Aston Martin SUV May Get Mercedes 6-Cylinder Engine

Aston Martin Holdings Ltd.is considering using a Mercedes-Benz-sourced 6-cylinder engine for its upcoming DBX crossover/SUV.

Mercedes’ new M256 3.0-liter turbocharged inline 6-cylnder engine would be a “pretty good” fit for the DBX, Aston Martin chief creative officer Marek Reichmann tells Motoring. Mercedes teams the engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system to reduce turbo lag and generate as much as 382 hp and 550 lb-ft of torque.

Aston Martin plans to launch the DBX—its first SUV/crossover—late next year. Reichmann says the vehicle will emphasize the sporty portion of sport utility but will feature a five-door layout rather than the two-door style of the company’s concept model.

The executive laughed off the possibility of adding a diesel powertrain, declaring, "Never! No diesels."

Aston Martin’s new all-electric Lagonda brand also will debut with an SUV/crossover when the nameplate is launched in 2021. The DBX and Lagonda SUV both will be built at Aston Martin’s new plant in South Wales, England.