Aston Martin DBX

Aston Martin DBX Overview

When the Aston Martin Rapide was revealed back in 2009 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the 4-door sedan from the British Marque wowed the world with its beautifully sculpted proportion and coupé-like exterior. The recently decommissioned sedan was the first and only modern-day Aston Martin with an extra pair of doors at the rear since the Aston Martin Lagonda back in the 1970s, until now.

The new Aston Martin DBX represents many firsts for the British marque since the inception of the company more than 100 years ago. It is the company’s first ever SUV, sitting on a brand new, all-Aston Martin architecture and will be the first model to be assembled at Aston Martin’s new facility at St Athan in Wales’ Vale of Glamorgan.

With proper SUV proportions and towing capability, the high-riding Aston Martin DBX is clearly from a different breed than its sports-car siblings, but the handsome face, beautiful proportion and superior driving dynamics make it unmistakably an Aston Martin and well deserved of the iconic wing badged

The Aston Martin SUV is being offered in the Malaysian market in the sole fully loaded variant, powered by a Mercedes-AMG-sourced 4.0 litre twin-turbocharged V8 masterpiece, driving all four wheels. The DBX attempts to deliver a true Aston Martin experience, only now from a higher vantage point.

Aston Martin DBX Design

Like an Aston Martin sports car on stilt, the Aston Martin DBX shares a similar albeit larger and more prominent DB vane grille, accompanied by a pair of aerodynamic air inlet, or ‘air duct’, on either side of the front bumper with an integrated daytime running light design. It helps to control the flow along the side of the car while providing cooling to the massive, ultra-high performance braking system.

The beautifully sculpted and double vented clamshell bonnet merge seamlessly with the generously raked front windscreen. The sport coupé-like silhouette is further accentuated by the low slopping roof line and the elaborately contoured body panels

The side vents channel high pressure air from the front wheel arch to reduce drag while the rear roof wing splits the airflow, providing aerodynamic downforce and driving air through the wing. The exaggerated ducklip spoiler at the rear with the signature rear LED light blade no doubt draws inspiration from the Aston Martin Vantage.

The Aston Martin DBX does not share the same dominating stance as the likes of the more touted Lamborghini Urus or the more pompous Bentley Bentayga, but rather it is more elegant and sculptural in its presentation, subtle yet expressive in typical Aston Martin fashion. Make no mistake, its pronounced wheel arches and broad shoulder haunches more than demonstrates its commanding road presence.

Aston Martin DBX Dimension

The Aston Martin DBX is the longest and the tallest car in Aston Martin’s vehicle line up. It is 20 mm longer than the Aston Martin Rapide and almost as wide as the Aston Martin DB 11 Grand Tourer. It is marginally bigger than the Maserati Levante and smaller than both the Bentley’s and the Lamborghini’s SUVs, but it has the longest wheelbase amongst the trio.

Aston Martin DBX Interior

Step inside and you are greeted with a vast and luxurious leather-clad cabin. With three different grades of leather available, as well as the first ever use of woven wool felt in a production road car, this upholstery can be further combined with a choice of seven dashboard veneers, from contemporary wood to carbon fibre and natural flax composite.

If that is not enough, you can always go full bespoke with Aston Martin’s ‘Q’ Department and let your imagination run wild. The driver and passengers sit relatively low compared to some full- sized SUVs, however thanks to its unique bonded aluminium structure and efficient used of space, head room and knee room is not compromised.

The expansive panoramic glass roof runs the full length of the roof accompanied by Alcantara headlining. The ergonomically shaped front leather seats are embossed with the Aston Martin Wings while the anodized Wings on the door sills adds a sense of occasion when alighting the car.

Like all Aston Martin’s model, the DBX shares many of its switchgear and electronics with its technical supplier from Mercedes-AMG. Two large TFT screens offer fully digital graphics for all infotainment functions. In front of the driver is the 12.3-inch screen with mode-specific display while the 10.25-inch central display is controlled using the rotary controller on the central tunnel to keep the screen finger-print free. 

The presentation of the button-laden centre console design appears less cluttered here compared to its sporty silings. The rear sits 3 abreast comfortably with a 40:20:40 split function, as well as a loadspace volume of 638 litres.

Aston Martin DBX Features

Standard features include automatic Bi-LED headlight with Auto High Beam (AHB), active rear brake light, approach illumination, panoramic glass sunroof, satin chrome roof rails, double glazed sound insulating front door windows, power tailgate as well as a 360-degree camera with deployable rear camera.

Convenience feature such as Apple CarPlay compatibility, keyless entry, 3-zone automatic climate control, 64-colour ambient lighting as well as the 16-way power adjustable front seats are also available as standard. Active safety features include Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Blind Spot Warning (BSM), Lane Keep Assist (LKA) and Rear Cross Traffic warning (RCT).

All DBX comes equipped with an active all-wheel drive system with variable torque distribution and height adjustable air suspension. It is the first Aston Martin to be fitted with an all-round triple chamber air suspension which promises a superior ride comfort and dynamic control.

The system also allows the ride height to change by up to 95mm from lowest to highest setting, allowing it to be raised when negotiating difficult terrain, or lowered to provide easy access and loading. Also available is the active anti-roll control system, a 48-volt system used to control body roll in corners. 

The system can uncouple the anti-roll bars, allowing maximum axle articulation and wheel travel to keep all wheels firmly palnted on the ground. On, or off-road, the system allows DBX to corner with little to no body roll.

Aston Martin DBX Driving Performance

Engine

Underneath the hood is a Mercedes-AMG-sourced hand-built M177 4.0 litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, a similar engine found in multiple Mercedes AMG applications as well as Aston Martin’s own Vantage and DB11. But the latest iteration of this German masterpiece produces more power than in the Vantage and DB11. 

It now generates 550 PS at 6,500 RPM and a staggering 700 Nm of torque in a wide torque band from 2200 - 5,000 RPM. The DBX will get from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 291 km/h. The powertrain for DBX has been specifically tuned by Aston Martins’ engineer to suit the power and torque characteristics unique to an SUV. It also features cylinder deactivation for improved fuel economy.

With five pre-set chassis and powertrain mode (GT, Sport, Sport+, Terrain, Terrain+), the DBS is able to instantly vary the programming of its engine, gearbox, suspension, and steering to adapt to the prevailing driving conditions. Power is sent to all four wheels via a 9-speed G-Tronic automatic transmission, also supplied by Mercedes-AMG. 

Transmission

Power is sent to all four wheels via a 9-speed G-Tronic automatic transmission, also supplied by Mercedes-AMG. Power is directed through a bespoke all-wheel drive system which can direct the engine’s power almost exclusively to the rear wheels for maximum driving dynamics, or up to 47 per cent to the front wheels when maximum traction is required. The system incorporates an active centre transfer case and an electronic rear differential.

Aston Martin DBX Ride Comfort

Like all series production Aston Martin sports and GT cars, the Aston Martin DBX has double wishbone front suspension and a rear multi-link rear axle set up. Combined with the electronic adaptive damping and the triple chamber air suspension, the Aston Martin drives like a sport car but with a stability and composure of a GT. 

Aston Martin DBX Fuel Consumption

Aston Martin DBX Conclusion

The Aston Martin DBX offers a very compelling proposition in the increasingly competitive luxury SUV segment. It feels like a true Aston Martin, and it certainly looks the part too. It is equipped with a proper all-terrain capability with the practicality of an everyday SUV. It rides beautifully and if you must, it is suitably sporty on the track too. The DBX may be late to the party, but it does so fashionably. Then again, when was Mr.Bond ever early to a party.