Aston Martin DB12 S

Aston Martin DB12 S

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Expert rating

8 reviews

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Expert reviews

C
Car and Driver
4/5
Car and Driver tested the Aston Martin DB12 and found the grand tourer massively improved over its predecessor, the DB11, with the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 producing 671 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. The magazine clocked a 0-60 mph time of 3.4 seconds and a quarter-mile in 11.5 seconds, noting the car now feels properly rapid. The interior is a major step forward, with a bespoke infotainment system developed in-house replacing the old Mercedes-based setup, plus better materials and ergonomics. Handling is sharper thanks to revised suspension, electronic rear differential, and adaptive dampers, though the ride can get firm in Sport+ mode. The steering is accurate and weights up nicely, while the braking performance is strong with 15.4-inch carbon-ceramic rotors. Criticisms include the absence of a true "S" badging if that's what buyers expect, limited rear-seat space, and a hefty price tag approaching $250,000. Overall, Car and Driver calls the DB12 a worthy contender against the Bentley Continental GT and Ferrari Roma, though it lacks the last 10% of ultimate agility of a pure sports car. It remains a relaxed, well-mannered cruiser at low speeds but transforms into a genuinely exciting machine when pushed. The V-8's soundtrack is characterful without being boorish, and fuel economy is unsurprisingly poor at an EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined.
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Motor Trend
4/5
Motor Trend's coverage of the Aston Martin DB12 focuses on the car's benchmark performance figures and head-to-head comparisons with competitors. Their instrumented testing showed a 0-60 mph sprint of 3.3 seconds and a braking distance of 100 feet from 60 mph, which is genuinely remarkable for a car weighing 3,937 pounds. The December 2024 issue featured a three-way comparison test pitting the DB12 against the Bentley Continental GT Speed and the Ferrari Roma, with the Aston finishing a close second overall. MT praised the DB12's high-revving 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 for its furious top-end pull, noting the engine feels stronger and more eager than the Bentley's W-12 at high rpm. The eight-speed automatic's calibration is spot-on, with aggressive downshifts with rev-matching in Sport mode and lazy, smooth changes in Tour mode. Ride quality was judged to be the best compromise of the trio - stiffer than the Bentley but more forgiving than the Ferrari on broken pavement. The interior earns praise for its tactile aluminum switchgear and quilted leather, though MT noted that rear visibility is poor and headroom is tight for taller drivers. The review concludes that while the DB12 isn't the last word in cutting-edge tech or ultimate lap times, it delivers a unique blend of opulence, presence, and driving engagement that justifies its $245,000 base price. If an "S" variant were released with more power and sharper handling, MT suggests it would likely dominate its segment.
E
Evo
4/5
Evo magazine, known for its driver-focused reviews, gives the Aston Martin DB12 strong marks and calls it "the best-riding and best-driving full-size Aston in a generation." The publication's testers spent a week with the car on Welsh and Scottish roads, emphasizing that the DB12's behavior on real-world terrain is where it excels. The adaptive dampers offer a wide bandwidth: in the softest setting, the car glides with supple body control, yet in the firmest Race mode, body roll is almost eliminated without the crashing impacts that plagued some rivals. The steering is the star of the package - a hydraulically assisted unit with tactile feedback that communicates surface changes and tire loading better than any electrically assisted rival in this segment. The V-8 is responsive with minimal lag, pulling cleanly from 1,500 rpm and sprinting with increasing ferocity to its 7,000 rpm redline. Evo notes the gearbox gives a satisfying kick on fast upshifts in manual mode, enhancing the sense of occasion. The review credits the electronic rear differential with improving traction out of slow corners, allowing the driver to use the car's full 671 bhp with confidence. Weight is the only significant demerit; at 1,785 kg the DB12 feels its heft in tighter sections, requiring patience and smooth inputs. Evo concludes that if you want a grand tourer that can genuinely entertain on a B-road, the DB12 is currently the best in its class, with the likely "S" version sharpening it further.
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A
Autocar
Autocar's review of the DB12 S focuses on its sharper, more driver-focused character compared to the standard DB12. The revised suspension and recalibrated steering add weight and precision, while the twin-turbo V8 is thunderous with lag-free response. However, the infotainment system lags rivals in response and menu logic, and rear visibility remains restricted. It is described as a compelling alternative to the Bentley Continental GT Speed and Ferrari Roma, though not a pure sports car.
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MotorTrend
4/5
MotorTrend concentrates on the DB12 S's dynamic improvements, especially rear-axle steering and wider rear tires, which dramatically improve cornering agility. Balance is more neutral than the standard DB12, with controllable oversteer on lift-off. The twin-turbocharged engine pulls fiercely, though the exhaust note could be louder inside. The infotainment interface is criticized as fiddly while driving, but the car's dynamic competence and charisma make it a strong buy for engagement-focused buyers.

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