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Aston Martin DBX S: If James Bond drove an SUV

[All images courtesy of Aston Martin]

 

 

If 007 drove an SUV, it would probably be the new Aston Martin DBX S, the most powerful ICE SUV you can get that doesn't have any assistance from electric motors. With a 717-hp engine enhanced by technology transferred directly from the company's Valhalla supercar, DBX S offers one of the most engaging and responsive driving experiences and a more assertive design.

DBX S continues a long tradition of Aston Martin using the "S" suffix to denote a special, high-performance version of an existing model. DBX S proves that lighter variants with more power and performance are still very much part of Aston Martin's core production offering.

At the heart of the new DBX S lies an upgraded version of the Aston Martin 4.0-L twin-turbo V8 powerhouse that puts out 2 more horsepower than the Ferrari Purosangue. By using turbo technology transferred directly from the upcoming Valhalla supercar, including its larger compressor wheel diameters and other internal improvements, power is increased over the standard DBX by 20 hp. The result is a 0- to 62-mph time of just 3.3 sec and a reduction in acceleration time from 0 to 124 mph of 0.3 sec. Top speed remains unchanged at 193 mph.

An additional enhancement to the DBX S is a modified exhaust system, amplifying even more character to the natural voice of the thunderous V8 engine.

DBX S distributes its power between the front and rear wheels in variable proportion -- including the ability to send 50% of its torque to the front and up to 100% of its torque to the rear wheels alone -- through an innovative, 9-speed "wet clutch" transmission, which also removes the need for a conventional torque converter, delivering extreme performance on launch from standstill. The gearbox has been further modified to provide an even more memorable driving experience. Change-up points are adjusted to reflect the car's extended rev range, while downshifts in Sport and Sport+ modes (when the car is in automatic) are even more aggressive.

In addition to the power upgrade, a number of measures have been taken to reduce the car's curb weight, including a new, optional carbon fiber roof that is the largest ever fitted on an Aston Martin car. Magnesium wheels are also now available as an option for the first time on any car in the SUV segment. In selecting this 23-in. optional wheel, a further 19 kg (41.8 lb) of unsprung mass is saved. DBX S is also available to order with 23-in. forged aluminum wheels as standard. Additionally, customers can also specify a bespoke a lightweight polycarbonate honeycomb grille, intricately designed with over 25,000 individual facets, which helps shift the weight distribution rearward, aiding both the handling and traction capabilities.

The steering ratio on DBX S is also faster by 4%, but even this small amount noticeably improves agility. It also reduces the turning circle by almost half a meter to just 12 m (39 ft).

DBX S benefits from the full suite of suspension enhancements introduced last year, which saw a revised calibration of both the air springs and electronic dampers, increasing transient body control in order to reduce weight transference and therefore improving primary ride quality and overall stability. Even right at the limit, its standard electronic roll control means the DBX S rolls by no more 1.5 degrees; enough to create the natural feel of the car cornering but still keeping the car flatter than many purpose-built, two-seat sports cars. The spring rate also changes depending upon selected drive mode, actively moving the roll stiffness balance through a corner to enhance grip and steering response.

Impressive braking performance is provided by mighty carbon ceramic disc brakes at each corner, measuring 420 mm (16.5 in.) at the front and 390 mm (15.3 in.) at the back.

Visually, the Aston Martin design team aimed to created the most sporting, dynamically capable, and enthralling ultra-luxury SUV on the market. From the front, the new DBX S is instantly recognizable by its pure black honeycomb grille with a design taking cues from DBS 770 Ultimate. A new splitter and diffuser further enhance the car's naturally assertive presence alongside the distinctive wraparound daytime running light design.

Seen from the side, new sills boast highly distinctive up-turned air splitters, which help channel and direct the airflow along the side of the car. Carbon fiber is available for the wing mirrors, side strakes, and lower door sill, while distinctive "S" signature badging on the front fenders marks the true nature of this beast.

The most obvious visual changes to the new flagship DBX are at the rear, dominated by quad exhausts now vertically stacked and available in both gloss and matt finishes, giving full voice to the glorious sound of the V8 at maximum attack. The rear bumper and diffuser have been completely reprofiled and, along with the side sills and wing, can be specified with carbon to reduce overall vehicle mass by a further 7 kg (15.4 lb). DBX S also showcases a new lower livery design available to specify in 3 colors: Rosso Corsa Red, Trophy Silver, and Podium Green. The sporting livery highlights the front splitter, diffuser, and side sills, continuing to the rear and framing the new stacked quad exhausts.

The interior of DBX S displays a bespoke "S" theme. The most notable feature is the distinctive herringbone design that comes as standard on the seats, but is also extended to the headlining if the optional Carbon roof is chosen. The herringbone lines become increasingly wider as they progress up the seat, giving an unmistakable impression of speed.

The luxe SUV is trimmed as standard in lightweight sporting Alcantara, which can be seen on the seats, headlining, center console, lower instrument panels, and upper trim. In areas of high wear such as the seat bolsters, the Alcantara is seamlessly blended with semi-aniline leather. For those who prefer an even greater sense of luxury, DBX S can be trimmed entirely in semi-aniline leather. Red seatbelts can also be specified to bring additional "S" identification inside the car.

DBX S continues the adoption of Aston Martin's state-of-the-art, in-house-developed infotainment system with a striking new cabin architecture that combines immaculate design and indulgent luxury with a formidable suite of connected car technology. It is fitted with the Aston Martin Premium Audio 800-W, 14-speaker audio system as standard. A 23-speaker Bowers & Wilkins upgraded system is also available.

DBX S should be available in the United States in the fourth quarter of 2025. Pricing has not been released, but since the standard DBX starts around $250,000, we would guess that this model will start closer to $280,000+.

If you want to know about adding James Bond gadgets, you'll have to talk to M16 specialist Q.

Learn more at astonmartin.com/en-us/models/dbx-s.

Source: Aston Martin

Published May 2025

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