Aston Martin Launches Three High-Performance 'S' Models in Korea: "Targeting Luxury Performance Market"

DB12 S, Vantage S, and DBX S Debut in Korea
Accelerating the Push into the Korean Market

The British luxury sports car brand Aston Martin, best known for its association with the '007' film series as the iconic Bond car, has introduced three high-performance 'S' lineup models to the Korean market simultaneously. The move aims to strengthen the brand’s presence in Korea by targeting the rising demand among Korean consumers for luxury high-performance vehicles.

On August 24, Aston Martin and its official importer, Britannia Auto, unveiled three S lineup models—'DBX S', 'DB12 S', and 'Vantage S'—at the Aston Martin showroom in Gangnam, Seoul. This marks the first time that Aston Martin has launched three S models in Korea at once.

Neil Hughes, Head of Product at Aston Martin, is explaining the S-Range at the new S-Range vehicle launch event including the New Vantage S, DB12 S, and DBX S held on the morning of the 24th at the Aston Martin Seoul showroom on Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Photo by Seungjin Lee

Aston Martin has distinguished each S lineup model by its unique personality. The DB12 S is presented as a high-performance tourer suitable for long-distance travel; the Vantage S focuses on providing a thrilling driving experience as a sports car; and the DBX S combines formidable power with the practical advantages of an SUV.

Aston Martin's 'S' designation retains the distinctive character of existing models while elevating driving performance through enhancements such as greater engine output and responsiveness, improved chassis and aerodynamics, and additional lightweight features.

The most powerful model in the lineup is the super SUV, the DBX S. Its 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine, utilizing turbo technology from the Valhalla model, delivers a maximum output of 727 horsepower and peak torque of 900 Nm. This is an increase of 20 horsepower over the previous DBX707, and the DBX S can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds. The maximum speed is 310 km/h.

From the left: Aston Martin DB12 S, Vantage S, DBX S. Aston Martin

Beyond brute power, the DBX S enhances SUV agility through weight reduction. Choosing options like a carbon fiber roof and 23-inch magnesium wheels can cut up to 47 kg, while the magnesium wheels alone reduce unsprung weight by around 19 kg, improving steering responsiveness and vehicle agility.

The DB12 S is equipped with a 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine, generating a maximum output of 700 horsepower and peak torque of 800 Nm. It can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds and reaches a maximum speed of 325 km/h. The transmission response has been sharpened, vehicle dynamics further refined, and high-performance brakes come as standard.

Among the three, the Vantage S is the true driver's sports car. It delivers 680 horsepower and 800 Nm of peak torque, reaching 100 km/h from a standstill in 3.4 seconds with a maximum speed of 325 km/h. Special attention has been given to ensuring more rapid and precise responses to steering input, making the car’s movement feel markedly direct compared to the previous Vantage. Aston Martin has focused on providing drivers with an even more immediate connection to the vehicle’s handling.

Aston Martin sees significant growth potential in the Korean market with this simultaneous launch of the three S models. Karl Bayliss, President of Aston Martin Asia Pacific & Greater China, stated, "Korea is a market with discerning consumers when it comes to luxury performance. It offers tremendous opportunities and is one of the fastest-growing markets in the Asia-Pacific region."

In addition to the cars' raw performance, Aston Martin is highlighting its 'ultra-luxury ownership' experience as a key differentiator. President Karl Bayliss emphasized, "Customers will feel the difference in craftsmanship when they actually experience our vehicles. We aim to provide Aston Martin owners with unique value—through exclusive owner gatherings and driving experiences—which can only be found with Aston Martin."

The distinct driving feel of the S models was also highlighted. Neil Hughes, Head of Products at Aston Martin, remarked, "Customers should be able to feel that these are S models. You will notice a different level of performance depth in every aspect, from the chassis to the steering and brakes."

The brand has made it clear that it is committed to preserving the driving feel of internal combustion engines, rather than prioritizing electrification at this time. Neil Hughes explained that hybrid systems and batteries can increase vehicle weight by about 200 kg, stating, "Weight reduction brings many advantages to the driving experience." He added, "To achieve performance above 700 horsepower, you cannot afford to add more weight," indicating the company’s intention to maintain a focus on high-performance internal combustion engines for the time being.

The company is also leaving open the possibility of selling both eight-cylinder and twelve-cylinder engine models in the future. Neil Hughes stated, "We will offer a diverse lineup so customers can choose between core cars and performance models. We are bringing in twelve-cylinder models as well, but due to legal issues, the waiting period is long." He added, "Since these are manufactured in the UK, we can import them if conditions allow."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.