Aston Martin DBX To Stick With Petrol Engines

It’s been nearly three years since Aston Martin introduced the DBX concept and it appears the production model will eschew one of its key features – an electric powertrain.

In an interview with Autonew  Europe, Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer said the company’s plans have changed and the crossover will no longer be offered as an electric vehicle. The executive also ruled out the possibility of a plug-in hybrid and a version with a diesel engine.

The decision to drop the electric powertrain seems to have been influenced by the relaunch of the Lagonda brand. Aston Martin used the Geneva Motor Show to announce Lagonda will become the world’s “first luxury brand exclusively driven by zero emission powertrain technologies.” The company also previewed a 40% scale model of a crossover and a production version is expected to arrive by 2023. Since the model will have an electric powertrain, Aston Martin apparently decided using conventional engines on the DBX would be the best way to differentiate the two models.

The DBX is now expected to share engine options with the DB11. As a result, the entry-level model will likely have a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with 503 hp (375 kW) and 513 lb-ft (675 Nm) of torque. There could also be a twin-turbo 5.2-liter V12 developing 600 hp (447kW) and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) of torque.

While the Bentley Bentayga is available with diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains, Palmer said he believes diesel engines are living on borrowed time. The executive also dismissed plug-in hybrid technology as it adds weight and cost.

While the DBX concept was a two-door crossover, the production model is expected to be a four-door model. The company may have hinted at the final design with its April Fool’s Day joke which was a monster truck challenger dubbed Project Sparta.