Aston Martin DBX S – beyond the DBX 707

With the DBX introduced in 2019 and then the DBX 707 three years later, Aston Martin pushed the edge of the envelope in SUV performance. Now comes the DBX S which continues a long tradition of the brand utilising the ‘S’ suffix to denote a special, high-performance version of an existing model.

“Over the last 2 years, Aston Martin have introduced an entire core collection of next generation sports cars as well as a new DBX; all with a new, entirely bespoke infotainment system designed in-house. The marque continues its focus on class leading performance, ultra-luxury design and innovation, broadening the range of products under each core model,” said Aston Martin CEO, Adrian Hallmark.

“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 not just for DBX, but for the Aston Martin brand,” he declared.

With the dynamic appeal of DBX 707 and an engine enhanced by technology transferred directly from the forthcoming Valhalla supercar, the DBX S comes with even more power, reduced weight and more assertive design.

Differentiating the DBX S
From the front, the new DBX S is instantly recognisable by its pure black vaned grille, giving this edition immediate road presence, whilst the  optional lightweight polycarbonate grille with a honeycomb design taking cues from DBS 770 Ultimate.

Seen from the side, new sills boast highly distinctive up-turned air splitters which, in typical Aston Martin fashion, exist for function as much as form, helping channel and direct the airflow along the side of the car. Carbonfibre is available for the wing mirrors, side strakes and lower door sill, while distinctive ‘S’ signature badging identifies this superlative SUV. Like the iconic Aston Martin wings, these badges are manufactured in solid metal, glass enamelled with the ‘S ‘infilled in red as it appeared on previous models such as the V12 Vantage S and the Rapide S.

The most obvious visual changes to the new flagship DBX are at the rear, dominated by quad exhausts 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 ordered in carbonfibre to reduce overall vehicle mass by a further 7 kgs.

Technology from Valhalla
At the heart of the new DBX S lies an upgraded version of the  Aston Martin 4-litre Twin-Turbo V8 powerplant. By using turbo technology transferred directly from the upcoming Valhalla supercar, including its larger compressor wheel diameters and other internal improvements, power is raised by a further 20 ps to 727 ps.

Further enhancing both performance and its perception is a modified exhaust system amplifying even more character to the natural voice of the thunderous V8 engine and exploiting the full the opportunity presented by the engine’s turbo enhancements.

As with the DBX707, the DBX S distributes its power between the front and rear wheels in variable proportion – including an ability to send 50% of its torque to the front and up to 100% to the rear wheels alone. The innovative 9-speed wet clutch transmission, which removes the need for a conventional torque converter, delivers the extreme performance on launch from standstill.

Additionally, the DBX S gearbox has been further modified with change-up points adjusted to reflect the engine’s extended rev range, while downshifts in Sport and Sport+ modes when the car is in automatic are even more aggressive.

Removing weight
In addition to the power upgrade, a number of measures have been taken not only to significantly reduce the kerb weight. One example is the new optional carbonfibre roof which, at almost 3 metres square, is by far the largest such carbonfibre element ever fitted to an Aston Martin. If specified, it not only saves 18 kgs of mass, but does so from the very highest point of the car, reducing its centre of gravity and therefore enhancing both stability and agility further.

Magnesium wheels are also now available as an option for the first time on any car in the SUV segment. Magnesium is not only robust, but an incredibly lightweight material, some 75% lighter than steel; half the weight of titanium and a third less even than aluminium.

Customers who select this 23-inch optional wheel will enjoy a further 19 kg of unsprung mass removed, delivering improvements in ride quality, steering precision and feel, as well the car’s more immediate reaction to direction input. For those who do not, the standard 23-inch wheels are of forged aluminium.

Suspension enhancements
The DBX S benefits from the full suite of suspension enhancements introduced last year. These include  a revised calibration of both the air springs and electronic dampers, increasing transient body control in order to reduce weight transference and therefore improve primary ride quality and overall stability.

The spring rate changes depending upon selected drive mode, actively moving the roll stiffness balance through a corner to enhance grip and steering response. Near inexhaustible braking performance is provided by mighty carbon ceramic disc brakes at each corner, measuring no less than 420 mm at the front and 390 mm at the back.

Inside the DBX S
The interior of DBX S has a bespoke ‘S’ theme, the most notable feature being the distinctive herringbone design which comes as standard on the seats. This will be extended to the headlining if the optional carbonfibre roof is chosen.

As standard, the upholstery is lightweight sporting Alcantara, which can be seen on the seats, headlining, centre 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. Red seatbelts can also be added to bring additional ‘S’ identification inside the car.

The DBX S continues the adoption of the automaker’s own state-of-the-art infotainment system with a striking new cabin architecture. This transformative enhancement combines immaculate design and indulgent luxury with a formidable suite of connected car technology.

The standard Aston Martin Premium Audio system is an 800W 14-speaker. Developed utilising advanced hardware, this system features a surround sound mode with QuantumLogic surround sound processing for a totally immersive soundscape. There’s also an optional system developed with Bowers & Wilkins that comes with 23 speakers, a double amplified 1,600W surround sound system and 3D headline speakers.

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