Aston Martin is considering entering the rugged, high-powered super-4×4 market to compete with the Mercedes G-Class, according to reports. The British automaker is said to be evaluating design proposals for the new model, internally known as ‘Project Rambo’. This potential SUV would combine off-road capability with luxury and performance, following in the footsteps of the successful Aston Martin DBX. The decision to greenlight the project will depend on a solid business case, but Aston Martin’s chairman, Lawrence Stroll, is likely inspired by the ongoing popularity of the Mercedes G-Class.
The Mercedes G-Class has been a highly profitable vehicle for the German manufacturer, with its fifth-generation model recently receiving a major update for 2024. The G-Class now even offers an electric variant for the first time. Aston Martin may limit production of their 4×4 to 2500 units to maintain exclusivity. As for where the vehicle would be manufactured, the DBX factory in St Athan seems like a logical choice, as both SUVs could potentially share the same platform.
Insiders suggest that the Aston Martin 4×4 would likely be closely related to the DBX, which already features a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine supplied by Mercedes-AMG. This engine is also used in the AMG version of the G-Class, generating impressive power and performance figures. Launching a V8 SUV aligns with Aston Martin’s commitment to combustion engines, as the company has postponed its debut electric vehicle due to sustained demand for internal combustion engines.
Aston Martin could potentially explore hybrid powertrains as a transitional technology towards full electrification. Mercedes-AMG has already combined their V8 engine with an electric motor in plug-in hybrid models, significantly increasing power and torque. While it remains uncertain if Aston Martin will use this exact setup, they have not yet offered a plug-in hybrid version of the DBX. The company is currently completing a comprehensive overhaul of its sports car lineup, with the introduction of the V12-engined Vanquish and the mid-engined Valhalla supercar, their first plug-in hybrid.
In terms of EVs, Aston Martin plans to unveil its first electric vehicle, a high-riding, four-seat GT, in 2025. The company has designed three more EVs to follow in the coming years, all based on a similar modular platform and equipped with drivetrain hardware supplied by Lucid. Aston Martin’s decision to explore the super-4×4 market shows their commitment to offering a diverse range of vehicles to meet customer demands for both performance and versatility.
