As with the other S models, it feels like an easy choice to go with the DB12 S over a regular DB12 because it’s not much more expensive in the grand scheme of things — the DB12 S starts at $272,000 before any added charges, which is just $10,000 more than the base car. Those carbon-ceramic brakes cost $14,400 on a normal DB12, so those being standard alone make the S a bargain. You do have to give up $4,000 for destination and $1,000 for a gas-guzzler tax, and the window sticker also shows an “import costs” line that’s a whopping $23,100. With all of the options included, my test car comes out to a cool $400,300.
That’s a lot of dough, but it’s about in line with its main competitor, the Bentley Continental GT. The Bentley is probably the better overall car, and maybe even sportier than the Aston. Its gorgeous looks are out-gorgeous’d by the DB12, though, especially in such a superhero-like color scheme. The Aston has more flair and sense of occasion than almost any other front-engine GT, and that certainly counts for something. A more reasonable DB12 S spec, without all of the unnecessary carbon fiber, would probably be around $325,000, a much easier pill to swallow.
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Pitting the DB12 S against the Vantage S — I drove both within a couple months of each other on almost the exact same route — the two cars feel like they’re for different people and purposes despite being so similar under the skin. The Vantage is more exciting all of the time, a real focused sports car, while the DB12 has the drama and breadth of ability you want from a GT. I don’t think they’d be out of place in a garage together, either. The Vantage is much cheaper, starting at under $200k, but for the people buying Aston Martins, I don’t think it really matters whether or not the DB12 S is “worth” the extra 70-ish grand over its sibling.
What matters is how the DB12 S makes you feel when you see it (and are seen in it), the excited shiver up your spine when you rev the engine, the smile it elicits when you whip around a corner. With this new variant, Aston Martin turned up the volume — in terms of visual impact, driver engagement, and of course literal volume — to great effect. On a perfect day driving on the perfect road, the DB12 S feels special, and that’s why you want a car like this.
