When we presaged earlier this year the new Aston Martin DBX undertaking gruelling off-road trials in a Welsh forestry complex, its final design details were not clear. However, now displayed in all its glory, manufactured in a purpose-built factory in South Wales, the DBX looks every inch a sleek, lean and muscular machine that is stridently Aston Martin and more than capable of taking the market supremacy fight to its high-end competitors.
Undeniably handsome, it retains the vital AM styling cues, such as the ducktail rear spoiler, the grille outline and the voluptuous panel detailing. Inside, it is awash with finely stitched leather and the luxurious accoutrements befitting of a bespoke branded motorcar.
Powered by a new version of the customary 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged petrol V8 engine found in both DB11 and Vantage models, DBX features an impressive output of 546bhp and 516lbs ft of torque. It has been carefully tuned to meet the specific capabilities of this model. With a characteristic AM exhaust sound, the engine’s versatility is not restricted to its vocals. Cylinder deactivation enhances fuel economy, while normal operation propels DBX from 0-60mph in just 4.2s, before coursing on to a maximum speed of 181mph.
Transmitting the punch to the road is a nine-speed fully automatic gearbox, driving all four wheels through three active differentials. Torque can be apportioned precisely both fore and aft and also across the rear axle, for maximum traction and stability. Combined with AM’s bespoke steering system that has been tuned to deliver sports car-like feel and responses, DBX imbues the driver with an overriding sense of control, regardless of environmental conditions.
Adaptive triple volume air suspension has been combined with the latest 48v electric anti-roll control system (eARC) and electronic adaptive dampers to provide the new SUV with a huge breadth of abilities. With its capacity to raise the ride height by 45mm, or lower it by 50mm, the air suspension provides a level of driver confidence to tackle a wide range of terrains, while also helping to improve accessibility to the cabin and boot areas.
Utilising bonded aluminium, a construction method Aston Martin has refined through the development of its sports cars, the body structure is both exceptionally light and torsionally rigid, although its overall kerbweight of 2,245kg can hardly be described as light. Right from the start, DBX was designed to allow the maximum amount of interior space, while ensuring premium levels of refinement and class leading spaciousness for both front and rear occupants. The boot alone has a 632-litres capacity and the 40:20:40-split rear seats enhance practicality, expanding the load platform accordingly. Meanwhile, the exceptional stiffness inherent in the design of the new platform has also enabled DBX to achieve exceptional dynamics both on and off-road.
