The Aston Martin AE16 is a 3,982 cc, twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine produced between 2015 and 2020. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), 32-valve architecture, and Bosch MED17.8 engine management, delivering 441 kW (600 PS) and 700 Nm of torque. This engine was developed in-house by Aston Martin to power the DB11 and later Vantage models, combining forced induction with refined grand touring characteristics.
Fitted to the DB11 V8 and second-generation Vantage, the AE16 was engineered for high-speed stability, strong low-end torque, and improved fuel efficiency over naturally aspirated predecessors. Emissions compliance was achieved through dual close-coupled catalytic converters and advanced ECU calibration, meeting Euro 6c standards across all markets during its production run.
One documented update is the transition to revised turbocharger housings and intercooler plumbing in 2018, highlighted in Aston Martin Service Information Bulletin SIB-14 07 18. This change reduced intake temperatures and improved throttle response. No major reliability concerns have been issued via official service bulletins; ongoing monitoring is maintained through AM-TIS field reports.
Production years 2015–2020 meet Euro 6c standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
The Aston Martin AE16 is a 3,982 cc twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine engineered for high-performance grand touring (2015–2020). It combines DOHC 32-valve architecture with Bosch MED17.8 engine management to deliver strong low-end torque and high-speed refinement. Designed to meet Euro 6c, it balances track-capable performance with road-going usability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,982 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | V8, DOHC, 32-valve | |
| Aspiration | Twin-turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 94.0 mm × 71.8 mm | |
| Power output | 441 kW (600 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 700 Nm @ 1,500–5,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch MED17.8 direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6c | |
| Compression ratio | 10.3:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Twin-scroll turbochargers (IHI units) | |
| Timing system | Dual chain (front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | Aston Martin Longlife-16 (SAE 0W-20) | |
| Dry weight | 225 kg |
The twin-turbocharged design provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for daily driving and rapid acceleration, but demands adherence to 12,000 km oil change intervals using OEM-specified oil to maintain turbo and timing system longevity. Aston Martin Longlife-16 (0W-20) is critical due to its low-viscosity formulation protecting high-RPM components. Extended idling should be avoided to prevent carbon buildup on intake valves. The Bosch MED17.8 ECU requires OEM-grade diagnostics for calibration updates. Post-2018 models feature revised intercoolers and turbo housings; retrofitting is not supported. Catalytic converters require RON 98+ fuel to prevent thermal degradation under sustained high-load conditions.
Oil Specs: Requires Aston Martin Longlife-16 (0W-20) specification (Aston Martin SIB 16 08 30). Supersedes ACEA C5.
Emissions: Euro 6c certification applies to all 2015–2020 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Full output requires RON 98+ fuel (Aston Martin TIS Doc. AM-AE16-PWR).
Aston Martin Technical Information System (TIS): Docs AM-AE16-2015, SIB 14 07 18, SIB 16 08 30
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Aston Martin AE16 was used across Aston Martin's DB and Vantage platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced engine mounts in the DB11 and tuned exhaust manifolds in the Vantage-and from 2018 the facelifted DB11 adopted revised turbocharger housings and intercooler routing, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins and ETK parts catalogues.
Locate the engine identification plate mounted on the front-left cylinder bank near the timing cover (Aston Martin TIS AM-AE16-ID). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('W' for AE16 series). All units feature gloss black valve covers with red Aston Martin branding. Critical differentiation from naturally aspirated units: AE16 has twin turbochargers and intercoolers; no throttle body actuator issues. Service parts require model-year verification—intercooler assemblies for 2018+ DB11 models are not interchangeable with earlier units (Aston Martin SIB 14 07 18).
The AE16's primary reliability risk is intake valve carbon buildup in low-speed urban use, with elevated incidence in vehicles with extended oil intervals. Internal Aston Martin field reports from 2019 noted a moderate share of pre-2018 units showing reduced airflow by 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records indicate a low but growing number of emissions-related failures in city-driven DB11 models. Short trips and infrequent high-RPM operation increase deposit formation, making oil quality and driving pattern management critical.
Analysis derived from Aston Martin technical bulletins (2015–2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2018–2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about ASTON-MARTIN AE16.
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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