New Aston Martin DBX variant is "world's most powerful luxury SUV"
Autocar's prediction for the hot new Aston Martin DBX variant
Gaydon previews a new addition to the DBX range, which promises a snarling V8 soundtrack
Aston Martin is preparing to reveal a hot new version of its DBX, which it says will be "the world's most powerful luxury SUV".
Scheduled for an unveiling on 1 February, the new model will be the range-topping performance version of the DBX promised by Aston CEO Tobias Moers last year.
The company has so far remained tight-lipped on how much more potent than the standard DBX it will be, but a 600bhp-plus output is expected, given the existing model packs 542bhp.
One likely scenario is that the DBX 'S' – as it could be called, in line with traditional Aston Martin nomenclature – will take some 630bhp from a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 running in the same state of tune as it does in Mercedes-AMG's GT 63 S super-saloon.
Previously, it was thought that the DBX could play host to the 6.0-litre V12 from its DB11 and DBS sibling models, but recently spotted prototypes hint at a less subtle engineering overhaul, and an official teaser video hints at a distinctive V8 growl.
The model will be introduced as part of a push to create a comprehensive family of DBX models, much like rival Porsche has done with the Cayenne. It arrives following the recent launch of a straight-six-powered mild hybrid model for the Chinese market, and is expected to be followed by additional variants - possibly including a seven-seater and a coupé.
Alongside a substantial power boost, the new DBX will be marked out from the standard car by way of a chassis overhaul aimed at improving its dynamic behaviour; bigger brakes, stiffer suspension and stickier rubber are among the most likely upgrades.
It will also no doubt sit lower and feature a more aggressive bodykit than the existing DBX, which is more overtly focused on long-distance refinement.
While the DBX is unlikely to receive Aston's V12, that engine will be deployed in a new edition of the Vantage coupé - the last model to wear the Vantage V12 nameplate - which is also due in the coming months.
