When Aston Martin introduced the DB12 in 2023, the company didn't call it a grand tourer. They created an entirely new category: the Super Tourer. Now, with the addition of the DB12 S halo model, this bloodline has reached new heights of performance and luxury. Whether you're drawn to the refined power of the DB12 or the track-focused intensity of the DB12 S, both models represent a rare combination of British craftsmanship, cutting-edge technology, and raw driving emotion that you simply won't find anywhere else.
A Powertrain That Redefines Performance
The DB12 starts with a hand-built 4.0-litre Twin-Turbo V8 engine tuned to deliver 680 hp at 6000 rpm and 590 lb-ft of torque between 2750 and 6000 rpm. That's enough to launch the car from 0 to 97 km/h in just 3.5 seconds, with a top speed of 325 km/h. Modified cam profiles, larger turbochargers, optimized compression ratios, and a completely redesigned cooling system work together to extract this level of output.
The DB12 S takes things further. Power climbs to 700 hp at 6000 rpm, while torque remains a potent 590 lb-ft delivered between 3000 and 6000 rpm. Acceleration improves to 3.4 seconds from 0 to 97 km/h, thanks in part to a revised Launch Control system and gearshift times that are more than 50 percent faster. Both models share the same 325 km/h top speed, but the S model delivers a more immediate, visceral response at every touch of the throttle.
An Exhaust Note You'll Never Forget
Sound matters in a car like this. The DB12 features a quad-tailpipe exhaust system that's been carefully tuned to deliver a satisfying soundtrack throughout the rev range. The DB12 S amplifies that experience with a new exhaust sound character that accentuates engine frequencies for added depth. If you want even more drama, the optional titanium exhaust on the S model boosts bass, mid, and treble frequencies by 1.5 decibels while cutting 11.7 kg of weight. Whether you're cruising through Montreal's Griffintown district or opening up the throttle on Route 117 through the Laurentians, the sound alone makes every drive memorable.
Handling That Adapts to Your Mood
Both the DB12 and DB12 S feature an Electronic Rear Differential—the first time this technology has appeared on a DB model. Unlike a conventional limited-slip differential, the E-Diff can go from fully open to 100 percent locked in milliseconds. This gives you precise, consistent handling whether you're navigating low-speed corners in Old Montreal or taking on sweeping high-speed bends along the St. Lawrence.
The DB12 S goes a step further with extensive chassis upgrades. Software changes to the Bilstein DTX dampers improve roll and pitch control, while a stiffer rear anti-roll bar and refined suspension geometry settings enhance front-end confidence and overall agility. Aston Martin's engineers have also fine-tuned the steering calibration and E-Diff to deliver more natural, intuitive feel. You can use the throttle earlier in corners for maximum satisfaction from entry to exit, all while maintaining an underlying stability that inspires confidence.
Five pre-set drive modes—GT, Sport, Sport+, Wet, and Individual—let you tailor the car's character to the road ahead. GT mode delivers a luxurious ride quality for long-distance cruising, while Sport and Sport+ modes tighten body control and shrink the car around you. The DB12 S adds a distinctive red anodized drive mode rotary controller that signals its performance intent.
Braking Power to Match the Pace
Standard brakes on the DB12 feature 400 mm front discs and 360 mm rear discs with grooved and drilled faces for improved thermal capacity. The brake booster has been re-tuned to deliver firm pedal feel with an immediate sense of stopping power combined with progressive response.
The DB12 S comes standard with Carbon Ceramic Brakes—410 mm at the front and 360 mm at the rear. These brakes offer increased braking performance and thermal capacity, with resistance to fade even at temperatures up to 800°C. They also save 27 kg of unsprung weight compared to steel brakes, which benefits ride quality, steering feel, and overall handling behaviour. Whether you're making repeated stops in city traffic or braking hard for a corner, the confidence is absolute.
Design That Turns Heads
The DB12's exterior reflects its Super Tourer mission with a bold, assertive design. A larger, reshaped radiator aperture and new LED headlights with a distinctive Daytime Running Lamp signature frame a wide-track stance that's been increased by 6 mm at the front and 22 mm at the rear. Standard 21-inch forged alloy wheels—8 kg lighter than previous 20-inch offerings—sit in three different designs with a range of colours and finishes.
The DB12 S takes the visual drama further with a dual-element front splitter and new bonnet louvres. The splitter visually lowers and widens the car while generating downforce and guiding airflow around the front wheel arches. The bonnet louvres—available in gloss black or optional 2x2 Twill Carbon Fibre—aid heat extraction while completing the car's aggressive frontal aspect. Gloss black sill additions continue the line formed by the front splitter, enhancing the ground-hugging stance.
At the rear, the DB12 S features a fixed rear spoiler for increased high-speed stability and a new rear diffuser that reduces lift while framing the signature stacked pairs of exhaust tailpipes within a broader rear bumper. Hand-made 'S' badges in bright or dark chrome with red glass enamel sit on the fenders below each side strake—a discreet but enduring mark of performance.
An Interior That Combines Technology and Craftsmanship
Step inside either model and you're greeted by an environment swathed in aromatic, hand-stitched Bridge of Weir leather. The DB12 features a completely redesigned interior with clean horizontal lines that emphasize space and provide a contemporary backdrop for Aston Martin's first in-house infotainment system.
Dual 10.25-inch high-resolution screens support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with ultra-responsive 30-millisecond reaction time for capacitive touch control. The system includes online connectivity for smarter navigation—you can look up a restaurant, read reviews, and set it as a destination, or choose a location in the Aston Martin App and send it to the car. Real-time traffic overlays and connected dynamic routing help you avoid delays whether you're heading to the Plateau or taking the Autoroute 15 to the North Shore.
Physical buttons remain for key operations like gear selection, drive mode selection, and heating and ventilation controls. This blend of digital and analogue controls gives you the best of both worlds—modern connectivity without losing the tactile satisfaction of mechanical switches.
The DB12 S adds distinctive interior touches that set it apart. Beyond the red anodized drive mode controller, you'll find red seatbelts, contrast seat welts, contrast stitching, and headrest embroidery. Three interior trim environments are available: Accelerate leather and Alcantara, Inspire S semi-aniline leather and Alcantara, or Inspire S full semi-aniline leather. Both Inspire S packages include S Herringbone quilting with micro-perforations and an Alcantara headlining. Standard 16-way Sport Plus electric front seats provide support for spirited driving, with an optional Carbon Fibre Performance seat available.
Sound Quality That Rivals Concert Halls
The standard audio system in the DB12 features 390 watts delivered through 11 speakers, employing QuantumLogic sound processing to create a soundscape acoustically matched to the car's interior.
For those who demand the absolute best, an optional Bowers & Wilkins system delivers 1,170 watts through 15 speakers. This double-amplified surround sound system uses technologies found in Bowers & Wilkins' world-class domestic hi-fi products, including Aluminium Double Dome tweeters, Continuum midrange speakers, dedicated 3D headline speakers, and a powerful subwoofer. The speaker positions have been built deep into the fabric of the DB12's interior for perfect location, direction, and symmetry. Stainless steel speaker grilles can be finished to match the interior jewellery, with perforations optimized for both acoustics and aesthetics.
Tires Developed Specifically for This Car
Aston Martin is the first manufacturer to use Michelin's new Pilot Sport 5 S tires on a production car. These aren't off-the-shelf versions—they're marked with 'AML' codes to signify a bespoke compound tuned by Aston Martin's dynamics team. The tires measure 275/35 R21 at the front and 315/30 R21 at the rear, providing maximum grip in wet and dry conditions with precision steering response.
The Pilot Sport 5 S tires also feature noise-cancelling polyurethane foam inserts within the tire carcass. This reduces tire hum transmitted to the interior by 20 percent, lowering noise levels and improving refinement for long-distance comfort.
A Car That Knows What You Need
The DB12 and DB12 S both feature an industry-leading Electronic Stability Programme system with four pre-defined modes: Wet, On, Track, and Off. The system uses a six-axis inertia measurement unit to build a real-time picture of what the car is doing, then predicts the level of available grip using advanced algorithms.
This predictive, model-based technology underpins all the car's chassis control systems—ABS, traction control, and lateral dynamics—in an integrated way that delivers driver confidence without abrupt interventions. The system works discreetly in the background, allowing you to get the best from the car and the conditions with fewer perceived ESP interventions while maintaining safety.
Connected Technology for Modern Ownership
The DB12 introduces Aston Martin's first connected car ecosystem, utilizing the car itself, the Aston Martin App, and secure data servers. A globally roaming 4G LTE connection via embedded e-SIM—provided and funded by Aston Martin—keeps the car connected wherever you go.
The Aston Martin App, available on iOS and Android, allows you to monitor, locate, and protect your vehicle. You can send navigation destinations to the car, use last-mile navigation to guide you on foot, and manage account details through integrated media feeds. Connected car subscription packages are included free for the first three years and tied to the vehicle, even if the DB12 is resold through Aston Martin's Timeless approved pre-owned program.
Features include connected navigation, theft alerts, voice assistant, geofence alerts, vehicle location and status monitoring, remote lock/unlock, trip data, emergency call, breakdown call, concierge service, and Over The Air updates. An optional Advantage subscription offers additional features like stolen vehicle tracking.
A Tradition of Excellence
The DB bloodline spans 75 years of automotive history, from the original DB1 through legends like the DB5 and DB9. The DB12 and DB12 S continue that tradition by boldly moving forward. They represent a rare combination of attributes: scintillating performance that satisfies demanding drivers, refinement and comfort for all-day journeys, state-of-the-art technology seamlessly integrated with craftsmanship, and styling that exudes confidence without being garish.
Whether you choose the DB12 or the DB12 S, you're selecting a car that defines its own category. This isn't a vehicle trying to be something for everyone—it's a Super Tourer built for those who refuse to compromise on any aspect of the driving experience.
If you'd like to learn more about the DB12 and DB12 S, or discuss how these models fit into your driving life, connect with the team at Aston Martin Montreal.
