2022 Aston Martin DBX S teased

Aston Martin has confirmed it will reveal a new version of the DBX next month which it claims will be the "world’s most powerful luxury SUV" – and if it follows the brand's standard nomenclature, it will likely be called the 2022 Aston Martin DBX S.

Although the DBX is already quick for an SUV, the new variant is expected to be a high-performance variant, housing either Aston Martin's 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine, or a tuned version of the Mercedes-sourced 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 used in the standard DBX.

The teaser released by Aston, which sounds like a bent-eight engine, suggests it will be the latter, although the British marque has remained tight-lipped on details.

The DBX 'S' will compete directly against 'luxury' rivals such as the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT and Bentley Bentayga Speed, which develop up to 470kW – though should Aston Martin aim for the title of the world's most powerful production SUV (irrespective of luxury), it will need to outgun the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk and Tesla Model X Plaid.

Aston Martin's own V12 engine is capable of 522kW when wicked up in the DBS grand touring coupe, and is quite comfortable developing 450-470kW in the DB11 two-door. That said, a fettled, flat-plane-crank version of the 4.0-litre V8 makes 537kW in the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series, which would be a target number, given the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk produces 522kW.

The Tesla Model X Plaid electric SUV – which is yet to be delivered to customers outside of North America – offers 761kW, though it's unlikely Aston Martin has included this vehicle within its "world's most powerful luxury SUV" claim.

Beyond the drivetrain, the DBX S is likely to gain a chassis overhaul aimed at improving dynamic ability, with retuned and stiffer suspension, larger brakes, and recalibrated drive mode settings.

Visual changes should come in the way of a more aggressive body kit including a new front bumper, grille, large front air dam for engine cooling and quad exhaust tailpipes, if recent spy photos are anything to go by.

The new high-performance 2022 Aston Martin DBX 'S' is due to be revealed on February 1 – following the launch of a straight-six-powered mild-hybrid model for the Chinese market late in 2021. After the DBX 'S' is expected to be additional variants, including a BMW X6-like 'coupe' variant and a seven-seat model.