When Aston Martin introduced the DBX in November 2019, it was presented as a superlative product… the brand’s first SUV with sportscar performance. Now comes a flagship model, the DBX707, which the company has declared to be ‘an SUV like no other’. Taking the V8 DBX’s design, dynamics and character as its starting point, the DBX707 enhances those sporting attributes.
Starting with the powertrain, Aston Martin’s engineering team has extracted the full potential of the DBX’s 4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 powerplant. Engineered for the DBX707, the engine now features ball bearing turbochargers and a bespoke engine calibration to liberate more power and torque.
Also new is a 9-speed ‘wet clutch’ automatic transmission that has been designed to handle the much increased torque loadings compared with a regular torque converter automatic. In the case of the new engine, the numbers are 707 ps and 900 Nm, increases of 157 ps and 200 Nm over the DBX (V8).
The adoption of the new transmission brings further benefits as well. The shifts are faster and the driver will feel more immediate and direct response. According to Aston Martin, launch capability is also improved, which enables the DBX707 to go from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 3.3 seconds.
Boosting performance so significantly requires other areas to also be beefed up, particularly stopping power. To provide this, the DBX707 has standard fitment of Carbon Ceramic Brakes (CCB). Measuring 420 mm in front and 390 mm at the rear, the CCB discs are gripped by 6-piston calipers and result in a 40.5 kg reduction in unsprung weight.
Revisions to the brake system’s hydraulic sizing and booster tune improve pedal feel and braking response for greater precision and driver confidence. Improved brake cooling has been achieved by taking air from both the main cooling intake and the underfloor, with high performance brake pads delivering excellent friction consistency across a wide temperature range.
There’s also a new version of the electronic limited slip rear differential (e-diff). Strengthened to handle the maximum output of torque, it is fitted with a revised (shorter) final drive ratio of 3.27 compared to 3.07 for the DBX V8. This helps to give stronger response in the lower gears as well as enhances in-gear response. However, there is still the efficiency and cruising refinement offered by the 9-speed transmission.
Torque distribution front-to-rear remains fully automatic, with the ability to send up to 100% of the torque to the rear axle on demand. Careful calibration of the e-diff ensures the DBX707 has the cornering agility, sporting feel and dynamic character of a sportscar.
Key to the superior handling is the air suspension system which has the same basic architecture and triple volume air chambers of the DBX V8 but gains a dedicated chassis tune. New damper valving and recalibration of dynamic spring volume switching has improved body control and steering response. The electronic power steering system has also been adjusted to improve steering feel, with greater effort build-up off centre to help the driver build a clearer picture of increasing cornering loads and available grip.
A thorough design makeover differentiates the DBX707 from the DBX V8. There is newfront-end treatment with a larger grille and all-new design of the DRLs. Also new are the air intakes and brake cooling ducts, plus a new front splitter profile. The enlarged grille has double vanes, with the 6 horizontal bars now split to create more visual interest and make this flagship model immediately identifiable.
At the rear end, a new lip spoiler has been added to the roof wing to reduce lift and increase high speed stability, with a significantly enlarged twin rear diffuser rising to meet the new large diameter quad exhaust system. Finished in satin black to complement the gloss black treatment of the diffuser, this new exhaust has been tuned to deliver a unique sound signature.
“Right from its first introduction, the DBX has represented Aston Martin’s dynamic and design values in a way that proves not all SUVs have to conform to the same compromises. With the DBX707, we have pushed the boundaries in every area to create a car which sets new standards of performance and desirability. The fastest, most powerful, best handling and most engaging car of its kind, it propels Aston Martin to the pinnacle of SUV performance,” said Aston Martin’s Chief Executive Officer, Tobias Moers.
Keyword: Beyond the DBX – the new Aston Martin DBX707