Aston Martin believes it has raised the stakes in the performance luxury SUV division with its new DBX707 – a model the British company claims is the “fastest, most powerful and best handling”.
Power comes from the same 4-litre V8 found in the regular DBX, with this tweaked to push total bhp up by 155 to 697, and torque up by an additional 148lb ft to 664lb ft.
The most significant of hardware changes is the introduction of ball-bearing turbochargers and a new 9-speed wet clutch gearbox that has been engineered to handle the higher torque loadings it must handle.
The transmission is also capable of faster gear changes and Aston Martin says these are “more immediate and direct”, with this also key to the SUV’s claimed 0-62mph time of 3.3 seconds.
Gripped by 6-piston calipers, the DBX707 is slowed by CBC-developed carbon ceramic discs that reduce unsprung weight by 40.5kg.
Styling changes to the front bumper and underfloor of the DBX707 allow cool air to be channelled towards these to ensure “excellent friction consistency across a wide temperature range”.
Drivers can send 100% power to the rear axle, or this can be left to the car’s onboard computer, with the e-differential detecting and also limiting wheelspin for “the sweetest handling balance”.
At the heart of the DBX707’s ride is an air suspension that comprises new dampers and springs, while the software for the electronic power steering system has been reconfigured.
Changes to the ‘Dynamic Drive’ modes and the ESP system can also be performed inside the cabin with this carried out via a number of switches positioned on the revised lower console.
The driver also benefits from shortcut keys for the suspension set-up, the ESP and a manual gear selection mode which stays in manual rather than defaulting back to automatic. There is even an active exhaust button to open the valves for a more joyous note under acceleration and on the overrun.
Running 22-inch wheels as standard, or larger 23-inch rims that promise improved steering feel, the DBX707 sports a new nose that is made up of a larger grille, air intakes and brake cooling ducts on top of a remodelled front splitter profile. Also different is the configuration of the Daytime Running Lights.
Engine cooling is aided by louvred ‘bonnet blades’, with the sporting theme continued down either flank by the addition of deep sculpted gloss black side sills.
A lip spoiler has been added to the roof to reduce lift and increase high-speed stability, with this complemented by a rear diffuser finished in gloss black. Quad exhausts “tuned to deliver a unique sound signature” complete the transformation.
Inside, customers can choose between either heated sport seats or comfort seats, with these both 16-way electronically adjustable. A dark chrome finish for the buttons is married to piano black veneer trim pieces.
Prices start at £189,000 – £27,800 up on the everyday DBX – with deliveries starting sometime in the Spring.
