The importance of the Aston Martin DBX cannot be understated. Since it launched, the carmaker's first-ever SUV has been a monumental success, now accounting for over half of total sales. So far, the DBX has only been available with an AMG-sourced 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with 542 horsepower, but Aston Martin is plotting a high-performance V12 variant with around 630 hp that will crush the Lamborghini Urus. A plug-in hybrid variant is also in the pipeline.

Before then, however, Aston Martin has revealed a new straight-six-powered DBX - but it's only available in China. Like the V8 version, the 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six that powers the new entry-level DBX is sourced from AMG: this is the same unit that powers the AMG E53.

Paired with a 48-volt integrated starter generator, the straight-six engine produces 435 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, though the starter generator can also provide an extra 184 lb-ft of torque for up to three seconds when required. With a nine-speed automatic sending power to all four wheels, the straight-six-powered DBX will hit 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds.

Naturally, this is slower than the V8-powered DBX, which will do the same sprint in 4.3 seconds. As well as the mild-hybrid straight-six, the entry-level DBX sets itself apart from the rest of the range with a standard electronic limited-slip differential, a carbon-fiber driveshaft, and adaptive air suspension ensuring a smooth, comfortable ride on uneven surfaces.

Visually, the entry-level DBX looks identical to its V8 sibling but can be distinguished by its unique wheels ranging from 21 to 23 inches and prominent Straight-Six lettering on the front fender.

As you would expect, the mild-hybrid powertrain makes the entry-level DBX more efficient than its V8 counterpart, with a combined economy of 22.4 mpg based on WLTP testing compared to 16.4 mpg combined for the V8 model.

In China, the 2022 Aston Martin DBX Straight-Six will start at 1.898 million Chinese yuan ($297,000). While this is considerably more expensive than America's V8 model ($176,900), it's a lot cheaper than China's V8 DBX, which starts at 2.298 million Chinese yuan ($360,000), so it should help Aston Martin appeal to a wider customer base in China.