Aston Martin DBX Adds to the Growing List of High-end Luxury SUVs
Aston Martin is renowned the world over for its sophisticated and beautiful sports cars, but it never once offered an SUV in 106 years of existence. Today, while most of the spotlight is on the Los Angeles Auto Show, the brand finally unveiled the new DBX in Beijing, China.
Development of this model started way back in 2015. Described as “the SUV with the soul of a sports car,” the Aston Martin DBX promises unprecedented style and versatility. It also marks the start of production at the British company’s purpose-built manufacturing facility in St Athan, Wales.
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An Aston Martin Unlike any Other
Built on a new dedicated SUV platform, the DBX is a beast that weighs 2,245 kilograms due to a large, extremely rigid structure and Aston Martin’s desire to offer maximum interior space. It’s said to have class-leading legroom and headroom.
With 632 litres of trunk space and 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats, the DBX possesses the flexible cargo capacity expected of an SUV. Its low stance also means a favourable cargo floor height.
The adaptive air suspension, which combines the latest electric anti-roll control system with electronic adaptive dampers, can be programmed to aid with ingress, egress and loading requirements while also improving on-road comfort and off-road capability.
Obviously, the DBX is full of advanced safety and driver assistance systems, plus many optional accessory packages including a Pet package with a portable washer to clean your muddy dog after a walk in the woods.
Power and Performance Still Rule
Powered by a new version of the twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine found in the DB11 and Vantage, the new DBX generates 550 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. It sprints from 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and delivers a tremendous sound in the process thanks to an active exhaust system. Fuel economy is improved with a cylinder deactivation system and a 48-volt mild hybrid system.
The nine-speed automatic gearbox is paired to an all-wheel drive system with an active central differential and an electronic rear limited-slip differential. This allows the torque to be moved precisely both fore and aft in the vehicle and also across the rear axle. Additionally, the custom-developed steering system has been tuned to deliver more feedback and sports car-like response.
Sexy and Somptuous
Aerodynamics were an important consideration within the design process, both to maximize performance and make the cabin quieter. Visually, the DBX is clearly a member of the Aston Martin family, from the signature Aston grille up front to the Vantage-inspired rear end (look at the profile of the liftgate, the line drawn by the taillights and the unique sculpting down low).
Other highlights include a full-length panoramic roof, sport seats trimmed in sumptuous, full-grain Bridge of Weir leather, a bridged centre console with flexible storage below and a 10.25-inch TFT display above (compatible with Apple CarPlay) and finally a 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster behind the steering wheel.
The Aston Martin DBX can be ordered now in the U.S. starting at $189,900. Canadian availability and pricing have yet to be announced. The first deliveries are set to begin next spring.
