High-Performance Aston Martin DBX Gunning For Lamborghini

Jan. 24, 2022 6:51 AM ET by Jarryd Neves Teaser / 1 Comment

Reports indicate it could gain motivation from the brand's sonorous V12.

The Aston Martin DBX is the UK-based brand's first attempt at creating a super SUV, a segment currently dominated by the Lamborghini Urus and Porsche Cayenne Turbo models. With A 542-horsepower 4.0-liter V8, the high-riding Aston is no slouch - but it's nowhere near as rapid as its German and Italian counterparts.

Recent images snapped at the Nurburgring show Aston Martin testing a concealed DBX, which could quite possibly be the V12-powered derivative. Likely to be called the DBX S, the carmaker previously teased the SUV in a video, confirming the reveal will take place on February 1.

And now we have a new teaser that shows the Aston's silhouette, the DBX wearing a more aggressive-looking body kit and sitting lower to the ground than the V8-powered model.

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Reports have indicated that the high-performance DBX that Aston Marin says is "the world's most powerful luxury SUV," will utilize the brand's 5.2-liter V12 powertrain. Depending on the state of tune, this 12-pot engine produces between 630 and 715 hp. If the brand wants to take on its high-performance rivals, 630 hp should be enough to give the 641-hp Lamborghini Urus a run for its money. A 700-hp output shouldn't be ruled out, though, especially if Aston Martin wants to rule the roost.

If Aston Martin decides not to use a V12, another possibility would be a higher-output version of the Mercedes-sourced V8. As an example, the 4.0-liter V8 produces 630 hp and 664-lb-ft in the GT 63 S 4Matic+, which would also provide ample motivation for the performance DBX.

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The Gaydon-based brand has its work cut out for it, though. Lamborghini and Porsche won't take this lying down, with the former already seen testing a higher output Urus. Let's also not forget Ferrari, with its Purosangue set to be revealed sometime this year.

Aside from the upcoming high-performance variant and the 'regular' V8, the brand also produces a straight-six DBX with 453-hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. This is the same engine used in the Mercedes-AMG 53 range, such as the GT 53 and E53 performance sedans. However, this engine is for the Chinese market only, with no plans to introduce it elsewhere.