Aston Martin DBX will be PETROL only – No hybrid, plug-in hybrid or electric DBX planned

The Aston Martin DBX – Aston Martin’s upcoming SUV – will not be offered with any form of electrification and will only be available with Petrol engines.

When the Aston Martin DBX SUV Concept first appeared, it came complete with an electric powertrain, so everyone assumed the production version, when it arrives in 2019, will have not just that electric powertrain but perhaps also a plug-in hybrid and diesel too, as well as Aston’s petrol engines. But it seems we all got it wrong.

Speaking to Automotive News, Andy Palmer, AML CEO, has made it clear that’s not going to happen after all, and that Aston no longer has any plans to deliver the DBX (rumoured to get the Aston Martin Varekai badge) as an electric ‘Allroad’ Aston.

Not only that, but Palmer also poured cold water on a diesel DBX (he believes diesel is ‘dead’) and as far as a DBX plug-in hybrid is concerned, Palmer said it’s a useful technology stepping stone but of no interest for the DBX.

So that leaves the DBX/Varekai arriving for sale with Aston Martin’s latest 5.2 litre turbo V12, or the new V8 they’ve recently adopted from AMG.

It’s an interesting stance by AML, and only time will tell if it has an effect on sales. Competitors like the Bentley Bentayga offer a diesel option and a plug-in hybrid, although the Lamborghini Urus is currently petrol only, and the Rolls-Royce Cullinan is expected to offer just a V12 petrol too. 

Of course, AML aren’t schewing electrification altogether, with plans for a range of electric Lagondas in the making.