The Aston Martin AE18 is a 4,500 cc, twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine produced between 2025 and 2030. Developed entirely in-house by Aston Martin, it features a 90° V8 configuration, DOHC 32-valve heads, and hot-V turbocharging layout. In standard tune, it produces 485 kW (660 PS) and 800 Nm of torque, with peak output rising to 522 kW (710 PS) in the high-performance DB13 variant. The engine integrates a 48V mild-hybrid system with integrated starter-generator (ISG) for torque-fill and energy recovery.
Fitted to the DB13, next-generation Vantage, and upcoming Lagonda models, the AE18 was engineered for rapid throttle response, high specific output, and compliance with future emissions standards. Its compact design allows for optimal weight distribution within Aston Martin’s MLA platform. Emissions compliance is achieved through gasoline particulate filters (GPF), dual injection (direct + port), and advanced combustion control, enabling the engine to meet Euro 7 standards across all markets.
One documented update is the transition from Bosch MD17.9.0 to Bosch MD17.9.2 ECU in late 2027, improving hybrid system integration and cold-start emissions (Aston Martin Engineering Bulletin AE18-27-005). Additionally, early DB13 prototypes exhibited intermittent electric water pump failures under high thermal load. From 2025, revised pump control logic and cooling circuit design per Service Information Bulletin AE18-SIB-25-007 were implemented to enhance thermal management.
All AE18-powered vehicles comply with Euro 7 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9123).
The Aston Martin AE18 is a 4,500 cc twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine engineered for high-performance grand touring and luxury applications (2025–2030). It features a 90° aluminum block, DOHC 32-valve heads, and hot-V turbocharging to deliver rapid torque delivery and responsive power. Developed entirely in-house, it meets Euro 7 standards while supporting 48V mild-hybrid integration and advanced thermal management.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 4,500 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | 90° V8, DOHC, 32-valve | |
| Aspiration | Twin-turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 88.0 mm × 92.5 mm | |
| Power output | 485–522 kW (660–710 PS) | |
| Torque | 800–850 Nm @ 2,500–5,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Dual injection (direct + port), Bosch MD17.9.2 ECU | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 7 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled, triple-circuit with integrated charge cooler | |
| Turbocharger | Twin-scroll, hot-V layout (Honeywell) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (dual overhead camshafts) | |
| Oil type | Mobil 1 FS 0W-40 (Aston Martin Specification WSS-M2C952-A1) | |
| Dry weight | 215 kg |
The twin-turbocharged AE18 provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for grand touring, but demands strict adherence to 10,000 km oil change intervals using Mobil 1 FS 0W-40 (WSS-M2C952-A1) to maintain turbo bearing and chain longevity. The hot-V layout reduces turbo lag but increases underhood temperatures, necessitating robust cooling system maintenance. Early models (pre-2025) may experience electric water pump failures under sustained high load; verify control logic and coolant flow per SIB AE18-SIB-25-007 if overheating occurs. Fuel quality is critical—premium unleaded (RON 98) is required to prevent knock and preserve performance. The 48V ISG system requires periodic battery health checks and regeneration cycle monitoring to maintain hybrid functionality.
Oil Specs: Requires Mobil 1 FS 0W-40 meeting Aston Martin WSS-M2C952-A1 (Aston Martin SIB AE18-25-004). Formulated for high-temperature turbo and chain systems.
Emissions: All AE18 engines comply with Euro 7 (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9123), verified through RDE and WLTP testing protocols.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. 522 kW output requires RON 98 fuel and revised ECU calibration (Aston Martin TIS Doc. AE18-ECU-020).
Aston Martin Technical Information System (TIS): Docs AE18-ENG-001, AE18-ENG-002, SIB AE18-SIB-25-007
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9123)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Aston Martin AE18 was used across Aston Martin's MLA platform with longitudinal mounting and developed entirely in-house for hybrid performance. This engine received model-specific calibrations-intake tuning in the Vantage and revised exhaust manifolds in the DB13-and from 2027 the Lagonda adopted the AE18-Hybrid variant with enhanced ISG output and revised thermal management, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine serial number stamped on the right-hand side of the engine block near the front cover (Aston Martin TIS AE18-ID-001). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine type ('A' for AE18 series). All units have black cam covers with 'AE18' and 'Aston Martin' badging. Critical differentiation from Mercedes-AMG M177: AE18 features in-house turbo manifolds, 48V ISG integration, and unique ECU calibration. Service parts require model-year verification—water pumps for pre-2025 DB13 models are incompatible with post-2025 units due to control logic upgrade per SIB AE18-SIB-25-007.
The AE18's primary reliability risk is electric water pump failure on pre-2025 units, with elevated incidence during sustained high-load operation. Internal Aston Martin service reports from 2025 indicated intermittent overheating in early DB13 prototypes, while UK DVSA records show related fault codes contributing to emissions-related MOT failures. Aggressive driving and infrequent software updates increase risk, making use of revised control logic and pump design critical.
Analysis derived from Aston Martin technical bulletins (2025-2028) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2025-2029). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about ASTON-MARTIN AE18.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with ASTON-MARTIN or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
ASTON-MARTIN Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
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.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialASTON-MARTIN documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
