Aston Martin DBX gets AMG inline six

A new entry-level mild-hybrid inline six-cylinder engine has been slipped under the bonnet of the 2021 Aston Martin DBX SUV.

Like the twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, the new 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder is borrowed from Mercedes-AMG and features the German brand's latest 48-volt integrated starter generator (ISG) tech that boosts both efficiency and power.

Under the bonnet of the DBX, the inline six pumps out 320kW and 520Nm of torque, with an additional 16kW/250Nm available low down for improved acceleration.

Against the clock, Aston claims its six-pot DBX can hit 100km/h from rest in just 5.4 seconds and top out at 259km/h.

And it's not just the powertrain that's sourced from AMG; the DBX I6 also bags an electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential, a carbon-fibre driveshaft and three-chamber adaptive air suspension that should improve ride comfort over the V8-powered models.

Thanks to its electrified powertrain, at the pumps the British brand says the entry-level DBX averages 10.5L/100km – a decent improvement on the 14.3L/100km the V8 twin-turbo averages.

Featuring 'Straight Six' lettering on the front fender, the inline six-cylinder DBX variants come with different rims that are available from 21 to 23 inches.

For now, the six-cylinder DBX is only available in the Chinese market, with pricing set to kick off from 1.898 million Chinese yuan ($A395,000) – a saving of more than $A83,000 over the cost of a V8 model.

There's no word yet if the six-cylinder DBX is destined for other markets, but if it is rolled out, its arrival will no doubt bolster the SUV's popularity.

Currently the high-riding DBX outsells all other Aston models combined.