Today, just about every car manufacturer has at least one SUV in its range – right up to Rolls-Royce – but not all have come out with their models in a rush. The engineers have had to make sure that the new models have the same qualities as the other models, even if they are taller. In the case of the DBX, Aston Martin’s first SUV, much effort was put into ensuring that it would have the same dynamic qualities as the other sportscars.
With all the work completed over some 5 years, the model is now being introduced in various markets around the world, with the Malaysian launch taking place today. Priced from RM818,000 (excluding duties), the DBX marks a new era in Aston Martin’s history book.
The big story is aerodynamics
The DBX’s exterior combines the elegance of Aston Martin’s sportscars with the functional style of SUVs. However, the big story is about the aerodynamics which were an important consideration within the design process.
At the car’s front, the daytime running lights (DRLs) have an integrated aerodynamic duct, which channels air through the front wheel arches and along the side, helping to reduce both drag and lift while also cooling the brakes. Air flows cleanly over the roof, through the rear wing, over the rear window and on to the rear flip.
This unique approach and design detail allows the rear screen to self-clear on the move. Aerodynamic design has also played a key part in passenger comfort because as one of only a few companies using computational aeroacoustics technology, Aston Martin’s engineers have been able to keep cabin noise to a minimum at speed.
Light and stiff bodyshell
Utilizing Aston Martin’s engineering expertise, the DBX has bonded aluminium, a construction method the company has refined through the development of its sportscars. This allows the body structure to be both very light and yet very stiff, with an overall kerb weight of 2,245 kgs. The exceptional stiffness, along with an entirely new platform, has contributed to the superlative dynamics of the DBX.
The new SUV also comes with adaptive triple volume air suspension, combined with the latest 48V electric anti- roll control system (eARC) and electronic adaptive dampers. With its capacity to raise the ride height by 45 mm or lower it by 50 mm, the air suspension makes possible travel over a wide range of terrain. The system can be further programmed to aid with ingress, egress and loading requirements on a practical level.
Powering the DBX is the 4-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine that is also used for the DB11 and Vantage. This powerplant, mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission, delivers up to 550 ps/700 Nm to take the SUV up to 291 km/h after sprinting past 100 km/h in a claimed 4.5 seconds. For owners who also have concerns about fuel consumption, cylinder deactivation helps reduce it.
The all-wheel drive system has active differentials at the centre and rear, the latter being an electronically limited slip differential (eDiff). This allows the torque to be moved precisely both fore and aft in the vehicle and also across the rear axle.
First 5-seater
The DBX is also Aston Martin’s first ever full-size 5-seat model, providing comfortable accommodation for the world’s 99th percentile male and 5th percentile female. The seating layout is variable with 40:20:40 split folding rear seats. More people or more cargo can be carried, and there’s 632 litres of boot space to start with.
The standard specification of the DBX is quite high, and there are also many optional accessory packages offered. These packages will tailor the car even further to customers’ needs. For example, the Pet package will include, amongst other things, a portable washer to help attend to the needs of a muddy dog after a walk.
Handcrafted interior
It goes without saying that the DBX has a luxuriously handcrafted interior, with a full-length glass panoramic roof overhead and frameless door glass. The use of sportscar seat packaging in the front not only provides the driver with exceptional support and long-distance driving comfort but also provides knee and footwell clearance for those sitting behind.
Small touches throughout, such as separate central armrests, the glovebox design and the ergonomic positioning of the car’s key control systems, have been guided carefully by the input of the brand’s Female Advisory Board, dealership feedback and a variety of private focus groups held worldwide.
The seats are covered with full grain leather upholstery while both the headlining and electric roof blind are available in Alcantara, an industry first. Throughout the cabin, DBX maintains an authenticity of materials, with judicious use of metal, glass and wood.
There is an abundance of technology for driver assistance as well as entertainment. A 10.25-inch TFT screen sits flush in the centre console while a huge 12.3-inch TFT screen provides a wealth of information to the driver while on the move. Apple CarPlay comes as standard, as does a 360-degree camera system and ambient lighting that offers 64 different colours in two zones.
