Aston Martin BD12 S

Styling that remains as spectacular as ever

With the DB12 S, Aston Martin does not simply add a few horsepower to its great GT. A thoroughly reworked chassis, reduced weight, sharpened steering and a 700 hp AMG V8 turn this elegant Briton into one of the absolute benchmarks of the segment.

It is hard to remain unmoved by this DB12 S. Aston Martin has always mastered the art of proportion, and this newcomer is no exception. A long bonnet, a cabin set well back, taut surfaces and subtly sculpted curves create a silhouette that is both sporty and refined. The all‑black configuration of our test car gives it an almost intimidating presence. The huge front grille seems to literally draw in the air, while the 21‑inch wheels reveal the imposing carbon‑ceramic brakes specific to this version. Among the most interesting details is the Aeroblade system. This Aston Martin technical signature channels air through the bodywork before discreetly releasing it at the rear spoiler. An elegant solution that improves aerodynamic efficiency without resorting to unsightly appendages. At the rear, the specific exhaust outlets arranged diagonally are an immediate reminder that this DB12 S conceals a particularly generous V8 beneath its bonnet. The whole retains that rare ability to be instantly identifiable as an Aston Martin while appearing more assertive and more aggressive than the standard DB12.

An interior that breathes British craftsmanship

Inside, Aston Martin proves that there is still room for authentic luxury in the modern car. As soon as the door opens, you discover an environment in which every surface seems to have been crafted with the greatest care. Leather is everywhere, covering the dashboard, the door panels, the seats and much of the centre console. Contrasting stitching adds a sporty touch, while gloss‑black inserts reinforce the contemporary mood. What impresses most is the quality of execution. The materials are flawless, the fit is precise, and no unwanted noise disturbs the experience on board. Aston Martin also allows a particularly high degree of personalisation thanks to its bespoke configuration programme. Another pleasant surprise is the ergonomics. While many manufacturers have given in to the all‑touchscreen trend, the DB12 S retains a genuine bank of physical controls. Driving modes, air conditioning, heated or ventilated seats remain instantly accessible. An approach that seems almost obvious in a car meant to be driven with enthusiasm.

The driving position is also excellent. The many electric adjustments make it quick to find your bearings, while the seats offer an ideal compromise between lateral support and long‑distance comfort.

A characterful powertrain backed by a deeply reworked chassis

Beneath the long bonnet sits the now‑famous 4.0‑litre twin‑turbo V8 supplied by AMG. In this S guise, it develops 700 horsepower and 800 Nm of torque, sent to the rear wheels alone through an eight‑speed automatic gearbox. While the power gain over the DB12 (+20 hp) may seem relatively modest on paper, the real evolution lies elsewhere. The engineers used this S version to overhaul the car’s dynamic behaviour. The structure gains rigidity, the suspension has been recalibrated, the steering reworked and the weight cut by 38 kg. A large part of this saving comes from the new carbon‑ceramic brakes, which alone account for a 26 kg reduction in unsprung mass. This technical detail is far from trivial. Reducing unsprung mass directly improves the suspension’s ability to control wheel movement and helps make the car more precise and more responsive. Aston Martin has also reworked the damping settings in order to preserve the model’s GT DNA while increasing its effectiveness when the pace rises.

Impressive cohesion on the road

It is precisely on the road that all this work makes sense. Despite its roughly 1.8 tonnes and its generous dimensions, the DB12 S quickly feels far lighter than it is. The front end proves particularly incisive, and the steering alone deserves praise. For an electric assistance system, the feel is remarkable. The precision is exemplary, the information flows naturally through the wheel, and the level of confidence it inspires is impressive. On the winding roads of the Provençal hinterland, the Briton shows remarkable grip. The 275 mm front and 325 mm rear tyres seem to literally cling to the tarmac, while the adaptive suspension absorbs imperfections with disconcerting ease. In GT mode, the car turns into a true tourer capable of devouring the miles in princely comfort. In Sport and Sport+, body movements tighten up, the steering firms up and the exhaust gives freer voice to the V8. The latter remains one of the great stars of the experience. The pick‑up is blistering thanks to the 800 Nm on tap, and the sound keeps an authenticity that has become rare. Deep at low revs, snarling when you press harder on the accelerator, it plays a full part in the driving pleasure. We also had the chance to try the Volante version. A particularly interesting experience, given how much rigidity the convertible retains despite the absence of a fixed roof. So much so that, for road use, we would almost be tempted to favour this variant, which adds the pleasure of driving with the wind in your hair without any real dynamic sacrifice.

A GT close to the ideal

With this DB12 S, Aston Martin has produced what is probably one of the most accomplished GTs of the moment. Elegant, luxurious, fast and surprisingly effective when the road becomes demanding, it manages to reconcile qualities that are often contradictory. Where some sports cars sacrifice comfort and some tourers lack character, this Aston Martin strikes a remarkable balance. Admittedly, its price reserves it for a privileged clientele, and its digital instrumentation perhaps lacks a little of the mechanical charm one would like to find in a car of this standing. But these details ultimately weigh little against the whole. The DB12 S is a true Aston Martin: a car capable of crossing Europe in absolute refinement before transforming, a few corners later, into a particularly convincing thrill machine. Grand touring at its most noble.