A bold new chapter and a landmark moment in Aston Martin's illustrious 106-year history, Aston Martin has unveiled its first SUV and a model that will propel the brand to new heights worldwide. That model, is DBX. The culmination of an extensive development programme that began with physical testing in Wales last year and virtual development stretching back to 2015, Aston Martin DBX signals a new era in Aston Martin's pursuit to deliver exceptional performance, style and usability in a segment previously unexplored by the world-famous manufacturer. Bringing both the versatility and indulgence expected of a luxury SUV with sports car levels of dynamic performance, DBX sets a bold new standard in this sector.
Design
The fastback look of DBX cleverly positions the visual mass of the car over the rear wheels, just as you see in Aston Martin's sports cars, but it does so without compromising ingress and egress. Meanwhile the long wheelbase not only provides excellent interior packaging, but also allows a lower, sleeker roofline, giving elegance to the overall shape. It has been created to be elegant, purposeful and unique in its uncompromising beauty. The considered ergonomics guarantee a cabin that is both easy to access and cossetting to be in. We have worked hard to deliver a sense of safety and protection, allowing you to indulge in DBX's driving experience in comfort. DBX truly redefines the SUV segment". The design of Aston Martin DBX of course begins with the signature Aston Martin grille that recalls a litany of classically beautiful cars from the brand's history. The bonnet blades can be specified in a range of colours and materials including satin chrome and carbon fibre. Either side of the grille is a striking new feature in the form of the daytime running lights (DRLs). These not only double as indicators but encircle an aerodynamic duct. Above the DRLs sit Bi-LED headlights that complete a confident new interpretation of a familiar face.
Aerodynamics
The elegant design of Aston Martin DBX is not crafted purely in the name of aesthetics, aerodynamics have played a huge part in how the SUV with the soul of a sports car is shaped. While a car like Aston Martin Valkyrie is designed with downforce in mind, DBX's aerodynamics are primarily about drag reduction, aerodynamic balance, acoustic refinement and efficient use of the air that passes through it for cooling. In the process of developing DBX, the aerodynamics department created the most advanced wind tunnel model Aston Martin has ever made. The 40 per cent scale model used advanced construction methods and materials such as a 3D printed exterior body with an aluminium chassis and carbon fibre wheels. This enabled the model to be modular, which in turn allowed incredibly swift development through the introduction or alteration of parts.
Powertrain
At the heart of the Aston Martin DBX is a new, more powerful version of the 4.0-litre, twin-turbo V8 that has been so widely acclaimed in the Vantage and DB11. Thanks to upgraded turbochargers, a different compression ratio and updated charge coolers, the V8 sourced from Mercedes-AMG has gained in power delivering the performance levels required of a high-performance SUV. The new, smoother delivery better suits the engine's application in DBX. A change in the firing order of the cylinders has also altered the vocal character of the engine. With very pure tones in the lower sound order, followed by more complexity as it rises through a louder mid-tone character to the higher frequencies, Aston Martin DBX maintains a distinct Aston Martin exhaust sound character. The active exhaust valves provide a pleasing duality to the nature of the soundtrack, with a clear step change in volume when the valves open, yet maintain a refined tone when required. In GT mode, the valves remain closed for the quietest, most relaxed experience. In Sport mode the valves open to reveal more of DBX's inner sports car. In Sport+ the valves open and the idle speed is also increased from 650rpm to 800rpm to add an extra note of aggression. DBX retains the distinctive engine start flare, the exhaust valves will open on a single, short press of the glass stop/start button. If the owner wishes to activate the quiet start option, such as early in the morning or in more discreet surroundings, then all they will need to do is hold down the stop/start button when bringing the engine to life.
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