Aston Martin DBX S : In the continually advancing world of luxury performance SUVs Aston Martin has set a new standard with the latest inclusion to its range: the DBX S.
For those with a taste for propelled luxury on any terrain, we bring you a DBX like no other – one that doesn’t so much push boundaries as scorch them completely, creating an entirely new definition of high-performance luxury SUV.
Table of Contents
The Heart of the Beast
Powering the DBX S is a thoroughly revised version of the 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that now delivers an awe-inspiring 707 horsepower – an increase of 155 hp over the standard DBX.
This powerplant churns out an eye-watering 900Nm of torque, an all-action punch in the back at start-off that solves 60mph in 3.4 seconds in this 5,401lb goliath.
It’s not merely an incremental advance we’re talking about here but rather a complete reimagining of what is possible for an SUV.
The numbers do not tell the whole story. From the driver’s seat, the DBX S puts down its huge power in a manner that’s sophisticated rather than savage.
The reworked nine-speed automatic transmission is lightning fast with its gearshifts, and each one engages with a spine-tingling aural exclamation point from the revised exhaust system.
Aston Martin’s engineers haven’t just cranked the volume up – they’ve written a new symphony.
Chassis Wizardry
“Power without control is just noise,” is a mantra that clearly resonates with the boffins on Aston Martin’s engineering team.
The DBX S comes with a re-engineered suspension system complete with adaptive triple-volume air springs that senses the road at 500 times per second.
The car’s electronic anti-roll control has been retuned to limit body roll in hard cornering but keeping a degree of softness on battered roads.
My impression with the car is that, during the few blissful miles I spent along twisting coastal roads, the DBX S felt and handled in a manner that many, straight sports cars would be embarrased by.
The steering feel is just fantastic, really, and for such a large vehicle, you can place it with tremendous accuracy
. Aston Martin seems to have shrunk the DBX S around you in those moments and when you’re being moved along with determination, it’s like the laws of physics that normally bind cars of this size and weight simply no longer apply.
Original design language
Throughout its existence, Aston Martin has known that technical accomplishment must be combined with visual drama, and the DBX S does not disappoint.
Greatly expanded grille openings and new LED headlights discuss the Evoque’s now-heightened pursuit in life the moment you lay eyes on its freshened face.
The aforementioned carbon fiber hood also includes heat extraction ducts that don’t just look good but actually work, the wheel arches are wider to fit the 22-inch forged alloy wheels banding with custom Pirelli P Zero tires.
The profile is a little more aggressive, too, the DBX S perching 10mm closer the road than the standard model.
At the rear, a more aggressive diffuser with four exhaust tips and a new roof spoiler that offers useful downforce at velocity have been added to the mix.
None of the above elements come off as gratuitous—each serves a particular performance purpose, while also adding to the vehicle’s aggressive look.
Cabin Craftsmanship
You slide on into the cabin of the DBX S and are met with something that’s skilfully managed to mix sporting intent with opulent luxury.
Those new sports seats, adorned in semi-aniline leather and alcantara, are superb when it comes to holding you in place through fast driving yet comfortable enough over long distances.
The DBX S steering wheel is cut away at top and bottom with flattened sides to indicate an intent behind the wheel.
The tech integration has been subtly updated and we’re glad to say Aston has steered clear of the minimalist, screen-swamped look of some rivals.
There are still some physical controls for critical functions, all of which are built from real materials — aluminum, glass and carbon fiber — that are as pleasing to the touch as they are to the eye.
The new 10.25-inch infotainment screen is said to have sharper graphics and better touch response, and the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster can be reconfigured to emphasize different data for each of the different driving modes.
Acoustic insulation in the DBX S is taken to new levels, meaning that, even when cruising, the sound is hushed for an optimal space in which to enjoy the 800-watt Aston Martin audio system fitted as standard.
Tap into Sport or Sport+ and cleverly contrived sound paths deliver the V8’s wonderful voice right into the cabin, it is all the noise you need to amplify the tactile bond between man and machine.
Dynamic Versatility
What is most impressive about the DBX S is how well it is able to cover even seemingly conflicting extremes.
Knock it over into GT mode and it’s a serene long-distance tourer, the adaptive riding mode’s soft suspension soaking up the lesser road imperfections, drivetrain putting its power down with near-silent ease. Meanwhile, the cabin remains whisper silent–any slower and you could hold a conversation at normal volume even at highway speeds.
Spin the mode selector to Sport+ and the DBX S is bestowed with a change of character so huge you double check that you’re inside the same car.
The exhaust valves open wide, the suspension hardens appreciably and the transmission holds gears longer, downshifting readily under braking.
The electronic stability systems let their hair down just a little, allowing an experienced driver to probe the vehicle’s limits without eliminating the safety net.
This duality applies to the DBX S’s off-road ability, as well. Now, not many owners will take this too far from asphalt (vamos a la playa, anyone?), but it also gets real all-terrain tech that includes a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system with electronic center differential and a dedicated Terrain driving mode that lifts the car 45mm.
During a brief foray onto a test track it tackled a gnarly course with uncanny stability, its complex systems seemingly finding grip where there shouldn’t have been any.
Positioning and Heritage on the Market
The DBX has become the carmaker’s fastest-selling model and makes up more than half of the company’s sales worldwide.
The S sits as a tactical push upmarket, aimed towards buyers who would otherwise contemplate a Lamborghini Urus or a top-spec Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT.
Pricing for the DBX S is expected to start north of $235,000, positioning it at the top rung of the performance SUV ladder.
Yet despite being built with every ounce of modernity at Aston’s disposal, there are some small nods to the brand’s rich past in the DBX S. The hand-painted preparation alone takes more than 200 hours to finish.
The leather interior comes from Scottish supplier Bridges of Weir, with whom Aston Martin have worked since the 1950s. The unique Standtriped perforation features in seat centers also hints the iconic DB5 on design detail.
Technological Integration
Though the DBX S is focused on driver engagement rather than the autonomous future, it’s still bristling with the latest driver assistance systems.
Forward collision warning, lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise control all work with a subtlety that avoids the heavy-handedness offered by some competitors.
The 360 degree camera system is a great help when parking in tight spaces, clear images are shown on the central display.
Connectivity is looked after with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration wirelessly, with the Aston Martin Premium Audio system providing crystal clear sound at all frequencies.
Add optional rear entertainment package, two 10.1-inch HD screens with content streaming and power to keep the kids occupied during family trips.
Environmental According to the ASTM E2721 environmental standard.
For an age of earnest eco-awareness, Aston Martin has not forgotten about the DBX S’s carbon sole.
When operated under light loads, cylinder deactivation technology further contributes to greater fuel efficiency during highway cruising. The start-stop system has been tuned to be as unobtrusive as possible in urban driving.
The DBX S also incorporates greater use of sustainable materials inside its cabin. The headliner is made of recycled polyester, and carpets utilize reclaimed oceans plastics.
Optional open-pore wood veneers are available and come from sustainable forests, to which Aston Martin makes a donation for reforestation with each car sold.
Establishing a new Standard
The DBX S is a magnificent example of a car that compromises nothing in order to be brilliant in several complementary areas. It is supercar quick and it does it without sacrificing real comfort or convenience.
It’s a car that capitalizes on Aston’s tradition while adopting forward-thinking technology and green themes.
In an area of the market that’s often accused of unable to produce a real sports car and a real luxury car at the same time, the DBX S is that argument made flesh – evidence (if we needed it, which we didn’t) that if you throw enough talent and resources at the problem, compromise can be reduced to hanging on coat-hangers.
It is that something more that the DBX S offers to those lucky enough to afford ownership. It manages to provide that most elusive of automotive experiences, an emotionally engaging machine that also works in everyday life.
It is, plain and simple, the new yardstick by which all other performance SUVs will have to be measured from now on.
