Aston Martin Varekai is not an Electric SUV

A recent report suggests that Aston Martin has no plan to electrify its first-ever SUV. Back in 2015, the vehicle was first previewed in the form of a “DBX” concept at the Geneva Auto Show, which was then followed by multiple rumors of a production version with an electric powertrain in the future. Contradicting the rumors, however, Aston Martin’s CEO Andy Palmer has told Automotive News that the Varekai (that’s how the SUV would be called) won’t come with an electric option.

Not only that, Palmer said the SUV won’t offer diesel and plug-in hybrid variants, stating further his thought that the diesel’s limited life wouldn’t be good for the Varekai. He didn’t say anything about specs, but judging from his words, we should know that the last choice of engines the upcoming SUV can use is the twin-turbocharged V8 gasoline one, with range-topping variants most likely using the company’s V12 engine.

The Aston Martin Varekai will be produced at the company’s new plant in St Athan, Wales. While sales are expected to start in 2019. In other words, we should be able to see the production model in the next few months.

The Aston Martin Varekai is set to rival the likes of the Bentley Bentayga and the Lamborghini Urus. Another rival that is yet to arrive is the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, which will be unveiled by the end of the year. Ferrari and Lotus is planning to launch an SUV too, with the former probably to be ready in 2020s, while the latter we don’t know, but its SUV will be less in size and price compared to the Varekai.