The DBX S is Aston Martin’s new flagship SUV. Not just a performance tweak or a styling facelift, but a full-bodied evolution that’s as much about artistry as it is about asphalt.
“The introduction of DBX S not only reaffirms our commitment to producing the most exciting, rewarding and beautiful cars, it also sends a powerful statement of intent about our ambitions,” said Adrian Hallmark, CEO of Aston Martin.
At the heart of this beast is a familiar 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, but thanks to learnings borrowed from the upcoming Valhalla supercar, the DBX S now delivers 727PS and 900Nm of torque. 0 to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds.
It also sounds like thunder bottled thanks to a reworked exhaust system that lets the V8 sing a few semitones deeper and with a touch more menace.
Weight is the enemy of performance. But in the DBX S, it’s an adversary skillfully subdued. A carbon fibre roof (the largest single weave ever fitted to an Aston Martin) removes 18kg from the top of the car. Magnesium wheels shave another 19kg of unsprung mass. Every kilo saved has a purpose, be it sharper turn-in, tighter cornering or just feeling less top-heavy in a high-speed sweep.
Even the grille plays a role. The optional honeycomb piece (all 25,000 tiny facets of it) is polycarbonate and lightweight, subtly shifting the car’s balance rearward for better traction.
The steering ratio is 4% faster, which makes cornering flatter than a two-seater coupe thanks to electronic roll control that caps body roll to just 1.5 degrees. The suspension, air springs and dampers have all been re-calibrated too.
Brakes? Massive carbon ceramic discs (420mm up front, 390mm at the rear) capable of pulling this super-SUV back from warp speed with the composure of a ballet dancer landing en pointe.
From the outside, you know it’s different. A black vaned grille, menacing new front splitter, vertically stacked quad exhausts and dramatic aero enhancements set the tone.
Signature ‘S’ badging on the fenders are a subtle touch. And in true Aston Martin fashion, it’s made from solid metal, glass enamelled, and backed with chrome.
Slip into the cabin, and you’re greeted with herringbone-stitched Alcantara seats that seem to move even when parked. Choose the optional carbon roof and you’ll find the motif climbing the headliner too.
You get Aston’s new bespoke infotainment system, as sculpted and elegant as the leather-wrapped surfaces surrounding it. And for those who believe that great cars should also sound like concert halls, the standard 800-watt Aston Martin Premium Audio will impress.
The real audiophiles will want the optional 1,600-watt Bowers & Wilkins setup; 23 speakers tuned to the car’s interior architecture for symphonic immersion.
If you’re wondering who this is for, it’s for the driver who wants the presence of an SUV, the soul of a sports car, and the refinement of a Savile Row suit.
First deliveries of the new Aston Martin DBX S are expected in Q4 2025.
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