Since 1913 British sports car manufacturer, Aston Martin, has been synonymous with performance, grace and exclusivity. Well, they've now implemented that ethos into their first ever SUV - the DBX.
Aston Martin has done what it knows best, combining the latest in technology with refinement, to produce a driver-focused luxury SUV.
With its striking design and stylish features, the DBX, which is produced and manufactured in St. Athan, Wales, is the British marque's answer to the ever growing luxury SUV sector. With practical, everyday, usability at the forefront, the five-door SUV is holding its own against the competition.
The long bonnet with its bold vents, grille, and low roof line, help add a sporty aesthetic to the DBX, with some angles taking its design cues from the Vantage model. The muscular bodywork offers a powerful stance and a distinctive look - with frameless doors and flush glazing, and a panoramic glass roof with an integrated spoiler helping to add to the sleekness. Twin exhausts complete the sporty look.
There are two different 22-inch alloys on offer with a handful of different finishes, which help compliment the styling and aerodynamics.
The impressive four-wheel drive, 9-speed automatic has a powerful 4.0-litre twin turbo-charged V8 powertrain, delivering 550PS, a top speed of 181mph and 0-60mph in 4.3 seconds. Emitting 323g/km of CO2 and an average of 19.8mpg.
With electronically controlled differentials, ride control, triple-volume air suspension and a plethora of tech, the state-of-the-art DBX is ready to take on anything life throws at it - on and off road.
In a tough SUV sector, the DBX maintains the Aston Martin pedigree and driving experience, by combining sports car performance with everyday practicality.
The all new aluminium and lightweight body structure helps provide a strong and stable platform. With next to no bodyroll, the DBX is an extremely capable and comfortable car to drive.
Open up the accelerator, and the V8 and exhausts come to life - roaring in all the right ways. With steering wheel mounted paddleshifts, the nine-speed effortlessly works through the gears, allowing for a smooth and engaging drive.
There's 632-litres of boot space, with a full split configuration, and an additional 62-litres of hidden stowage space under the boot floor.
Inside the cabin, as you'd expect, the interior is of the highest quality, showcasing the finest Bridge of Weir leather. The ventilated front leather seats offer a 16-way electronic adjustment, and there's plenty headroom front and rear with ample seating for five adults.
Up front, there's a 12.3-inch instrument cluster with a 10.25-inch multimedia central display screen, with plenty of toys and gizmos to keep everyone entertained. There's also an 800 watt, 14-speaker premium sound system.
The DBX has six drives modes - GT, Sport, Sport+, Individual, Terrain and Terrain+. On the open road, irrespective of the chosen mode, the DBX is a smooth cruiser. Adjust the modes whilst driving and you will feel the suspension, steering and power tweak according to the settings.
The DBX is also more capable off-road than you might imagine, despite sporting all-season tyres. With the various mode settings, the differentials and suspension accommodate and allow for off-roading to be handled admirably without fuss.
There's an array of safety features including; Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane keep assist, Blind spot warning and a 360 degree camera system. And, on top of all that, there's eleven optional lifestyle accessory packs available - from a 'Pet Pack', 'Snow Pack' to 'Adventure Pack' and everything in between. The accessory packs and option list will keep you busy.
The DBX is pitched as an everyday, useable SUV and it delivers on all fronts, with panache and style.
Prices start from £158,000, with the options list sure to bump that up.
If Aston Martin's first SUV is anything to go by, then rest assured, the future models will be just as distinctive and worthy of the iconic badge.
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To celebrate Aston Martin's recent return to Formula One, after 60 years, a new addition to the Vantage line-up has been introduced; the Vantage F1 Edition.
Coinciding with the Vantage being made the official safety car of Formula One, Aston Martin decided to bring out, in essence, a replica, in homage to the new safety car. The car is available as a Coupe or Roadster version.
The Vantage name goes back to the 1950's and has been attributed to many models throughout the years. The current model was introduced in 2018.
The new F1 model brings character and charisma to the Vantage range, but don't be fooled, it's not a limited run, so be prepared for it to stick around, and for the competition to hot up.
The 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 powertrain has been beefed up compared to the standard Vantage, delivering 535PS. The 8-speed automatic now has 683Nm of torque, with an optimised cut during upshifts that reduces shift times and increases precision. Top speed is 195mph (190 on the Roadster) with 0-60 in 3.5 secs, 264g/km of CO2 with a combined 11.6mpg.
The sound emitted from the quad exhausts, is how you'd expect an modified Aston Martin F1 Edition to sound.
Tweaks to the chassis have been undertaken, with modifications to the steering and response. The dampers have also changed with rear spring rate and lateral stiffness sharpened to increase traction.
21-inch alloys are standard on the F1 Edition, with tyres specifically developed by Pirelli, with lower profiles providing greater confidence behind the wheel. The Pirelli P Zero tyres use a unique compound with a lower profile sidewall, which help increase stiffness, but rather than make the ride firmer, it helps provide better control without losing comfort. When driving the car, I was surprised how comfortable it was, given its sporty set-up.
To complete the performance enhancements from the standard Vantage, a new aero kit has been fitted, designed to deliver better downforce and balance to the car - especially for track use. Other aerodynamic changes include a fixed rear wing. The car has a slight muscle car vibe to it, which helps set it apart from the competition.
As you can imagine, the racetrack is where the heart of the F1 Edition lies, and where, the chassis and brakes - with optional carbon ceramics, really open up. With Aston's racing pedigree, the performance is exhilarating.
The F1 Edition is available in three colours with a Satin or gloss finish - in Aston Martin Racing Green, Jet Black or Lunar White.
Inside the cabin , there are a few subtle changes. The heated sport seats are very comfortable and shaped well, and include a 16-way electronic adjust. Aluminium treadplates add a nice touch, as does the Alcantrara and black leather steering wheel. There's an 8.0-inch LCD screen, with integrated mobile phone streaming and Sat-Nav. Options include a premium audio system and Touchpad for menu control.
The £142,000 F1 Edition is a charismatic and engaging sports car, which adds charm and character to the Vantage line-up.
Aston Martin's motto is "Power, Beauty and Soul", and given the F1 Edition's performance, the motto looks set to continue as the model marks an exciting chapter in the British marque's history.
The Aston Martin feature as seen in the national press.
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