Aston Martin DB12 vs Mercedes-Benz S-Class
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Aston Martin DB12
From $455,000
Coupe
Twin-turbo petrol
500kW
12.2 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
262L
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
From $278,900
Sedan
Petrol
320kW
8.7 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
510L
Price Breakdown
The Aston Martin DB12 starts from $455,000 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz S-Class opens at $278,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz S-Class the more affordable entry point by $176,100.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $500,500 and $306,790 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz S-Class by roughly $4,985 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Aston Martin DB12 stands out with Apple CarPlay and power tailgate that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Aston Martin DB12 uses a Twin-turbo petrol producing 500kW and 800Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.6 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class responds with a Petrol making 320kW and 520Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds.
The Aston Martin DB12 has the clear power advantage at 500kW vs 320kW. In the real-world sprint, the Aston Martin DB12 is 1.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Aston Martin DB12 measures 4,725mm long on a 2,805mm wheelbase, 454mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class at 5,179mm (3,106mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 262L in the Aston Martin DB12 and 510L in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, giving the Mercedes-Benz S-Class a 248L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class seats 5 vs 4.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.0m diameter
Average
Based on 12.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $3,477/year for the Aston Martin DB12 and $2,480/year for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. That is a $997 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Estimated annual total: $3,477 (Aston Martin DB12) vs $2,480 (Mercedes-Benz S-Class). The Mercedes-Benz S-Class saves you roughly $997 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 3 years (Aston Martin DB12) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz S-Class). The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Aston Martin DB12 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Aston Martin's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz S-Class if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class will save you roughly $997 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has a clear edge. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Aston Martin DB12 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the cheapest at $278,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Aston Martin DB12 by $176,100.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class uses the least fuel at 8.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz S-Class all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has the largest boot at 510L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,100kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has the longest warranty at 5 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Aston Martin DB12 makes the most power at 500kW. The Aston Martin DB12 is quickest to 100km/h in 3.6s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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