Aston Martin Chooses China for First SUV Debut

Paul Myles

TU-Editor

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21st November 2019

Aston Martin chose to launch its first SUV in the BEV powerhouse of China hoping the market’s passion for off-road ability will ‘sell’ its ICE powertrain technology.

Yet, the new Aston Martin DBX employs a particularly beefy example of ICE, too, boasting a new version of the 4-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 engine found in DB11 and Vantage. The DBX’s unit claims a power output of 547bhp and 516ft-lbs of torque and acceleration from 0 to 62mph in 4.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 181mph.

Transmission sees the use of a nine-speed torque convertor automatic gearbox, allied to an all-wheel drive system with active differentials featuring an active central differential and an electronic rear limited slip differential.

Unlike many of its competitors, the new car has been built on a new dedicated SUV platform. Also, being constructed from aluminum, the car tips the scales at a comparatively svelte overall curb weight of 4,939-lbs. This despite the car’s adaptive triple volume air suspension which has been combined with a 48-volt electric anti-roll control system and electronic adaptive dampers. The system claims a capacity to raise the ride height by nearly 1.77-inches or lower it by 1.96-inches on the go.

Aston Martin Lagonda president and group CEO, Dr Andy Palmer said: “DBX is a car that will give many people their first experience of Aston Martin ownership. As such it needed to be true to the core values established in our sports cars, while also providing the lifestyle versatility expected of a luxury SUV. To have produced such a beautiful, hand built, yet technologically advanced car is a proud moment for Aston Martin.”

Recommended Retail Price from £158,000 in the UK, €193,500 in Germany and $189,900 in USA. DBX is on sale now, with first deliveries scheduled to begin in the second quarter of next year.

— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in London. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_