It’s Official: Aston Martin DBX Packs A Twin-Turbo V8 With 542 HP

Aston Martin’s steady release of information about the DBX prior to its global debut in December has continued with confirmation the SUV is powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter AMG V8 delivering 542 HP and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) of torque.

The unit powering the DBX is already used by the Vantage and DB11 V8, but neither have quite as much grunt. It’s not just power figures, though, as Aston Martin says its first-ever SUV is capable of braking figures greater than even the DBS Superleggera and that testing has shown it can lap the Nurburgring in under 8 minutes.

Also Read: 2020 Aston Martin DBX Gives Us A Better Look At Its Interior (And Mercedes Switchgear)

Developing and testing is ongoing, so performance figures have yet to be finalized, although Aston says top speed will exceed 180 mph (290 km/h). Images of the DBX show that it will also be capable of some pretty impressive sideways action.

A brief teaser video alongside details regarding the engine preview the rumble of the V8 powertrain – and, unsurprisingly, it sounds quite familiar to AMG vehicles that use the same basic engine.

“We have concentrated our work to ensure that the calibration and tune of this 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 delivers both the everyday usability and refinement expected by SUV owners,” Aston Martin engineering boss Matt Becker told Top Gear. “However, we have also focused heavily on matching that with the engaging driving dynamics that are commanded by our brand and inherent in every Aston Martin, and early indications of the car’s overall performance have been incredibly promising.”