SUVs and crossovers are the current hot-sellers in the automotive world. This is why even hardcore and luxury carmakers are coming up with their own SUV offerings. British automotive icon Aston Martin is joining the rest of them as it unveiled the all-new DBX SUV at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show.
The Aston Martin DBX is the carmaker's first-ever SUV, thus its marks a new milestone and a gamble in its 106-year history. Its development commenced in 2015, and the SUV underwent physical testing in Wales in 2018. Combining the elements of a luxurious SUV and the performance of a sports car, the DBX signifies the latest expansion in the brand's product portfolio.
The new Aston Martin DBX started with a clean sheet of paper. It is underpinned by a new dedicated SUV platform and employs a bonded aluminum frame. As a result, it boasts a light yet stiff body structure as well as an overall curb weight of just 4,949 lbs (2,245 kg). That’s very Aston Martin-like, just like its sports cars!
For its first-ever SUV, Aston Martin went for high levels of luxury and comfort. In fact, the carmaker ensured the DBX would lead its class in terms of cabin space. It can accommodate up to five occupants in a luxurious interior marked by seats trimmed in full grain leather sourced from Bridge of Weir. Moreover, the DBX offers up to 632 liters of cargo space made possible by 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats.
The heart of the Aston Martin DBX is a new version of the brand’s 4-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 engine also installed under the hood of the DB11 and Vantage. In the all-wheel drive DBX, this mill is tuned to deliver 542 hp (550 PS) of output and 516 lb.-ft. (700 Nm) of torque. This is enough to send the DBX sprinting from zero to 62 mph in just 4.5 seconds and achieve a max speed of 181 mph.
Interestingly, the new Aston Martin is designed to deliver enhanced fuel economy -- various cylinders of its powerful turbocharged V8 engine can be deactivated as needed.
Exterior details include the signature ‘DB’ grille in the front, frameless doors, glass B-pillar finishers and daytime running lights (DRLs) with integrated aerodynamic ducts, as well as a rear wing. It also features a full-length glass panoramic roof.
Aston Martin will build the new DBX at its new manufacturing facility in St. Athan, Wales. The first 500 customers will be given the privilege of an exclusive ‘1913 Package’ that includes a unique fender badge, sill plaques as well as an inspection plaque.
The new Aston Martin can now be ordered for $189,900 in the United States, £158,000 in the United Kingdom and €193,500 in Germany. The first units are expected to reach their new owners in the second quarter of 2020.
(Via Aston Martin)