When Aston Martin launched the DB12, it coined the term Super Tourer to describe the shift in bandwidth from all-out GT to a sporting GT with a level of performance once associated with a supercar. Effectively, the DB12 was already an S from the start. So where does that leave the actual S, which Gaydon revealed this morning?

If the headline power increase of 20bhp sounds modest, that's because it is. The 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 now musters 690bhp (700PS), but makes the same 590lb-ft (800Nm) as the regular DB12. The performance gains are equally modest, with the 0–60mph sprint dropping to 3.4 seconds for the coupé and 3.5 for the Volante – a tenth quicker than standard – while top speed remains 202mph.

But the S badge has never been about brute force alone – it’s a calculated shift in character aimed squarely at the driver. To that end, the DB12 S features suspension updates specifically targeting roll, pitch and agility. These include recalibrated Bilstein DTX adaptive dampers, a stiffer rear anti-roll bar, and reworked camber, toe and caster angles to sharpen the steering.

There are software changes too, with a retuned rear e-diff and electric power steering to further increase feedback and precision on turn-in. Other electronic tweaks include ‘a more progressive throttle pedal feel’ with a new S-specific mode, and an impressive 50 per cent cut from the eight-speed automatic’s shift times. The launch control system has also been rewired, which Aston claims is a factor in the new-found performance.

Aiding the suspension are the standard-fit carbon-ceramic brakes – 410mm front, 360mm rear – cutting 27kg of unsprung mass compared to steel, bringing a meaningful improvement to ride quality despite the more focused setup. The brakes are integrated within Aston's next-generation Corner Braking Control, which uses predictive logic and rear-axle torque vectoring to maintain stability under trail braking, allowing for a tighter line from entry to apex.

Interestingly, despite the savings from the carbon ceramics, the kerb weight of the coupé is up from the DB12’s quoted 1788kg to 1,820kg. The Volante also increases by a similar margin to 1,930kg.

Some of that gain can be countered by specifying the optional titanium exhaust, which delivers an 11.7kg saving plus another 1.5dB of V8 soundtrack over the already enhanced standard system. Both exhausts feature a distinctive new tailpipe design, with the S sporting a duet of stacked tips in place of the DB12’s twin exits.

Like the V8 Vantage S and DBX S launched earlier this year, the rest of the visual changes are functional but subtle. A dual-element front splitter and bonnet louvres improve cooling, while a fixed rear spoiler and revised diffuser enhance stability at speed – adding 44kg of downforce at Vmax for a total of 111kg. Gloss black sill extensions and red glass enamel S-badging on the front wings complete the exterior changes.

Inside, the S treatment is more overt. The drive mode controller receives a natty red anodised finish, colour-matched to contrast stitching, seatbelts and embroidery. Three interior specifications are available; full semi-aniline leather or a mix with Alcantara, offered in monotone, duotone or tritone finishes. Sport Plus seats with 16-way electric adjustment are standard; lightweight carbon fibre performance seats are optional.

Historically, the DB S has acted as a stop-gap flagship between Vanquish generations. The DB12 S, however, will sit below the 835bhp V12-engined Vanquish – but Gaydon believes there is room for the two to coexist. “The technology we introduced with DB12 allows us exceptional scope to explore a new depth of character within the same platform,” says Simon Newton, Aston Martin’s Director of Vehicle Performance. “We’ve preserved signature levels of refinement while amplifying driver engagement, elevating the Super Tourer ethos to a new level.”

UK pricing hasn’t been confirmed, though expect a figure north of £200,000 and comfortably below the Vanquish’s £330,000 starting point. Customer deliveries for both coupé and Volante variants begin in Q1 2026.