Aston Martin keeps V8 and V12 engines until 2035 and recalibrates electrification timetable
Aston Martin is recalibrating its electrification timeline and reaffirming its commitment to large-displacement internal combustion engines. As part of the new strategic vision, the British manufacturer's first fully electric car will not debut on the market before 2033, with the possibility of the launch being delayed until 2035. The decision comes with news that purists have been waiting for: the iconic V8 and V12 engines will remain in production for at least another decade.
Strategy change at the top of the brand: Electrification postponed, not abandoned
The brand's new CEO, Adrian Hallmark, has clarified the direction Aston Martin will take in the coming years. The move to a more measured timeline marks a significant departure from the plans of previous management, which had aimed to launch its first electric vehicle by 2027. In September 2024, after taking over from Bentley, Hallmark had initially put 2030 forward as a realistic target, before deciding that a longer delay was beneficial for the brand.
This decision is not a rejection of electric technology, but a reassessment of the optimal timing for its introduction. Aston Martin has already secured access to high-performance electric architectures and components through a technology partnership with Lucid Motors. The delay will allow engineers to mature the technology and deliver a fully ready product, without compromising the brand's unique dynamics.
V8 and V12 engines remain central pillars: Hybrid technology without heavy batteries
The plan presented guarantees the continuation of 8- and 12-cylinder engines in production until 2035, while ensuring their compliance with strict emissions regulations. The identified technical solution relies on mild electrification (mild-hybrid) and conventional hybrid systems, avoiding the widespread adoption of plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology.
The implementation of mild-hybrid systems allows for reduced emissions and optimised fuel consumption without the added weight of large batteries in PHEV systems. Thus, the Gaydon-based models will retain their agility on the road and on the track, as well as the unmistakable sound appreciated by the brand’s traditional customers.
Aston Martin on the Romanian market: Exclusive range and top performance
On the Romanian market, interest in British super-luxury models remains high, with customers having access to the entire range of new-generation models offered by the British manufacturer. Whether it is ultra-high-performance coupes or the high-performance DBX707 SUV, local buyers' options are heavily oriented towards the V8 and V12 engine versions.
The range of Aston Martin models available for orders on the Romanian market, along with the main specifications and estimated starting prices:
| Model | Powertrain / Output | Drivetrain / Transmission | Estimated Starting Price (incl. VAT) |
| Aston Martin Vantage | 4.0 V8 Twin-Turbo – 665 hp | RWD / 8-Speed Automatic | from ~€220,000 |
| Aston Martin DB12 | 4.0 V8 Twin-Turbo – 680 hp | RWD / 8-Speed Automatic | from ~€260,000 |
| Aston Martin DBX707 | 4.0 V8 Twin-Turbo – 707 hp | AWD / 9-Speed Automatic | from ~€270,000 |
| Aston Martin Vanquish | 5.2 V12 Twin-Turbo – 835 hp | RWD / 8-Speed Automatic | from ~€390,000 |
Keeping the V8 and V12 engines in production represents a commercial advantage for the local market, where customers in the super-luxury segment appreciate the organic character and pure thermal performance of the British models.