Aston Martin has made no secret of its plan to launch a hybrid version of the popular DBX SUV and our spy photographers recently snapped the model being tested at the Nurburgring. Whereas the standard DBX is sold with an AMG-sourced 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8, the DBX Hybrid will be more focused on efficiency rather than out-and-out performance. As such, Aston Martin won’t hybridize the V8 and is instead tipped to slot in the turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six with hybrid tech currently used by various Mercedes-AMG 53 models.
This powertrain is technically a mild-hybrid system and combines the 3.0-liter six with an EQ Boost starter-alternator that produces an extra 21 hp and 250 Nm of torque. In the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53, this powertrain delivers a combined 429 hp and 521 Nm. Similar figures can be expected for the DBX Hybrid.
There are no obvious design differences between the DBX Hybrid prototype pictured and regular DBX models, other than the yellow sticker on the rear window that denotes it as being electrified. Of course, the hybrid DBX won’t sound anything like the V8.
Aston Martin has big plans for the DBX beyond this initial hybrid variant. Shortly after this model is launched, Aston Martin will launch a higher-performance DBX aimed to better rival the Lamborghini Urus. Things won’t stop there as a plug-in hybrid DBX will launch in 2023. Power figures for this model aren’t known but it is expected to use an AMG-sourced V8 and could very well be the most powerful DBX variant on sale. Different body styles of the DBX are also on the cards.
