The 2022 Aston Martin DBX, the UK brand's first SUV, may finally be getting some new engine options. Since the DBX was launched in 2020, Aston has only offered the US with a single engine choice, a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 sourced from Mercedes-AMG. It produces 542 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, which is potent but not class-leading.

Last month, spy shots from the Nurburgring showed Aston was working a new hybrid drivetrain for the DBX. It's currently unclear which engine the DBX hybrid would use. Aston could downsize the AMG's 3.0-liter turbocharged mild-hybrid inline-six, or possibly adopt the 843 hp plug-in hybrid drivetrain from the new GT 63 S E Performance. Based on new spy shots from the Green Hell, there could be a third option for a more potent DBX variant.

Our photographers previously spotted a white DBX test mule with "hybrid vehicle" stickers, but recently noticed a black prototype with some clear differences. Unlike the hybrid, which looked mostly like the production DBX, this latest test mule has a much larger grille, different air intakes, and more camouflage to disguise the changes. It clearly appears like Aston is testing a more high-performance DBX here. This car sounded louder than the existing DBX. If we had to guess, we'd say this DBX will be powered by a V12 engine and come with the DBX S moniker.

Aston Martin currently offers its 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12 in the DB11, DBS, and limited-edition V12 Speedster. This motor is tuned to produce 630 hp in the DB11, 690 hp in the V12 Speedster, and 711 hp in the DBS. We assume the V12-powered DBX would be closer to the 630-hp output. This would be sizable power boost, making the DBX more competitive with performance SUVs like the Lamborghini Urus.

There is no official word from Aston Martin on when we could see any new DBX variants, but we know they are coming.