It is simple to be cynical a couple of sports activities automotive firm foraying into the realm of crossovers, however the Aston Martin DBX proved such a transition could possibly be executed gracefully. The DBX was for Aston what the Cayenne was for Porsche: a breakthrough product that elevated gross sales with out diluting the model. It was so profitable that the corporate was capable of let its engineers free on an much more outrageous model known as the 2023 Aston Martin DBX707.
Named in reference to the engine’s metric energy output (707 PS), the 707 storms onto the scene with 155 horsepower greater than the usual DBX and different efficiency enhancements that theoretically make it the last word driver’s SUV. With Ferrari and Lamborghini each absolutely invested within the SUV phase, the DBX707 faces some stiff competitors. However after spending every week in Gaydon’s tremendous SUV, we predict it is nicely deserving of its $236,000 price ticket.
Styling That Interprets
Magnificence is subjective, however in the case of design, the DBX manages to look extra just like the sports activities vehicles it is making an attempt to emulate than the competitors. Whereas the Lamborghini Urus takes an aggressive strategy to styling with sharp creases and large vents, the DBX takes a extra delicate path. The 707 will get a bigger grille opening for improved airflow and a few extra intricate diffusers, however it does not lose the usual mannequin’s class in its sporty transition.
Penning an SUV that stands out is close to unattainable, however the DBX’s again finish achieves it. It takes the ducktail design from the Vantage and makes it match on a crossover. It is simple to not even discover that, although, as a result of the rear carbon fiber diffuser is so sizable, and the roof-mounted wing attracts your eye, too.
If we had been spending $5,000 on paint, we might need one thing extra vibrant than our tester’s Apex Gray hue, however it does look premium with out being outlandish like many Urus colours. The accessible 23-inch wheels look incredible too, however we guess the experience can be improved with some 22s. Not that the experience is especially harsh, although. However, Aston has some stellar wheel designs within the smaller measurement.
German Efficiency, English Accent
The DBX simply borrows an engine from Mercedes-AMG, proper? Fallacious. Whereas the bottom engine within the common DBX is from AMG, for the DBX707, Aston Martin did not simply buy an off-the-shelf resolution. As a substitute, the automaker poached the engineer who developed this engine for AMG, shipped him to England, and let him excellent his creation for the model.
Whereas its European numbers give the DBX707 its title, right here within the US on SAE-standard horsepower, the motor produces 697 hp – a full 13 shy of the Dodge Durango Hellcat. However Aston says the horsepower determine was merely a byproduct of creating the engine’s character to its liking, with torque being a better focus for the engineering group than bragging rights. The Durango Hellcat has solely 645 lb-ft of torque, whereas the DBX707 will get 663 lb-ft.
And simply in case there’s any doubt, the Aston would clear up in a race in opposition to the Dodge. It may well hit 60 mph in simply 3.1 seconds on its approach to a 193 mph high pace. A Lamborghini Urus Performante would battle to maintain up.
Even in a quarter-mile drag race, seemingly the Hellcat’s area, the DBX707 would cross the road in simply 11.5 seconds at 119 mph (the Durango takes 11.7 seconds). Getting the DBX707 off the road is simple; simply mash each pedals, launch the brake, and put together for takeoff. It has probably the most savage launches we have ever felt in a gas-powered SUV, however it lacks the medical effectivity of a German SUV, scrabbling for grip on less-than-ideal surfaces.
Dealing with That Thrills
The straight-line efficiency is nothing in need of astonishing, however it’s maybe the least spectacular engineering achievement. Chances are you’ll not consider it, however the DBX707 handles in addition to any present Aston Martin sports activities automotive. Triple Chamber Air Suspension with adaptive dampers eliminates physique roll, making the DBX really feel prefer it’s hugging the bottom; physics be dammed. Aston calls this technique eARC (Digital Lively Roll Management), which regardless of its uninspired title, delivers purely magic dealing with traits.
The DBX707 dances round corners with sufficient energy to slip the rear finish on command. The steering is essentially the most exact we have ever felt in an SUV, mimicking Aston’s finest grand touring sports activities vehicles. The engineers made such an exhilarating driver’s automotive with out sacrificing consolation. That air suspension rides fantastically over bumps, and the cabin is close to silent due to acoustic glass.
Aston Martin even modified out the transmission particularly for the 707. The usual DBX makes use of a traditional nine-speed automated, whereas the 707 will get the AMG wet-clutch MCT used within the SL. It forgoes the torque converter in favor of a moist clutch, combining the perfect of a dual-clutch and an automated transmission.
Stylish Cabin, Getting older Know-how
While you pay over six figures for an SUV, each floor within the inside ought to really feel particular. The DBX707 achieves this… aside from the expertise. This cabin is crammed to the brim with hand-stitched leather-based, carbon fiber, and metals, making it really feel like an costly merchandise in every single place you contact. Aston did not change the inside too drastically for the 707 apart from the seats, that are extra closely bolstered to maintain occupants held in place. In the event you want the bottom seats, these are nonetheless accessible, and we might suggest them as the usual sports activities seats are uncomfortably stiff on lengthy journeys.
Not like some rivals, Aston gives a ton of options as customary gear. Gadgets like heated entrance and rear seats, a 360-degree digicam, adaptive cruise management, a panoramic roof, and parking sensors are included for free of charge.
As with the usual DBX, our solely grievance lies with the geriatric Mercedes COMAND infotainment system, which is now two generations outdated and doesn’t function a touchscreen. It is a bit annoying on such an costly automotive, however utilizing the touchpad on the console with Apple CarPlay or Android auto alleviates most of the infotainment system’s foibles.
A Sensible GT
The DBX707 is a driver’s automotive that does not skimp on practicality in its pursuit of pace. Households will get pleasure from 22.3 cubic ft of trunk house, which is bigger than a Bentley Bentayga or Lamborghini Urus. Aston even included buttons to decrease the rear seats from the trunk or the second row.
As for passenger consolation, the rear seats provide a commodious 41.7 inches of legroom, which is greater than the Bentley Bentayga Lengthy Wheelbase. Regardless of the looks of a sloping roofline, six-foot-two occupants can match within the rear with relative consolation. It could not have a rear leisure system, however passengers within the again get heated and ventilated seats.
Verdict: Price Each Penny
With a $236,000 beginning worth, the DBX707 carries a premium of roughly $50,000 over the bottom DBX. That is a big amount of money, however anybody who can afford the usual automotive doubtless will not starve making an attempt to stretch for the 707. The added efficiency is completely value the associated fee, even when in comparison with its rivals. The brand new Lamborghini Urus Performante prices $260,676, producing much less energy than the DBX707. The Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT is considerably cheaper, however it requires hefty choices and arguably does not provide as a lot status. Nonetheless, it is the one SUV on this phase we really feel comes dynamically near the Aston Martin. The Ferrari Purosangue might ship comparable thrills, however it prices $375,000 and is bought out for greater than two years earlier than the primary models are even delivered.
No SUV in the marketplace at this time combines such an ideal mix of insane pace, excellent luxurious, and status. The Aston Martin DBX was already near being our favourite driver’s SUV, and with the 707, it has simply earned that title. James Bond would fortunately drive this SUV. It is a new infotainment system away from perfection.