SPY PICS: Aston Martin DBX could get V12

Our spy photographers in Europe have uncovered a higher-performance version of the Aston Martin DBX undergoing engineering development.

While the shots reveal a more aggressive exterior design for Aston’s first SUV – dubbed the 2022 Aston Martin DBX S – the quad exhaust system that replaces the current twin-pipe arrangement suggests more mumbo under the bonnet.

The big question is: Is this an uprated version of the current twin-turbo V8 or the first, and possibly only, outing for the V12 in the DBX?

The current DBX is no shrinking violet, with the 4.0-litre biturbo V8 churning out 405kW and 700Nm.

But the 5.2-litre V12 – also with twin turbos, and good for 533kW/900Nm in the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera – is an altogether different proposition.

It would be a short, but oh-so-sweet, inclusion as Aston continues production of the engine until 2025 at the latest, before emissions regulations kill it off.

Of course, the current AMG-sourced V8 also has plenty of scope for tuning as we’ve seen with the wild Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series that produces 537kW/800Nm.

Let us add that there were early suggestions Aston could be adapting the DBX with Mercedes-AMG’s ‘P3’ Performance plug-in hybrid or even a full pure-electric powertrain, although these aren’t anticipated with the SUV’s first facelift. 

Despite the heavy camouflage, the amped-up exterior design aggression is obvious, as seen by the redesigned front fascia with larger grille (and black mesh), reworked bumper and full-width lower air intake.

The DBX S also appears to sit slightly lower than the standard DBX.

Count on some heavy reworking of the suspension to go with the higher engine performance, making this a more dynamically proficient DBX.

As we’ve reported, Aston Martin will launch 10 new models over the next couple of years, including new variants of the DBX.

The company has previewed a coupe version of the SUV, while a long-wheelbase version is also high on the agenda.