Aston Martin has been spied testing a hotter, more powerful version of its DBX SUV at the Nurburgring.
Recently spied in mild-hybrid form, rumours indicate this high-performance DBX may use the same twin-turbo V12 from the DB11.
This V12 engine is not yet confirmed though for this high-performance DBX SUV.
Apparently there were two DBX prototypes seen during the day, with the first having “more sound” but a more normal look according to our spy photographers.
The second spied DBX had a larger grille hidden behind the camouflage and different air intakes.
All the spy photos attached to this article are of the prototype with the more aggressive front end.
If a V12 is put into this high-performance DBX, it may be signifying the last hurrah for the company’s V12 powertrain.
Aston Martin’s twin-turbocharged V12 isn’t expected to survive beyond 2027 due to increasingly stringent European emissions regulations.
If this variant makes it to production, the DBX SUV lineup will now be a family of four.
Currently, the only powertrain available for the DBX is a 4.0-litre twin-turbo Mercedes-AMG V8 engine that is also used in the Vantage, DB11 V8, as well as numerous Mercedes-AMG models.
It is expected to soon be joined by a mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants.
Tobias Moers, CEO of Aston Martin, told Motor Trend he predicts half of Aston Martin’s portfolio will be fully electric by 2030.
Although the company will offer plug-in hybrids in select markets and offer internal combustion engines for as long as possible.
