The Aston Martin DBX: An SUV Inheriting the DNA of a Sports Car

Aston Martin DBX | The Aston Martin DBX

The Aston Martin DBX: An SUV Inheriting the DNA of a Sports Car

On November 20, British marque Aston Martin unveiled the DBX, the brand's first-ever SUV, in Beijing, China. On the 21st, the car's Japan premiere event was held in Tokyo.

Text by HARA Akira | Photographs by Aston Martin

Blending Superior Off-Road Capability with Sports Car Performance

The DBX, development of which began in 2015, is an SUV model that fuses the versatility of a luxury SUV with the performance of a sports car. It is the first SUV in Aston Martin's 106-year history and is expected to elevate the brand to new heights.

Produced at a dedicated facility built in St Athan, Wales, the DBX is a large vehicle measuring 5,039mm in length, 1,998mm in width, and 1,680mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,060mm. Thanks to a new SUV-exclusive platform utilizing bonded aluminum construction, refined through sports car development, the body is both lightweight and rigid, with a curb weight of 2,245kg.

The exterior, with its signature front DB grille, sculpted side panels and frameless doors, and a flip tail-gate inspired by the Vantage, is unmistakably sporty and clearly an Aston Martin.

The interior, also a first for Aston Martin, features a five-seat cabin, 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats, and a generous 632-liter cargo space with a wide opening, designed to meet the needs of a wide range of occupants, regardless of gender.

The cockpit, featuring a bridge-type center console, is equipped with a combination of a 12.3-inch TFT screen and a 10.25-inch TFT screen.

The seats, upholstered in the finest full-grain leather, are handcrafted, complemented by an Alcantara headlining and electric roof blind, showcasing luxurious materials as standard. Numerous options, such as pet and snow packages, are available to cater to user needs.

The powertrain is the 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine found in the DB11 and Vantage, producing a maximum output of 550ps and peak torque of 700Nm. Mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission and a four-wheel-drive system, it achieves 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 291km/h.

The adaptive triple-chamber air suspension provides a comfortable ride while allowing for a 45mm increase and 50mm decrease in vehicle height. This ensures suitability for all terrains while also facilitating entry, exit, and luggage loading.

Deliveries are scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2020, with prices in Japan starting at 22,295,000 yen. The first 500 owners will receive the "1913 Package," featuring a special fender badge and build plaque.