2021 Aston Martin DBX review: British brand’s first SUV

This new SUV is smooth, stylish and monstrously powerful and is ready to tackle Australian roads, but it comes with an enormous price tag.

A fine layer of dust is the most dirt the average Aston Martin DBX will see.

The first SUV from the brand best known for keeping 007 mobile is built for speed, boasting a twin-turbo V8, 22-inch wheels and a hunkered stance honed on the track.

But during our drizzly Australian test drive of the UK newcomer the guttural growl of the Mercedes-AMG V8 was momentarily replaced by mooing cows and mud squelching.

Brown slush was in plentiful supply, coating the handmade winged badge and taking the gleam off the silver side strakes.

Aston martin is famous for being James Bond’s car of choice.

There’s no need for the full 405kW and 700Nm, the biggest challenge is convincing the traction control to remain dormant as we squirm through brown sludge.

Adjustable-height air suspension is more useful, the additional 45mm of clearance keeping the underside free from unwanted scuffs. It comes as part of the Terrain+ mode that preps the large five-seater for life beyond bitumen.

While any self-respecting off-roader would have gobbled up the muddy challenge, the DBX was still way further from the comfort zone of the modern uber SUV. After all, this $357,000 (plus on-road costs) five-seater can top 291km/h.

The DX is monstrously powerful.

There are limitations to its off-road prowess. Covers shielding the underside are more about smoothing the airflow than protecting from a wayward rock and a space-saver spare limits usefulness post-puncture.

Back on bitumen the DBX is instantly at home, the throaty V8 providing ample punch. There are faster hot-shot SUVs, but the DBX is plenty quick.

The tyres never get close to breaking traction, the outstanding grip translating to precise, predictable responses.

Plush leather surfaces cover the cabin.

There’s a tactility to the steering, which subtly adds weight once you dial up Sport or Sport+. Our pre-production car had some electrical gremlins, though, refusing to lower the suspension in one case and developing an airconditioning issue in another. Aston Martin puts it down to software.

The brakes, designed to pull up neatly 2.3 tonnes of SUV from big speeds, aren’t flustered in cruisy Australia.

The DBX can even go off-road.

Arguably the DBX’s biggest asset is its compliance in everyday GT mode. It’s plusher than some rivals – which include the Porsche Cayenne, Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus – and active stabilisers virtually eliminate lurching in bends.

The DBX sends much of its AMG grunt to the rear wheels (via a carbon fibre drive shaft), bolstering its athletic personality. The DBX is essentially a rear-drive car most of the time, only sending drive to the front wheels when slippage is detected.

Aston Martin is proud of the bespoke architecture for the DBX, whereas rivals swap and share. It creates an impressively spacious and adult-friendly back seat, although kids may not like sitting so low. Frameless windows are a coupe-inspired touch.

The DBX is altheltic and a great drive.

As with other Astons there’s stitched leather and metal lathered across the interior, along with restrained slices of wood.

The lack of a touchscreen – you’ll be using the central touchpad and rotary dial – is a hiccup for otherwise respectable functionality.

There’s no shortage of kit, either, including a sunroof, 64-colour ambient lighting, heated seats front and rear, a 360-degree camera and a digital display in front of the driver.

There are faster, more brutal SUVs and ones packing more for the money but the DBX’s uniquely British character, dynamic ability and comfort distinguishes it from a growing crowd.

VERDICT 3.5/5

The unique flavour of Aston Martin’s first SUV provides a British counterpunch to rival uber-luxury softroaders

ASTON MARTIN DBX VITALS

Price: From $357,000, plus on-roads

Warranty: 3 yrs/unlimited km

Safety: Not rated, 6 airbags, auto emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, speed-sign recognition, rear cross-traffic alert, 360-degree parking aid

Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, 405kW/700Nm

Thirst: 12.4L/100km

Spare: Space-saver

Boot: 632L

Originally published as 2021 Aston Martin DBX review: British brand’s first SUV