The Aston Martin TB04-12 is a 3,998 cc, twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine produced between 2020 and 2025. Developed in collaboration with Mercedes-AMG as part of the M177 engine family, it features a 90° V8 configuration, DOHC 32-valve heads, and hot-V turbocharging layout. In standard tune, it produces 405 kW (550 PS) and 685 Nm of torque, with outputs rising to 441 kW (600 PS) in higher-performance variants such as the DB11 AMR and DBS Superleggera.
Fitted to the DB11, DBS Superleggera, DBX, and Vantage models, the TB04-12 was engineered for rapid throttle response, strong low-end torque, and grand touring refinement. Its integration into Aston Martin’s VH and ML3 platforms includes bespoke engine mounts, intake tuning, and exhaust calibration. Emissions compliance is achieved through dual-scroll turbochargers, direct fuel injection, and a close-coupled gasoline particulate filter (GPF), allowing the engine to meet Euro 6d standards across all markets.
One documented update is the transition from Bosch ME17.8.8 to Bosch MD17.8.12 ECU in mid-2022, improving torque delivery and cold-start emissions (Aston Martin Engineering Bulletin TB-22-002). Additionally, early DBX models exhibited intermittent charge-air cooler (intercooler) hose detachment under high boost. From 2021, revised hose clamping and routing per Service Information Bulletin TB-SIB-21-004 were implemented to enhance cooling system integrity.
All TB04-12-powered vehicles comply with Euro 6d emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8901).
The Aston Martin TB04-12 is a 3,998 cc twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine engineered for high-performance grand touring and SUV applications (2020–2025). It features a 90° aluminum block, DOHC 32-valve heads, and hot-V turbocharging with dual-scroll turbines to deliver strong low-end torque and responsive power delivery. Co-developed with Mercedes-AMG (M177 basis), it meets Euro 6d standards while supporting advanced thermal management and GPF integration.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,998 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | 90° V8, DOHC, 32-valve | |
| Aspiration | Twin-turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 83.0 mm × 92.0 mm | |
| Power output | 405–441 kW (550–600 PS) | |
| Torque | 685–800 Nm @ 2,000–4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Direct injection, Bosch MD17.8.12 ECU | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled, dual-circuit with integrated charge cooler | |
| Turbocharger | Twin-scroll, hot-V layout (BorgWarner) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (dual overhead camshafts) | |
| Oil type | Mobil 1 0W-40 (Aston Martin Specification WSS-M2C949-A2) | |
| Dry weight | 209 kg |
The twin-turbocharged TB04-12 provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for daily driving and rapid acceleration, but demands strict adherence to 12,000 km oil change intervals using Mobil 1 0W-40 (WSS-M2C949-A2) to maintain turbo bearing and chain longevity. The hot-V turbo layout reduces turbo lag but increases underhood temperatures, necessitating robust cooling system maintenance. Early models (pre-2021) may experience intercooler hose detachment under high boost; verify clamping and routing per SIB TB-SIB-21-004 if boost fluctuates. Fuel quality is critical—premium unleaded (RON 98) is required to prevent knock and preserve performance. GPF regeneration cycles require periodic highway driving to prevent clogging and limp-mode activation.
Oil Specs: Requires Mobil 1 0W-40 meeting Aston Martin WSS-M2C949-A2 (Aston Martin SIB TB-21-003). Formulated for turbocharged V8s with chain-driven cams.
Emissions: All TB04-12 engines comply with Euro 6d (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8901), verified through WLTP testing protocols.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. 441 kW output requires RON 98 fuel and revised ECU calibration (Aston Martin TIS Doc. TB04-ECU-016).
Aston Martin Technical Information System (TIS): Docs TB04-ENG-001, TB04-ENG-002, SIB TB-SIB-21-004
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8901)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Aston Martin TB04-12 was used across Aston Martin's VH and ML3 platforms with longitudinal mounting and co-developed with Mercedes-AMG as part of the M177 family. This engine received model-specific calibrations-intake tuning in the Vantage and revised exhaust manifolds in the DBS Superleggera-and from 2022 the DBX707 adopted the TB04-12 HP variant with higher boost and revised cam profiles, 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 TB04-ID-001). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine type ('T' for TB04 series). All units have black cam covers with 'AMG' and 'Aston Martin' badging due to shared development. Critical differentiation from Mercedes-AMG M177: TB04-12 features Aston Martin-specific intake manifolds, throttle bodies, and ECU calibration. Service parts require model-year verification—intercooler hoses for pre-2021 DBX models are incompatible with post-2021 units due to clamping upgrade per SIB TB-SIB-21-004.
The TB04-12's primary reliability risk is intercooler hose detachment under high boost on pre-2021 DBX units, with elevated incidence during spirited driving. Internal Aston Martin service reports from 2021 indicated intermittent boost loss in early DBX models, while UK DVSA records show related fault codes contributing to emissions-related MOT failures. Aggressive driving and infrequent inspections increase risk, making use of revised clamping hardware critical.
Analysis derived from Aston Martin technical bulletins (2020-2024) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2021-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about ASTON-MARTIN TB04-12.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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