IN Aston Martin’s illustrious 108-year history, the introduction of its first-ever luxury SUV, the DBX, is a bold new chapter and a landmark moment. Accordingly, it is a model that will propel the brand to new heights worldwide. This latest luxury SUV is the culmination of an extensive development program that began with physical testing in Wales last 2018 and virtual development stretching back to 2015.
The DBX signals a new era in Aston Martin’s pursuit to deliver exceptional performance, style, and usability in a segment previously unexplored by the world-famous manufacturer. Since its global release in 2019, the Philippines has been anticipating its arrival. So, DBPhils Motorsports, Inc., under the Tagle Group of Companies, is finally marking its territory with the arrival of this most-awaited luxury SUV.
“We are confident that this move of Aston Martin will be warmly embraced by the Filipino market. Admittedly, we are an SUV nation— we love to cruise with our adventurous spirit and bring family, friends, and loved ones along for the ride. Aston Martin captures this passion and adds its trademark luxury and beauty for the ultimate driving experience,” said Marc Louie Y. Tagle, Chairman and president of Aston Martin Manila.
This beautiful SUV has already taken the company into new territories and inspiring directions through its development alone. Patrik Nilsson, Director of Operations for [the] Asia Pacific, is positive about the DBX’s retail performance. “In Asia Pacific countries that have commenced deliveries, including Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and further afield in USA, UK, China, and New Zealand, the DBX has already built strong market share amongst the luxury SUVs. We’re proud to have [a] particularly strong market share right here in [the] Asia Pacific,” he said.
An SUV like no other
DBX’s exterior brought the elegance of Aston Martin’s sports cars into the world of the SUV. From the signature ‘DB’ grille at the front, sculptured sides, and design feature line, to the tailgate with a flip that draws inspiration from Vantage, this is an Aston Martin from a first glance. Other intricate details are hidden side glass seals on the frameless doors, glass B-pillar finishers, and cutaway sills to narrow the stepover.
Of course, aerodynamics was an essential consideration within the design process. Not to mention the process of running computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tests (with a DBX towing a trailer with a DB6 on it). At the front, the daytime running lights (DRLs) have an integrated aerodynamic duct, channeling air through the front wheel arches and along the side and cooling the brakes. Air flows cleanly over the roof, through the rear wing, over the back window, and onto the rear flip. The DBX utilizes bonded aluminum, a construction method Aston Martin has refined through the development of its sports cars. It makes the body structure both very light and incredibly stiff. As a result, curb weight went down to just 2,245kg.
Interior-wise, this full-sized five-seater SUV has a luxuriously handcrafted cabin providing equal space and comfort, front or rear. There is a full-length glass panoramic roof and frameless door glass, attracting natural light inside. The use of sports car seat packaging in the front provides exceptional support and driving comfort, including knee and footwell clearance to the rear. The seats have full-grain leather (sourced from long-term partner Bridge of Weir). An industry first, both the headlining and electric roof blinds are available in a luxurious Alcantara finish., Throughout, DBX maintains the authenticity of materials, with judicious use of metal, glass, and wood inside.
There are small touches such as separate central armrests, glovebox design, and the ergonomic positioning of the car’s key control systems. These elements stemmed from the brand’s Female Advisory Board input, dealership feedback, and various private focus groups held worldwide. Another design highlight includes the bridged center console. As part of ‘Q by Aston Martin’—Aston Martin’s personalization service – optional features of this center console has machined solid wood pieces, such as Walnut, for added tactility.
A 10.25” TFT screen sits elegantly flush in the center console, while a huge 12.3” TFT screen provides a wealth of information to the driver. Apple CarPlay comes as standard and a 360-degree camera system and ambient lighting that offers 64 different colors in two zones. With 632 liters of boot space and 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats, the DBX possesses flexible load capacity.
It drives like a sports car
Powered by a new version of the characterful 4.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V-8 engine found in DB11 and Vantage, the DBX generates an impressive 542 hp and 700 N-m of maximum torque outputs. The engine’s versatility has cylinder deactivation to enhance fuel economy. Still, it can sprint from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds with a top speed of 291 km/h.
Transmitting power to all wheels is a nine-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, allied to an all-wheel-drive system with active differentials. It features an active central differential and an electronic rear limited-slip differential (eDiff). It allows the torque to be moved precisely both fore and aft in the vehicle and across the rear axle.
The adaptive triple volume air suspension works in conjunction with the latest 48v electric anti-roll control system (eARC) and electronic adaptive dampers to provide the new SUV with a considerable breadth of ability. The system can raise the ride height by 45mm or lower it by 50mm to tackle a wide range of terrain and aid with ingress, egress, and loading requirements. The adaptive triple chamber air springs enable variable spring stiffness. Extraordinarily the eARC-capable of 1,400Nm of anti-roll force per axle—can limit DBX’s body roll for handling for that sports-car-like feel.
Aside from the standard safety features, driver-assist functions such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Speed Limiter, Forward Collision Warning, Auto Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Lane change Rear Cross Traffic Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Door Exit Warning. Additionally, there is the Pet package, which includes a portable washer to help attend to the needs of a muddy dog after a walk. As of this writing, the price tag of the DBX luxury SUV is still not available.
Image courtesy of Aston Martin Manila