The Aston Martin AE48 is a 4,735 cc, V8 petrol engine produced between 2018 and 2023. Developed in collaboration with Mercedes — AMG, it replaced the aging naturally aspirated V8 in Aston Martin’s sports car lineup. Featuring DOHC, 32 — valve architecture and high — pressure direct fuel injection, it delivers up to 375 kW (510 PS) and 680 Nm of torque, enabling high — performance grand touring with improved fuel efficiency and emissions compliance.
Fitted to models such as th…
Production years 2018–2020 meet Euro 6c standards; 2021–2023 models comply with Euro 6d (RDE2) depending on market .
The Aston Martin AE48 is a 4,735 cc twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine engineered for high-performance grand touring applications (2018–2023). It combines Mercedes-AMG M177 architecture with Aston Martin-specific tuning, featuring direct injection and variable valve timing. Designed to meet Euro 6c and Euro 6d, it balances performance with modern emissions compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 4,735 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | 90° V8, DOHC, 32-valve | |
Aspiration | Twin-turbocharged | |
Bore × stroke | 83.0 mm × 92.0 mm | |
Power output | 375 kW (510 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
Torque | 680 Nm @ 2,000–5,000 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (up to 350 bar) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 6c (pre-2021); Euro 6d (2021–2023) | |
Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled, dual-circuit | |
Turbocharger | Twin-scroll, low-inertia (BorgWarner) | |
Timing system | Chain-driven (single-row, front-mounted) | |
Oil type | Mobil 1 FS 0W-40 (Specification AM-SPEC-004) | |
Dry weight | 209 kg |
The Aston Martin AE48 was used across Aston Martin's DB and Vantage series platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific calibrations-smooth throttle mapping in the DB11 V8 and aggressive boost curves in the Vantage-and from 2021 the facelifted DB12 adopted revised intercooler drain geometry, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
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The AE48's primary reliability risk is intercooler water accumulation in early builds, with elevated incidence in wet climates and frequent car wash use. Internal Aston Martin quality reports from 2020 indicated a notable number of pre-2021 engines suffering intake flooding, while VCA records show related misfire and limp-mode faults in affected vehicles. Poor drainage and blocked channels increase hydro-lock risk, making proactive inspection critical.
Analysis derived from manufacturer technical service bulletins and industry workshop records. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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The AE48 offers strong performance and refinement but early models (2018–2020) are prone to intercooler water accumulation if drainage is neglected. Post-2021 revisions significantly improved hydro-lock resistance. With strict adherence to oil change intervals (every 15,000 miles) and use of Mobil 1 FS 0W-40, well-maintained examples can exceed 100,000 miles reliably.
Key issues include intercooler water trap flooding (especially pre-2021), turbocharger wastegate rattle, coolant leaks from thermostat housing, and valve cover oil seepage. These are documented in Aston Martin service bulletins and affect long-term ownership costs if not proactively addressed.
The AE48 was used in the DB11 V8 (2018–2022), Vantage (2018–2023), and DB12 (2023) in both coupe and Volante forms. It is a Mercedes-AMG M177-based engine tuned by Aston Martin. Most units meet Euro 6c, with later DB12 models complying with Euro 6d.
Yes. The AE48 has strong tuning potential via ECU remapping, typically yielding +40–60 kW. Supporting modifications like intercoolers and exhaust systems allow further gains. However, the Bosch HDEV5 fuel system and turbochargers have limits. Most owners balance performance upgrades with reliability due to engine complexity and value preservation.
Moderate for a twin-turbo V8 GT. In DB11 V8 form, expect ~16 mpg UK (17.6 L/100km) combined. Highway cruising can achieve ~20 mpg UK, while aggressive driving may drop to 11 mpg UK. Real-world consumption depends heavily on driving style. Requires 98 RON premium petrol for optimal performance.
Yes. The AE48 is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails, pistons will contact open valves, resulting in catastrophic engine damage. Regular inspection of the front-mounted chain and tensioners per TIS guidelines is essential to prevent costly repairs.
Aston Martin specifies Mobil 1 FS 0W-40 meeting AM-SPEC-004. This high-temperature-stability oil is critical for protecting turbochargers and the fuel system. Change every 15,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first, to maintain engine longevity and prevent wear.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
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VCA Certification Portal
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