It’s hard to point the finger at which super sportscar manufacturer started this ball rolling. Was it Bentley with the Bentayga, Lamborghini with the Urus, Maserati with the Levante or Porsche with the Cayenne? No matter, because joining the ranks is Aston Martin with the DBX.
From the ‘DB’ grille in the front right through the Vantage-like tailgate, there’s no mistaking the DBX for anything but an Aston Martin. Hidden side glass seals on the frameless doors and glass B-pillar finishers bring elegance to the SUV. And cutaway sills narrows the stepover needed whenever one enters or exits the cabin, so one doesn’t fumble exciting the vehicle.
The DBX isn’t only designed to impress pulling up on the doorsteps of six-star hotels, it is also aerodynamically functional. Intakes integrated to the front DRLs channels air through the front wheel arches and along the sides to reduce drag and cool the brakes at the same time. The DBX’s design also helps air flow uninterrupted over the roof, through the rear wing, over the back window and onto the rear flip; allowing the rear screen to self-clear when moving.
Aerodynamics also plays a part in passenger comfort by keeping cabin noise low at speed using computational aeroacoustic technology. And a hushed cabin is what the handcrafted interior demands. The full-grain leather used to dress the seats are from Bridge of Weir with Alcantara made available for the headlining and electric roof blind. Tasteful use of metal, glass and wood elevates the luxurious interior. A range of wood, composite and metal veneers are available to allow customers to finish the cabin to their taste.
The interior not only looks plush; it is also practical. Separate central armrests, glovebox design and ergonomic positioning of the car key’s control systems were designed with input from Aston Martin’s Female Advisory Board, dealership feedback and private focus groups.
While it may not look like it from the outside, the DBX is actually spacious inside. The SUV can accommodate up to five adults comfortably. Behind the rear seats is a 632-litre boot space; expandable when the 40:20:40 rear seats are folded. Air suspensions that allow variable height adjustments makes loading and unloading the golf bags more comfortable.
Motivating the Aston Martin DBX is the job of a 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 engine. Although the engine comes from Mercedes-AMG, the engineers from Aston Martin has tinkered the powerplant to produce 550hp and 700Nm. The engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic gearbox that sends power to all four wheels, setting a 0-100kph time of 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 291kph.
The DBX rides on a set of adaptive triple volume air suspension machined with a 48v anti-roll control system (eARC) and electronic adaptive dampers. The suspension system allows the DBX to gain 45mm of ground clearance for off-roading or set it lower by 50mm for high-speed stability.
The Aston Martin DBX is available for viewing and booking with a price starting from RM818,000; without duties, taxes, insurance and customisation options. But it is a small price to pay for an SUV that will, perhaps, make you feel like a super spy no matter where you go.
