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 the DB11 V8, Vantage (2018+), and DB12, the AE48 was engineered for balanced performance, refinement, and drivability. Its twin-turbocharged design prioritizes strong mid-range torque and responsive throttle delivery, with dry-sump lubrication and compact turbo placement ensuring consistent power under high-G loads. Emissions compliance is achieved through integrated exhaust manifolds and secondary air injection systems, meeting Euro 6c and later Euro 6d standards.
One documented concern is intercooler water trap accumulation leading to intake flooding under heavy rain or car wash conditions, highlighted in Aston Martin Technical Service Bulletin TSB-ENG-020. This issue correlates with inadequate drainage in the front-mounted intercooler housing. Revisions to the drain channel geometry were implemented in 2021, reducing hydro-lock risk in later production units.
Production years 2018–2020 meet Euro 6c standards; 2021–2023 models comply with Euro 6d (RDE2) depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6234).
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 twin-turbo V8 delivers strong mid-range punch and high-speed refinement but demands strict adherence to 15,000-mile oil change intervals to protect the turbochargers and high-pressure fuel system. Mobil 1 FS 0W-40 meeting AM-SPEC-004 is critical due to its thermal stability under high-load conditions. Cold starts should be followed by light driving for 2–3 minutes to stabilise oil and coolant temperatures before aggressive use. Fuel system longevity depends on regular use of 98 RON premium petrol to prevent carbon buildup on injectors. Post-2021 models feature revised intercooler drain channels; pre-2021 units should be checked per TSB-ENG-020 for water accumulation after heavy rain or car wash exposure.
Oil Specs: Requires Mobil 1 FS 0W-40 meeting AM-SPEC-004 (Aston Martin SIB 18 01 01). Supersedes ACEA C5.
Emissions: Euro 6c certification applies to pre-2021 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6234). Euro 6d compliance confirmed for 2021–2023 builds.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Full output requires 98 RON fuel (Aston Martin TIS Doc. AE48-PERF-01).
Aston Martin Technical Information System (TIS): Docs AE48-ENG-01, AE48-FUEL-05, TSB-ENG-020
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6234)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
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.
Locate the engine serial number stamped on the left-hand side of the engine block, near the rear cylinder bank (Aston Martin TIS AE48-ID-01). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('M' for Mercedes-sourced V8). All models feature black cam covers with 'AE48' embossing. Critical differentiation from earlier AM555 V12: AE48 uses Bosch ME17.9 ECU with circular diagnostic connector under the intake plenum, while AM555 uses Siemens MS4.2 with rectangular port. Service parts require model-year verification - intercooler assemblies for pre-2021 engines are incompatible with post-2021 DB12 due to drain channel redesign (Aston Martin TSB-ENG-020).
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 Aston Martin technical bulletins (2018-2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2019-2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about ASTON-MARTIN AE48.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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