The DBX 707 Is the Quick, Roomy Way forward for Aston Martin

I’m rocking the Aston Martin DBX 707 on California’s epic Skyline Boulevard, more and more boggled by this SUV’s nostril for apexes and explosive nook exits. We already knew the DBX was the prettiest SUV on the planet, together with versus bullseye efficiency targets within the Lamborghini Urus and Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT.

Now, Aston’s uprated 707 model can also be the strongest predator on the SUV plain, with 697 horsepower (in metric, 707 PS, therefore the title) from a muscled-up model of Mercedes-AMG’s twin-turbo, 4.0-liter V8. Hear me roar: A bloodthirsty exhaust word will strike concern into any sport-ute-snack the DBX encounters, amped up by a Sport Plus setting. Victims will embody a number of conventional sport sedans whose decrease profiles received’t imply jack versus a squat-riding crossover with 663 lb-ft of torque and foolish grip from 23-inch wheels and Pirelli P Zero tires. Versus a merely 542-hp DBX, Aston credit a further 145 horses and 147 lb-ft to new ball-bearing turbochargers and reworked induction and exhaust. Mercedes’ nine-speed, wet-clutch computerized transmission steps in for the slower torque-converter unit on the usual DBX. With one eye to future Nürburgring Nordschleife glory, the 707 can blister 60 mph in a manufacturer-claimed 3.1 seconds, hit 100 mph in 7.4 seconds, and maintain churning to 193 mph.

An aggressively rear-biased AWD system makes understeer practically moot, permitting the DBX to tighten its cornering line at velocity to a sickening diploma. A 48-volt anti-roll system retains the physique flatter than Kyrie Irving’s conception of earth, in tandem with adaptive dampers (with new prime mounts) and height-adjustable air springs. Throw in direct and dynamic steering, throttle response that makes a Hellcat really feel just like the Staten Island ferry, and reliable carbon-ceramic brakes because the DBX careens by means of the Santa Cruz mountains, and Aston’s ballsy claims change into defensible: If the DBX 707 isn’t the quickest, sharpest-handling, sweetest-sounding SUV you’ll be able to overpay for in 2022, it’s within the hunt by any metric. That features 41 extra horses than the 666-hp Urus Performante, simply unveiled on the Pebble Seashore concours weekend.

Pebble’s temple of moneyed excess is an acceptable venue for the roomiest, most sensible Aston within the model’s 109-year historical past. Even James Bond, after a droll one-liner — “sorry, I haven’t packed my overalls” — would possibly discover novel use for its modest off-road functionality or 5,940-pound towing capability. Already, the usual DBX has become the brand’s best-selling model by far, as Aston makes an attempt to proper a list monetary ship. Monterey, the place public sale attendees wave paddles at seven- and even eight-figure cars, is among the many few locations the place most people received’t blink at a $239,086 base worth. But a foie-gras schmear of choices, many superfluous — together with roughly $40,000 price of twill-patterned carbon fiber, stitched leather-based, color-matched carpet and two-tone cabin design — kick the tally on my explicit instance to an eye-watering $292,586.

If the sight of gentlemanly Aston fighting (and winning) the horsepower wars seems odd, get used to it. I interview Alex Long, director of product and market strategy, who tells me Aston Martin is determined to set the performance bar in every segment it competes in.

“It’s a statement for the brand, as as we refresh our sports cars, you’ll see more of that,” Long told me. “Whatever segment the car is pitched in, we’ll take the lead in power and dynamics. That’s the fundamental shift in the brand.”

As if to underscore the new — and hopefully profitable — direction, as we sit and chat at Aston’s Monterey hospitality suite we’re flanked by four ultra-rare, nuclear-grade models seemingly sprung from the dreams of Pebble Beach collectors: The Valhalla, Valkyrie AMR Pro, Vantage V12 and DBR 22, all in flattering, jewel-like shades of inexperienced. The broader trade future, in fact, has no place for V12s. So Aston is racing to ship Mercedes-based plug-in powertrains, together with within the DBX, following the meltdown of plans for an in-house hybrid V6.

Whereas the DBX 707’s pedigree, efficiency and lovely physique all meet ultra-luxury imperatives, the inside nonetheless elicits some pushback. The DBX’s delayed arrival, and the model’s tech-sharing relationship with Mercedes — nice for engines, not so good for electronics — do the DBX no favors. For such a comparatively new mannequin, the Aston’s dated inside vibe is discouraging. Cowhides are thick and aromatic, the steering wheel meaty, the outsized steel paddle shifters prepared for motion. The tri-color seats are correctly enveloping and unique, if hampered by fiddly controls.

Such British quirks are straightforward sufficient to miss. However there’s no getting round an historical Mercedes-based infotainment system crammed right into a bulbous and unstylish heart console. Nobody expects the newest Mercedes MBUX or flashy Hyperscreen on this hand-me-down tech association. However for practically 300 grand, consumers would possibly count on an precise touchscreen — the DBX affords solely an ungainly rotary management knob — hanging graphics, or succesful voice instructions. Firm execs counsel consumers aren’t unduly put out, however they acknowledge that Aston’s infotainment is behind the luxurious curve. Lengthy assures us the cavalry is on the way in which — coming mannequin years will use dramatically up to date Mercedes infotainment methods with over-the-air replace capabilities and an Aston-designed person interface. For now, DBX consumers must suck it up like Krug that’s gone a bit flat.

These consumers will proceed to decide on between the usual DBX and this 707-metric-horsepower model. The upside, for individuals who can afford both, is that it’s not a lot of a selection: The 707 delivers the sense of unique overkill and indulgence that makes the genre-straining train well worth the level. With its in depth suspension retuning, the 707 even rides higher than the considerably flinty commonplace mannequin.

The high-performance Aston by no means looks like a chore to drive, even on a backwoods ascent to Skyline Boulevard that’s not fairly vast sufficient for 2 automobiles to move one another — one half Alpine switchbacks, one half hippie weed-growing holler. The 707 winds patiently by means of hairpins, swallows as much as 54 cubic toes of baggage, supplies four-season traction, and can commute blissfully in Grand Touring mode. However when Skyline opens up, and also you unleash that sport exhaust, the DBX 707 assaults sweepers with tempo and pleasure that remembers fantasy-level sport sedans.

Pushing the Aston’s 4,950 kilos round, you’re conscious of the additional mass and raised driving place. However they’re behind your thoughts, not sharing the entrance seat. And in contrast to any DB in historical past, this Aston has a again seat with room for household or mates, even comparatively giant ones. In fact, that area is the purpose: All of us grasp why hatchback-crossover-SUVs have conquered the U.S. and are steadily taking up the world. Roomy consolation is the last word luxurious. That’s as true for the lots shopping for RAV4s as it’s for privileged Pebble Beachers bidding to the moon and stars. And whereas the idea of an Aston SUV with Hellcat-rivaling energy could fly in the face of hidebound tradition, the result’s surprisingly pleasant to drive.