Aston Martin to Adopt Mercedes Hybrid Technology for Core Models

• Published On: 28 July 2023
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Aston Martin has announced its plans to incorporate plug-in hybrid technology into all its core sports car models, utilizing technology from its stakeholder, Mercedes-Benz. While the Valhalla supercar, Aston Martin's first PHEV, is set to debut in 2024, the company has ambitious plans to introduce electrified versions of each model in its core line-up – which currently includes the Vantage, DB12, and DBS – starting from 2026 onwards.

Aston Martin recently unveiled its medium-term product strategy, confirming its plans to embrace hybrid technology. The announcement came after a successful first half of 2023, during which the company saw a boost in revenues and profits. In a statement accompanying the financial report, Lawrence Stroll, the company's chairman, revealed their electrification journey's starting point with the Valhalla, their first PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) supercar. The plan is to expand the PHEV range across their core vehicle lineup, providing customers with a seamless transition from Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles to fully Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs). Stroll further elaborated that this hybridization strategy would apply to all Aston Martin model lines. To achieve this, the brand will utilize electrified drivetrains supplied by Mercedes, a long-standing partner that has been providing engines and infotainment systems to Aston Martin since 2016. Notably, Aston Martin's current V8 engine, sourced from Mercedes, serves as the foundation for the hybrid system used in Mercedes-AMG GT 63 E-Performance and Mercedes-AMG S63 E-Performance. Aston Martin is likely to adapt a variation of this system for their own PHEVs, including the Valhalla. The Mercedes-AMG super-hybrids boast a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine paired with an electric motor at the rear axle, generating an impressive combined output of over 840hp and more than 1,400Nm of torque. Equipped with lithium-ion batteries, these vehicles offer significant electric-only ranges, further contributing to their performance and efficiency. For Aston Martin, the choice of battery pack may vary for each model, depending on its specific characteristics and positioning in the market. Larger battery units could be deployed in luxury-focused models like the DBX SUV, while smaller and lighter batteries may be suitable for electrified sports cars like the Vantage. As part of their product strategy, Aston Martin is gearing up to launch the DB12, the successor to the DB11, in the upcoming months. This luxury front-engined sports car, priced at Rs 4.8 crore (ex-showroom), is set to hit the Indian market in October 2023, where it will compete with rivals like the Ferrari Roma and Bentley Continental GT. Looking ahead, Aston Martin has confirmed that replacements for the Vantage and DBS models will follow within the next 15 months, and it is highly likely that PHEV technology will be an integral part of the lineup's future offerings. The collaboration with Mercedes-Benz marks a significant step for Aston Martin as it embraces hybrid technology, positioning the company as a forward-thinking brand committed to meeting the demands of sustainable mobility while preserving its legacy of performance and luxury.