Aston Martin takes DBX super-SUV to new heights with 717bhp variant
Luxury car brand creates even edgier range-topper
You might think that the last thing the Aston Martin DBX707 needed was more power — but that’s precisely what its parent company has given it for a new flagship model, called the DBX S.
The DBX707 is named after its metric horsepower figure of 707hp, which equates to 697bhp. The new DBX S takes that starting point and then adds a 20bhp shot in the arm.
But it’s not all about the peak power, Aston promises. This DBX provides “one of the most engaging and responsive driving experiences,” it says, thanks to a focus on reducing the SUV’s weight.
An engine from the gods
Aston says it has infused the DBX S with some of the engine technology from the upcoming Valhalla supercar, including tweaks to the turbochargers. While it uses an upgraded version of the 4-litre bi-turbo V8 from the DBX707, squeezing out the extra power, its maximum torque (twisting force) figure of 664lb ft remains unchanged.
The DBX’s two main performance metrics are no different, either: like the 707, the S variant hits 62mph from rest in 3.3 seconds and goes on to the same top speed of 193mph.
However, if you line up a DBX S next to a DBX707 on an airfield runway and ask the drivers to race from standstill to 124mph, the S should start to pull away after 62mph and hit the target speed three-tenths of a second quicker — 11.9 seconds instead of 12.2. It will also bring even more thunder to the feat, as a new exhaust system has been fitted.
The DBX S also shifts up through its gears at higher revs, while automatic downshifts in Sport and Sport+ modes are said to be “even more aggressive”.
Agility to match the speed
Arguably the biggest change should be the way the DBX S feels through corners. The S benefits from all the suspension and chassis improvements that Aston Martin wrought on the DBX last year, including revised calibration of the air springs and electronic dampers, for greater roll control.
The nine-speed “wet clutch” transmission is also carried over from the 707, as is the all-wheel-drive system that varies between 100 per cent of the torque being sent to the rear wheels and a 50:50 front-rear split, but Aston has sought to remove bulk in the key places that help driving dynamics.
The most obvious example is the optional carbon-fibre roof. At three metres square, it’s the biggest carbon element ever fitted to an Aston Martin, and saves 18kg of mass from the highest point of the vehicle, reducing the centre of gravity.
Another great area in which to shed weight is the wheels, as these are “unsprung mass”; i.e. not supported by the suspension. And so, Aston is offering what it claims is a first for any SUV: optional magnesium wheels. These 23in rims can take another 19kg off the DBX’s kerb weight. Aston claims this has the added benefits of improving steering precision and feel (and the S has a faster steering rack than a 707 anyway), as well as ride comfort.
Such is the fastidious attention to detail on the DBX S, that even the radiator grille can be specified with a polycarbonate honeycomb design, which moves the overall vehicle weight distribution ever so slightly rearwards.
The DBX S stands out
Visually, the DBX S gains its own, defined aesthetic flourishes. If buyers resist the temptation of the optional honeycomb grille, their car will get a pure black-vaned grille as standard.
There’s a new splitter on the front bumper and a meatier diffuser at the back of the SUV, which are framed by the distinctive “stacked” quad exhausts, while even the side sills have upturned air splitters fitted to them.
More options include the ability to render the door mirrors, side strakes and the lower door sills of the Aston DBX S in carbon fibre, while “S” emblems on the front wings mark out the flagship model.
If you opt for the rear diffuser, side sills and rear wing in carbon, you take another 7kg off the DBX’s kerb weight, incidentally.
The finishing touch on the outside is a pinstripe running round the lower extremities of the Aston’s bodywork, which can be finished in one of three colours: Rosso Corsa Red, Trophy Silver or Podium Green.
Inside, there are more of the S-themed details, as well as a herringbone theme to the seat upholstery and — if the DBX has the optional carbon roof — the headlining design, too.
Alcantara and semi-aniline leather is used for the passenger compartment’s main surfaces, while red seatbelts can be specified as an option. The “S” suffix is embroidered onto the seats’ head restraints, as well as the sill plates and the engine plaque.
Aston’s latest and much-improved infotainment system features in the DBX S, while there’s also an 800-watt, 14-speaker premium audio system as standard. This can be uprated to a 23-speaker, twin-amp, 1,600-watt Bowers & Wilkins set-up for true audiophiles.
Adrian Hallmark, the CEO of the company, said: “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.”
The Aston Martin DBX S is available to order now, with deliveries expected in the final quarter of 2025.
Related articles
- If you were interested in the new Aston Martin DBX S, you may want to read our review of the Aston Martin Vanquish Coupé
- You might also like to read what Will Dron had to say about the DB12
- Also check out the Aston Martin Valiant, a 734bhp track-focused sports car developed for Fernando Alonso
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