2025 Aston Martin DB12 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

$245,000 · Coupe

$119,500 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Aston Martin DB12 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the $125,500 MSRP gap, with the DB12 starting at $245,000 against the S-Class's $119,500. Performance metrics heavily favor the Aston Martin, which delivers 671 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, substantially outpacing the S-Class's 442 hp and 413 lb-ft. Conversely, the S-Class Sedan offers superior efficiency, achieving a combined 23 MPG compared to the DB12 Coupe’s 17 MPG, translating to an extra 6 MPG overall. The Mercedes is also considerably larger, measuring 209.5 inches in length versus the Aston Martin's 186.0 inches, and features AWD capability against the DB12's RWD setup. These specifications define a clear split between accessible, efficient luxury and high-output grand touring performance.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the better commuter due to its superior combined 23 MPG fuel economy and all-wheel drive configuration.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The S-Class is the only viable option here as a Sedan, offering a significantly larger footprint and higher roofline (59.2 inches vs. 51.0 inches) suitable for passengers.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Aston Martin DB12

The 2025 Aston Martin DB12 is the clear enthusiast choice, boasting 671 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque from its RWD platform.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class delivers significantly more power per dollar and achieves a 6 MPG higher combined efficiency rating.

Choose the Aston Martin DB12 if...

Your priority is maximum output, as the DB12 produces 671 hp, a 229 hp advantage over the S-Class.
You prefer a dedicated rear-wheel-drive (RWD) driving experience coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
A compact, sporting coupe body style with dimensions of 186.0 inches in length is preferred over a large sedan.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz S-Class if...

Maximizing fuel economy is critical, as the S-Class achieves 23 MPG combined versus the DB12's 17 MPG.
You require the traction benefits of an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system and a 9-speed automatic.
A budget under $120,000 is necessary, given the $125,500 lower starting MSRP compared to the DB12.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Aston Martin DB12	Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Length	186.0"	209.5"
Width	76.5"	75.6"
Height	51.0"	59.2"
Wheelbase	110.4"	126.6"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Aston Martin	Mercedes-Benz
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Cornering Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Integrated Headrests	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Headrests	—	3
Rear Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Aston Martin	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	4.0 L	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V8	inline 6
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	671 hp @ 6000 rpm	442 hp
Torque	590 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm	413 lb-ft
Number of Valves	32	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Aston Martin	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
Rear Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Aston Martin	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	15/22 MPG	20/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	17 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	309.0/453.2 mi.	400.0/580.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	20.6 gal.	20.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Aston Martin	Mercedes-Benz
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	✓
Side View Camera	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Wood Trim on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Aston Martin	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	10.25 in	12.8 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	390W	710W
Speaker System	11	15
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	With Real Time Traffic	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Burmester
Subwoofer Count	—	2
Surround Audio	—	Discrete
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	6 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Aston Martin	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Aston Martin	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	38.6 in.	42.1 in.
Front Leg Room	45.1 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	54.3 in.	59.6 in.
Seat Material: Leather	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	12-way	12-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	3	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	12-way	12-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	3	3
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Seat Massage Function	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Aston Martin	Mercedes-Benz
Fixed Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Head Room	—	39.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	—	43.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	—	59.0 in.
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Aston Martin	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	21 in	19 x 8.5 in
Tire Type	Performance	—
Tire Size	325/30R Z	255/45R19
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

Suspension

Feature	Aston Martin	Mercedes-Benz
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Aston Martin	Mercedes-Benz
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	3 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	10 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Aston Martin DB12 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

How much more powerful is the Aston Martin DB12 compared to the Mercedes S-Class?

The 2025 Aston Martin DB12 holds a substantial performance lead, generating 671 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. This output is 229 hp and 177 lb-ft more than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, which produces 442 hp and 413 lb-ft.

Which vehicle is more economical for daily driving based on specifications?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is far more economical, posting a combined 23 MPG rating versus the DB12’s 17 MPG. This translates to a 6 MPG advantage in combined fuel efficiency for the S-Class.

What is the primary difference in drivetrain between these two luxury vehicles?

The Aston Martin DB12 is strictly a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) platform, whereas the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is equipped with an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system for enhanced traction.

Does the Mercedes-Benz S-Class offer usable cargo space compared to the DB12?

Yes, the S-Class Sedan lists a specific cargo capacity of 12.8 cu ft, while the provided specifications for the DB12 Coupe do not list a trunk volume metric.

Considering the size difference, which vehicle is longer and taller?

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is significantly larger, measuring 209.5 inches long compared to the DB12's 186.0 inches. Furthermore, the S-Class has a much taller stance at 59.2 inches versus the DB12's 51.0 inches.

Is the premium fuel requirement the same for both models?

While both vehicles recommend premium fuel, the 2025 Aston Martin DB12 recommends it, whereas the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class explicitly requires premium unleaded for operation.