Aston Martin says electrified models will be 20 per cent of sales by 2024

Aston Martin says that by 2024 electrified models will account for more than 20 per cent of its global sales, despite not having a single hybrid of any description in its current line-up.

The British car-maker's ambitious expansion into vehicle electrification comes off the back of Mercedes-Benz upping its stake in Aston Martin from 2.3 per cent to 20 per cent, allowing it access to the German company's hybrid and EV technology, and the appointment of former Mercedes-AMG chief Tobias Moers as its new boss.

Accounting for most of its electrified volume in 2024 will be a new plug-in hybrid version of the recently launched DBX SUV.

The closer working relationship with Benz could also see Aston scrap the all-new hybrid V6 powertrain it is currently developing for the upcoming Valhalla, with Automotive News suggesting the Aston power unit will be scrapped and replaced by an electrified Mercedes unit.

This would have massive repercussions for the Valhalla as it could involve switching from a V6 to an inline six-cylinder at a late stage in its development. However, the Benz powertrain has already undergone durability testing and is fully compliant with future Euro 7 emissions regulations.

Commenting on the potential Valhalla engine switch, Moers told Automotive News: "We are still working on that [hybrid drivetrain], but we now have alternatives. It's too early to say."

Once the Valhalla has been launched in 2022, Aston Martin will switch its focus to readying the smaller Vanquish that was also set to employ the car-maker's hybrid V6 and should arrive in same year.

It's now tipped the British Ferrari F8 Tributo rival will also get Benz power and potentially share its advanced electrified powertrain with the next-genration Mercedes-AMG GT supercar.

Originally, Aston Martin had ambitious plans to relaunch Lagonda as a luxurious pure-electric luxury brand, but that idea was scrapped as the car-maker financial woes worsened.

Moers would not confirm the plan to revive the famous nameplate is back on track, but did say pure-electric Astons are coming: "Lagonda has a different purpose for the future. Electric-driven cars are supposed to be Aston Martins," he said.

It's now rumoured the first Aston EVs will be on sale in 2025 and is set to be based on a Mercedes platform and powered by a Benz-derived pure-electric drivetrain.

Aston Martin's new CEO also hinted that the car-maker was developing a new front-engined sports car to replace the DB11 by 2023.