Aston Martin Eyeing Performance Variants Of The DBX, Is A V12 Coming?

If you like the new Aston Martin DBX, but want more than its 542 HP, you might not have to wait too long for something more powerful.

In an interview with Road & Track, CEO Andy Palmer reiterated the company is “committed to doing an AMR” version of every model in their range.  As a result, the DBX is “an obvious candidate” to get the AMR treatment.

There’s no word on performance specs at this point, but Palmer hinted “we’ll probably do other engine derivatives.” The most natural candidate is the company’s twin-turbo V12, which the executive confirmed will fit under the hood of the DBX.

Also Read: The Stunning 2020 Aston Martin DBX Is A Sexy Utility Vehicle With 542 HP

In the DB11, this engine produces 600 HP (447 kW / 608 PS) and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) of torque. The DB11 AMR kicks the horsepower rating up to 630 HP (470 kW / 639 PS), though the torque remains unchanged.

The V12s are a big improvement over the DBX’s twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 that produces 542 HP (405 kW / 550 PS) and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) of torque. This means a V12-powered DBX would be significantly faster than the standard model, which can run from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 181 mph (291 km/h).

However, a V12 model isn’t necessarily a sure bet, as the company could instead opt for an upgraded version of the Mercedes-AMG-sourced V8. It remains unclear if Aston Martin would go that route, but the GLE 63 and 63 S debuted at Los Angeles Auto Show with a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 pumping out 563 HP (420 kW / 571 PS) in base trim and 603 HP (450 PS / 612 PS) in the S variant.

Thanks to the extra power, the GLE 63 S is 0.7 seconds faster to 62 mph (100 km/h) than the DBX. However, at 174 mph (280 km/h), its top speed is lower.