when it comes to understanding and creating exactly what drivers want.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Aston Martin

Everyone loves a good origin story. Unfortunately, the one above is not exactly correct and apparently was created without the use of AI (“artistic integrity”). There are, however, a smidgen of truths set forth earlier. Aston was founded in England, but in London, in 1913. It moved within England a few more times and has been in Gaydon since the early 2000s. More fun to read than paragraph one, though, isn’t it? Verily, or should I say “Word”?

Back to the topic at hand, the DB12 S. Building on the already-sumptuous DB12, the S adds the extra oomph of an additional 20 ponies, bringing the power close to 700HP, which quickens the 0-60mph sprint somewhat, now clocking in at a quick 3.4 seconds. The few design modifications made the car somewhat sharper and perhaps a touch more modern but, like almost all of its predecessors, the DB12 S is a stunner.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Aston Martin

One tell that you’re looking at the “S” variant of the DB12 is that the rear wing is fixed in the up position (a tell tail?), whereas in previous models it was retractable. Another change: the new stainless-steel quad-stacked exhaust pipes add a great look while providing additional aural pleasure. Together, they are giving a little “boy racer” vibe to the otherwise elegant machine. Coupled with the new front air splitter — sporting a dual-element design — and the hood louvers adding downforce and helping to reduce front-end lift while also assisting the extraction of hot air from the potent engine — the S has a more assertive look both coming and going.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Aston Martin

But it’s not just about the looks. A more robust anti-sway bar minimizes lean in the corners, and the electronic differential (“e-diff”) allows the power to be adjusted between the rear wheels to amplify the steering’s effect when cornering. Aston calls it an “impeccable balance of agility and exploitability … for ultimate confidence and enjoyment.” Having spent a full day with the S in the hills and valleys around the foothills between Los Angeles and Ventura, I agree wholeheartedly with that statement. Cornering well used to require hard, bumpy riding, but today’s technology, like the software changes to the Bilstein DTX dampers that enhance both roll and pitch control, provides for a smooth yet controlled ride, one befitting a grand tourer.

Sure, it goes, but how well does it stop? Thanks for asking. The carbon ceramic brakes (“CCB”) are standard fitment on the S. Carbon ceramic is a high-tech material that gains less heat during braking, thus allowing for more consistent, impressive stopping power. Like many special cars today, the S’s brake calipers are available in a variety of colors, further evidence that a car can be both beautiful and a performer.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Aston Martin

The interior is great, too, starting with an available Alcantara heated sports steering wheel, red anodized knurled metal drive mode rotary controller with a boatload of options when it comes to seat, seatbelt, and stitching finishes. Aston knows well how to blend comfort, elegance, and purpose as the seats are supportive yet supple and the side bolsters are a welcome addition when one is cornering sprightly.

Available in both coupe and “Volante” (convertible) forms, the DB12 S starts at about $270,000 and, depending upon your penchant for options, including bespoke paint, you can land in the first quadrant of the $400,000s, but a “nicely appointed” DB12 S will run around $350,000. As you might imagine, at those price points, you have other options, but for my money, the looks, sound, performance, and overall joy of driving provided by the DB12 S are hard to beat.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Aston Martin

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