Aston’s DBX SUV gets even hotter with a revised V8 engine, updated suspension and a racy makeover
Aston Martin has revealed what it calls “the world’s most powerful luxury SUV” in the form of a new, high-performance version of the DBX. It’s called the DBX707 and, like the regular DBX, it will be built at the brand’s St Athan factory in South Wales. It hits the road this summer.
The headline figures are 697bhp (the 707 name refers to its metric horsepower) and 900Nm of torque going to all four wheels. That’s an increase of 155bhp and 200Nm over the regular DBX, and it makes the DBX707 not just the most powerful ‘luxury’ SUV when judged against typical rivals, such as the Bentley Bentayga Speed and Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid, but outright one of the most powerful SUVs on the planet. Only the US market Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk and Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat can muster more.
It means that the 707 will get from 0-62mph in 3.3 seconds – that’s 0.1 seconds quicker than the latest Porsche 911 GT3 – and while its top speed has not been confirmed, expect a decent advance on the regular DBX’s 181mph, edging close to 200mph.
What makes these figures particularly interesting is that they’ve been achieved with the same engine as the regular DBX: a Mercedes-AMG-developed 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8.
Modifications include new turbos and a remapped engine management system, while the transmission is new, too. It’s a nine-speed ‘wet-clutch’ automatic that’s better suited to handling the maximum torque. Aston says this gearbox enables faster shifts than the torque converter unit of the regular DBX, and unlocks a new level of driver engagement with sharper responses.
Further revisions include new carbon-ceramic brakes as standard, resulting in a reduction of 40.5kg unsprung mass. The new, more powerful discs and calipers are complemented by revisions to the braking system’s hydraulics for improved pedal feel, and more efficient cooling.
Updates to the air suspension are also included. The DBX707 still uses the same three-chamber air suspension system as the regular DBX, but with a new chassis tune optimised for the 707’s additional performance. The target was a reduction in vertical movement, forward pitch under heavy braking and body roll. Changes to the electronic anti-roll system also aim to deliver an increase in agility.
Aston Martin’s engineers have also targeted the car’s power steering system, with a new tune for the electronic assistance that’s designed to provide a more engaging steering feel. There’s a new version of the DBX’s electronic limited-slip rear differential, with a revised final drive to compensate for the increased level of power. The torque split between the front and rear wheels remains fully automatic, and 100 per cent of the available torque can be sent to the rear.
Visually, the DBX707 stands out with a far more aggressive look thanks to new air intakes, a new front splitter, a larger grille and bigger brake cooling ducts. A large rear diffuser is also added and wheels up to 23 inches in size are available. But not every design change is intended to make the DBX707 stand out with a sporty new look. The brand has also focussed on making the car feel more luxurious, and to that end has fitted this new DBX variant with soft closing doors.
Inside, 16-way adjustable sports seats are standard, while a revised lower centre console has been fitted. This provides the driver with easier access to the car’s ‘enhanced’ drive mode functions and settings, with the fitment of a dedicated switch for this – in the regular DBX, drive modes can only be changed by using the infotainment system. Extensive ‘Q by Aston Martin’ tailoring and customisation options are promised.
The car’s price hasn’t been confirmed, but it will probably eclipse the cost of the W12-powered Bentley Bentayga Speed, with a starting price of almost £200,000.
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Keyword: New 2022 Aston Martin DBX707 storms in with 697bhp