Aston Martin DB12 S: The Grand Tourer That Refuses to Be Tamed

The Aston Martin DB12 S arrives not as a subtle refresh but as a statement of intent — sharper, more visceral, and more alive than its predecessor in ways that matter most when the road starts to twist. For the Asia-based driver who splits weekends between a Kyoto ryokan and a private track day in Sepang, this is the machine that earns its place in the garage on pure merit. With 680 horsepower drawn from a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8, the DB12 S doesn't simply perform — it communicates, pulling the driver into a conversation that feels genuinely two-way.

Aston Martin has long occupied a particular kind of emotional territory — cars that look extraordinary at rest but occasionally disappoint in motion. The DB12 S changes that calculus. Engineers have reworked the suspension geometry, recalibrated the adaptive dampers, and sharpened the steering rack to deliver a car that feels tighter and more responsive without sacrificing the long-distance composure that defines the grand tourer format. The result is a machine that can carry you serenely from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur in the morning and still reward a spirited run through the Cameron Highlands by afternoon.

What the DB12 S Does Differently Behind the Wheel

The most immediate revelation is the steering. Earlier iterations of the DB12 offered a degree of isolation that some drivers found too remote — a filter between intention and reaction. The S specification removes much of that vagueness, delivering a directness that rewards commitment. Turn-in is crisp, body roll is well-managed without feeling artificially suppressed, and the car's balance through mid-corner is genuinely impressive for something that weighs close to 1,800 kilograms. This is a car that wants to be driven, not merely piloted.

The powertrain itself is unchanged in displacement but benefits from revised engine mapping that delivers torque more progressively in the lower registers and more explosively above 4,500 rpm. The eight-speed automatic transmission has been retuned for faster downshifts in Sport and Sport+ modes, and the exhaust note — always one of Aston Martin's strongest suits — has been given additional drama through a new active valve system. On a mountain pass at dawn, with the windows down and the engine in full voice, it is one of the more memorable sensory experiences available from behind a steering wheel.

Interior and Specification: Where Luxury Meets Precision

Inside, the DB12 S carries forward the cabin architecture that made the standard DB12 such a significant step forward for the brand. Semi-aniline leather wraps virtually every surface, the 10.25-inch infotainment screen is logically placed and responsive, and the carbon fibre trim options — particularly the exposed weave across the dashboard — add a technical edge without undermining the car's essential elegance. For the S specification, Aston Martin offers a dedicated colour palette and a set of forged alloy wheels that reduce unsprung weight and sharpen the car's dynamic responses further.

Buyers in Asia will find the DB12 S available through authorised Aston Martin dealerships across the region, with key showrooms in Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Shanghai. Pricing varies by market but typically sits above SGD 700,000 before options — a figure that reflects both the car's engineering ambition and the exclusivity of the ownership experience. Personalisation through Aston Martin's Q division remains one of the brand's genuine differentiators, allowing buyers to commission bespoke specifications that range from custom paint formulations to one-of-a-kind interior treatments.

The Verdict: A Grand Tourer That Finally Matches Its Own Ambition

The Aston Martin DB12 S is the version of this car that the standard model always promised to be. It is more focused, more responsive, and more rewarding without becoming harsh or demanding in the way that dedicated sports cars can be on long journeys. For the discerning driver who wants a single machine capable of handling a five-star arrival, a mountain road, and a private airstrip transfer with equal conviction, the DB12 S makes a compelling case. Contact your nearest Aston Martin Asia Pacific dealer to arrange a private demonstration drive and discuss bespoke specification options.

Aston Martin Asia Pacific
📍 Regional showrooms across Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Shanghai
📞 Contact via regional dealer network
🌐 www.astonmartin.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Aston Martin DB12 S and how does it differ from the standard DB12?

The DB12 S is a higher-performance variant of Aston Martin's DB12 grand tourer, featuring revised suspension geometry, recalibrated adaptive dampers, a sharper steering rack, and updated engine mapping. It delivers 680 horsepower and a more communicative driving experience without sacrificing long-distance comfort.

How much does the Aston Martin DB12 S cost in Asia?

Pricing varies by market and specification, but buyers in Singapore should expect figures above SGD 700,000 before options. Bespoke Q-division personalisation can add significantly to that figure depending on the level of customisation requested.

Where can I test drive the Aston Martin DB12 S in Asia?

Authorised Aston Martin dealerships in Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Shanghai offer private demonstration drives by appointment. Contact the regional dealer network through the official Aston Martin website to arrange a session.

Is the Aston Martin DB12 S suitable for long-distance touring in Asia?

Absolutely. The DB12 S retains the grand tourer DNA that defines the DB lineage — a refined, comfortable cabin, strong long-distance composure, and a powertrain tuned for sustained performance. It is equally capable on a mountain pass and a highway cruise.

What personalisation options are available for the DB12 S in Asia?

Through Aston Martin's Q division, buyers can commission bespoke paint colours, custom interior leathers, unique stitching patterns, exposed carbon fibre treatments, and personalised badging. The Q programme is available through all authorised Asia Pacific dealerships.