New DBX will be world's most powerful SUV

Aston is not holding back in its pre-launch hype for the new model: “Are you ready for the world’s most powerful luxury SUV?” it asks.

To hit that mark it will need at least another 100PS (75kW) to join the world’s most potent SUVs, currently headed by the 650PS (485kW) Lamborghini Urus and 679PS (506kW) Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid.

The SUV power race has gone berserk in recent times. A quick tot-up reveals six SUVs with more than 600PS available in the UK today. The 550PS (404kW) Aston Martin DBX is among the more modest offerings, but the firm has been clear that a more powerful version was always on its way.

What engine will it have? It’s tempting to imagine Aston has shoehorned in the V12 for a glorious last hurrah to petrol power, but more likely is a version of the Mercedes-sourced twin-turbo V8 already used in the DBX. The video clip’s soundtrack is far more V8 than V12.

Currently the 4.0-litre lump’s top power output is 630PS (470kW) in the Merc-AMG GLE63 S – but the same engine with the addition of a 200PS electric motor as featured in the hybrid AMG GT sedan flagship could also be potentially available. The only hybrid DBX is currently an electrified six-cylinder model for the Chinese market.

The teaser shot shows a familiar DBX outline but with markedly more aggressive splitter and diffuser, standard “S” fare for Aston’s best-performing models. The regular DBX has won plaudits for its dynamism and styling already, but a lower-riding DBX S should deliver a new level of visual drama and handling – while guaranteeing plenty of performance drama too. The 0-62mph time to beat is currently 3.6 seconds and top speed around 190mph.

Quite aside from whether or not people want or need so much performance in their luxury sports utility leviathans, it’s a truism that power sells – in SUVs as any other type of car. The Urus has rapidly established itself as Lamborghini’s best-selling model ever.

Any record for Aston might be short-lived though: the Ferrari “SUV” is coming soon and Tesla has long threatened a more potent Model. X – with more than 1,000PS…