Aston Martin DBX S : In the stratospheric space where hyper-luxe meets head-thumping power, Aston Martin has pulled off the sort of mind-altering trick that makes one glance slightly worried at the sky.
The 2025 DBX S stands as one of the most unapologetic expressions yet in the high-performance SUV category – offering blistering power and impeccable engineering in a package that makes no excuses.
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Performance SUVs’ Crown Jewel
The car world was treated to a sight of something rather special as Aston Martin unveiled its new flagship SUV. Sitting atop the formidable DBX707, the DBX S is the ultimate statement of British automotive superiority.
Far from being just a car, this is a statement of intent from Aston Martin about continuing to explore the future despite the way the wind of industry change is blowing: “We ain’t dead yet!”
What’s different about the DBX S over its ancestors is immediately obvious – in the form of a 535kW engine, so it’s one of the most powerful internal-combustion-engine SUVs ever made.
That’s 15kW up on the DBX707, the result of careful engineering improvements including state-of-the-art turbocharger technology shared by the imminent Valhalla hypercar.
The return of DBX S not only marks our commitment to delivering the most exciting, high performance, rewarding SUV in the world, but also sends a clear signal of our intent to challenge the established competition in a sector not traditionally known for high performance,” says Aston Martin CEO, Adrian Hallmark emphasising the significance of the high-performance luxury SUV.
Engineering Excellence: The Beast’s Beating Heart
Under the sculpted bonnet is an evolution of the Mercedes-AMG sourced 4-litre twin-turbocharged V8, but reworked inside, with larger compressor wheels from the Valhalla’s development programme. The peak torque figure may be identical to before – a ludicrous 900Nm – but extensive calibration work and revisions to the turbochargers have completely changed the character of the engine.
The same level of detailed attention is given to the transmission. Based on the nine-speed wet-clutch transmission used in the DBX707, engineers have gone for revised shift points in order to exploit the increased rev range. In Sport and Sport+ programs, downshifts are far more aggressive, providing a sense of total, immediate connectivity in all situations.
But for enthusiasts, what could be the most exciting element is the revised exhaust with quad outboard outlets set in a staggered layout.
This is more than just style – it’s a major transformation of the car’s aural character, cranking up the already thunderous V8 soundtrack and giving an emphasis on sound to match the performance figures.
The Carbon Benefit: Lighter, Stronger, Faster
Amid the moments of outright grunting for power, the S’s biggest leap may be the way it uses carbon fiber common sport-utility.
The available full carbon-fiber roof is a technical peak: Not only does it save an astonishing 18kg vs. a traditional glass roof, but also lowers the vehicle’s center of gravity, a vital statistic if you want to push your vehicle to its performance limits.
For those aiming for minimum unsprung weight, optional magnesium alloy wheels further reduce weight by 19kgs over the standard 23-inch forged aluminum wheels.
Paired with other weight-saving measures, the DBX S achieves up to 47kg less than a fully optioned DBX707 – an unparalleled achievement in a car of this class.
Yet this breast-beating focus on weight loss isn’t all about statistics. On such roads, the DBX S has markedly quicker turn-in, less roll and better transitional response than its siblings.
Acceleration times to 100km/h remain 3.3 seconds (same as the DBX707) but the driving experience is clearly more focused, more precise and ultimately more satisfying.
Form follows function – the aesthetic - the evolution: The theory of plant and animal design “The whole process of such a form evolution may be summed up in the words “form follows function”.
The DBX S’s styling visually declares its intent without slipping into histrionics. A carbon-fiber mesh grille gives the car a technical face, alongside a restyled lower front intake and a more aggressive splitter.
The carbon fiber embellishments remain down the sides of the car, with AccentRed edging and vents on the hood, front wings and side skirts that simply scream performance, but without raising its voice.
Replacing conventional seats, the cockpit is fitted with one-piece S-badged carbon front seats that not only emphasize the technical nature of the interior, but also offer superb support during high performance driving.
The effect extends to the cabin, which is tastefully trimmed in a mix of Alcantara and leather in colors and stitching patterns specific to the S model.
Nonetheless, in an inspired stroke from the brand, there is none of the performance focus of the interior that is allowed to detract from the handcrafted quality luxury of the Aston Martin brand.
Combination of technology: Intelligence and intuition
DBX S also has Aston Martin’s unique and all-new infotainment system, providing a true hands-free driving experience combined with personalized usability; a bespoke satellite navigation system specifically adapted for the unique needs of a high performance SUV.
The 10.2-inch touchscreen interface is excellent, and its straightforward design values function over form, and it feels and operates responsively.
And the chassis technology is still a strong point, the adaptive dampers combine with height adjustable air springs, dropping the ride height by an inch to aero the car (and yourself) even further into the tarmac.
The advanced all-wheel drive system allows for active torque distribution, providing up to 50 percent of torque to the front axle or enabling 100 percent to the rear, creating a classic sports car feel.
Carbon ceramic brakes are fitted as standard, with enormous 420mm front discs combined with 390mm at the rear.
Not only does this braking system offer superior stopping power, it trumps faded brake resistances under prolonged high-performance driving – proof of the car’s very track-viable nature, although Merc claims it will never enter the race driving circuit.
Positioning: Exclusivity with Capability
So, while the DBX S sets itself up as a credible rival to the likes of the Lamborghini Urus SE, Ferrari Purosangue and Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid, it also looks set to challenge the high-performance EV SUVs on the horizon like the Lotus Eletre R.
In this rarefied world of high-performance SUVs, the DBX S sets itself apart with the purity and emotional engagement inherent in an internal combustion engine — a trait that enthusiasts continue to value all the more as the industry increasingly turns to electricity.
Though actual pricing has not been released, industry sources believe the price tag will be higher than the regular DBX (around $387,500) and DBX707 (around $429,000) when the cars land at dealers in the fourth quarter, 2025.
That puts the DBX S firmly in the ultra-exclusive space where automotive purchasing becomes decoupled from the simple need for transportation.
Historical Context: The Aftermath of S
The DBX S is the latest in a long line of cars to be produced by Aston Martin that carry the ‘S’ badge as an indication that they are the special, high performance variant of a model.
The lineage can be directly traced from the 1953 DB3S through to the iconic 2005 Vanquish S and is integral to the company’s presence in the greatest sporting events around the world.
Particularly meaningful about the DBX S is the statement it makes about Aston Martin’s continued dedication to “weight, dynamic performance focused derivatives” as the industry at large continues to turn toward electrification.
The DBX S shows that Aston Martin is a company that offers the very best of new materials, methods and technologies without ever losing sight of its core departments of expertise; the perfect balance of cutting-edge performance engineering and traditional values that shape this exceptional sports car.
Defying Labels
The 2025 Aston Martin DBX S ultimately triumphs by not compromising. It provides supercar-like performance numbers and yet it is still a real luxury SUV.
The series compliments modern materials technology with values of traditional craftsmanship. It is the ultimate expression of combustion-engine performance offset with a changing automotive world.
For a very few fellas, this will no doubt be the ultimate expression of what a performance SUV can actually be. It’s stratospherically priced to be sure, but the engineering depth, performance ability, and emotional appeal certainly position it at the peak of Aston Martin’s SUV range.
In a category where making a statement may be as significant as actual capability, the DBX S doesn’t make a whiff of a false one.
It’s not just any powerhouse and a carbon crown, however – 535kW and a carbon crown that are not the result of technical specs, but of philosophical aspirations – those that celebrate the joy of driving and the versatility of modern luxury as a brotherhood.
