Aston Martin DBX Test: First‑Look Review of the Luxury SUV
The Aston Martin DBX Test has been on the agenda of automotive journalists since the British marque unveiled its inaugural SUV. Combining the elegance of a grand tourer with the practicality of a sport‑utility vehicle, the DBX aims to redefine what a luxury SUV can be. Below we break down the key aspects of the DBX – from powertrain performance to everyday usability – to help you decide whether this Aston Martin lives up to its lofty reputation.
Powertrain and Performance
The heart of the DBX is a 4.0‑liter twin‑turbo V8 that delivers 550 horsepower and 730 Nm of torque. This engine, borrowed from the Aston Martin Vantage, is paired with an eight‑speed ZF automatic transmission and all‑wheel drive. The powertrain propels the DBX from 0 to 100 km/h (0‑62 mph) in just 4.6 seconds, placing it among the quickest SUVs in its segment.
Top speed is electronically limited to 291 km/h (181 mph), a figure that underscores the DBX’s sporting pedigree. While most luxury SUVs prioritize comfort over outright speed, the DBX proves that a British grand tourer can also dominate acceleration charts.
Driving Dynamics – A Test Drive Impression
On the road, the DBX feels surprisingly agile for a vehicle that measures over 4.8 meters in length. The adaptive suspension, which offers three selectable modes (Comfort, Sport, and Off‑Road), adapts to road conditions with minimal intrusion. In Sport mode, the chassis tightens, reducing body roll and delivering a handling experience that rivals many sports cars.
Off‑road capability is modest but competent. The DBX features a selectable Ground Clearance mode that raises the ride height by up to 150 mm, allowing it to tackle gravel tracks and mild off‑road obstacles. However, the DBX is not designed for serious rock‑crawling; its focus remains on high‑speed confidence and on‑road refinement.
Interior Luxury and Technology
The cabin exudes craftsmanship. Hand‑stitched leather, walnut veneer, and brushed aluminium accents create an environment that feels both exclusive and inviting. The infotainment system runs on a 10.25‑inch touchscreen, integrated with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a bespoke Aston Martin UI that emphasizes simplicity over clutter.
Key comfort features include:
- Four‑zone climate control
- Heated and ventilated front seats with memory function
- Rear‑seat entertainment screens (optional)
- Ambient lighting with customizable color palettes
Sound quality is addressed by a premium 12‑speaker audio system tuned by Bang & Olufsen, delivering clear, balanced audio throughout the cabin.
Practicality – Space and Usability
One of the DBX’s strongest selling points is its practicality. The SUV offers 550 liters of cargo capacity behind the rear seats, expanding to over 1,600 liters with the rear bench folded. The rear seat layout is a 40
