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By Guy Jenner
The Aston Martin DBX is one of the most significant models in Aston Martin’s history. The diversification into the SUV market was an important step but one that the Aston Martin team were determined to do in their own way. Here are 8 things you need to know about why this is such a special SUV.
1. What is Aston Martin DBX tech like? The DBX has the highest levels of technology of any Aston Martin. These are integrated seamlessly into the driver experience. They include:
2. At the heart of the DBX is a hand-built engine from AMG. It is extremely robust and lightweight, being all aluminium. It is twin-turbo V8, quad-cam, 32 valve engine with cast, closed-deck and Zirconium alloy heads. The construction of each engine is completed by one person from start to finish to Aston Martin’s own unique specification. For increased efficiency, the engine management can deactivate one bank of cylinders under light loads. The process is absolutely seamless, you wouldn’t know it was happening.
3. What is DBX performance like? As you would expect from an Aston Martin, the DBX has superb performance. The engine is a front mid-mounted location, which contributes to the exceptional handling. It puts out 550ps and a huge 700nm of torque. This gives allows acceleration from 0-62mph of 4.6 secs and a top speed of 181mph.The gearbox is a 9 speed auto which has a manual mode, allowing you to hold gears to the redline, without automatically changing up.
4. With all that performance, the DBX needed brakes to match. Fitted as standard are huge 410mm x 38mm vented & grooved steel discs. Note that Aston Martin have chosen not to use carbon brakes as they are more vulnerable to damage when driving off-road. Do not think that this compromises performance, under testing at the Nurburgring, remarkably, the DBX’s 6-piston alloy callipers allowed it to brake as fast as the Aston Martin DBS.A car that has superb carbon ceramic brakes.
5. Aston Martin have created their own unique platform for the DBX. It is not one shared with another manufacturer. Whilst the engineering involved has been hugely expensive, the result is a bespoke set up that delivers exactly what Aston Martin wanted. This car genuinely has the best handling in class, making it a joy to drive down a twisty country road. Key features include:
6. One critical aspect to an Aston Martin is the sound. DBX has various driving modes that allow the exhaust to become progressively more vocal. A tremendous amount of time has been spent getting the acoustics just right, finding a balance between refinement and excitement. Should you wish to create an even more engaging sound track, the DBX can be specified with a sports exhaust option.
A tremendous amount of effort has gone into managing the weight of the DBX. This pays dividends with, performance, efficiency, comfort and vehicle dynamics. With a kerb weight of 2,245kg, the DBX is one of the lightest cars in class. Aston Martin have used their significant experience with using aluminium in building sports cars to benefit the DBX. This is used in many parts of the car including engine, brakes, chassis, body and suspension. Critically, the weight distribution and centre of gravity has also been carefully managed with the DBX enjoying a weight distribution of 53.6 front/ 46.4 rear, the most optimal set up in class.
7. How practical is the Aston Martin DBX? Aston Martin’s are not always known for their outright practicality but DBX needed to different. This is a car that is required to carry out everyday duties with ease in addition to providing unrivalled driving pleasure. Therefore, a tremendous amount of care has been taken to ensure the DBX is extremely usable. Here are a few key points:
8. Can you tow with a DBX? Aston Martin have equipped the DBX with a great specification for towing.