When you think of Aston Martin, your mind likely races to the image of a sleek grand tourer cruising down a scenic coastal road—James Bond style. For decades, the marque has been synonymous with handcrafted performance, timeless design, and unmistakable British elegance. So when Aston Martin unveiled the DBX, its first-ever SUV, purists and fans alike were intrigued. Could the storied brand stay true to its heritage while entering one of the most competitive segments in the automotive world?
Design: Where Elegance Meets Utility
At first glance, the Aston Martin DBX commands attention—not just because it carries the winged badge, but because it does so with grace. The design is unmistakably Aston, from the wide, signature grille to the sculpted sides and sleek roofline. Even though it’s taller and more muscular than the classic DB11 or Vantage, the DBX doesn’t feel bloated. Instead, it strikes a balance between athleticism and luxury, with proportions that whisper performance without shouting SUV.
One of the key design triumphs is its stance. Sitting on 22-inch wheels and boasting a long wheelbase, the DBX manages to appear both grounded and dynamic. It’s also aerodynamically honed, featuring active aerodynamics and subtle design tweaks to reduce drag and increase stability.
Step inside, and the cabin is a masterclass in modern British luxury. Hand-stitched leather, Alcantara, real metal trim, and open-pore wood set the tone. It feels every bit the high-end grand tourer, just with more space and practicality. Aston Martin’s collaboration with luxury design houses is evident in the attention to detail and material quality.
Performance: Not Just for Show
While looks matter, performance is where the DBX really silences any remaining skeptics. Under the hood lies a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 sourced from Mercedes-AMG, delivering 542 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system, the DBX can rocket from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. That’s sports car territory—wrapped in SUV practicality.
But it’s not just about straight-line speed. Thanks to adaptive air suspension, active anti-roll technology, and electronic damping, the DBX handles twisty mountain roads with surprising poise. It feels planted, balanced, and responsive—qualities rarely associated with SUVs. Multiple drive modes, including a Sport+ setting, allow you to tailor the experience from relaxed cruising to spirited driving.
And yes, it can handle a bit of rough terrain too. The DBX has off-road capabilities, including hill descent control and a ride height that adjusts to clear obstacles, though most owners are unlikely to take it far from the pavement.
Luxury Meets Practicality
Unlike most Aston Martins, the DBX is designed to be lived with every day. It offers 632 liters (22.3 cubic feet) of cargo space behind the second row—expandable to over 1,500 liters with the seats folded. There’s ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers, making it family-friendly without sacrificing luxury.
The infotainment system is based on Mercedes-Benz’s older COMAND interface—a point of critique by some—but it’s functional and reliable. More importantly, Aston Martin has focused on tactile controls and driver-oriented ergonomics, ensuring that technology enhances rather than dominates the experience.
There’s also an emphasis on personalization. From bespoke paint options to custom interiors crafted through the brand’s Q by Aston Martin division, the DBX can be tailored to reflect each owner’s taste.
The Verdict: A Risk Worth Taking
The DBX isn’t just a good SUV “for an Aston Martin.” It’s a standout in the luxury SUV market—competing confidently with rivals like the Lamborghini Urus, Bentley Bentayga, and Porsche Cayenne Turbo. It delivers on the promise of performance, luxury, and design, all while expanding the brand’s appeal to a broader, more practical audience.
For Aston Martin, the DBX is more than a new model—it’s a lifeline. It represents a strategic move into a booming segment, helping to secure the brand’s financial future while retaining its soul.
The Aston Martin DBX is not just an SUV—it’s an Aston Martin that just happens to seat five, tow a trailer, and handle the school run. And it does so with unmatched elegance and exhilaration.