The luxury SUV market just got a serious shake-up. Aston Martin has pulled the covers off their latest creation – the DBX S – and it’s everything you’d expect from a brand that builds supercars. This isn’t just another SUV with a fancy badge; it’s a statement piece that combines British craftsmanship with heart-stopping performance.
What Makes the DBX S Special
Walking around the DBX S, you’ll immediately notice this isn’t your typical family hauler. The carbon fiber roof isn’t just for show – it’s a functional upgrade that shaves 47 kilograms off the vehicle’s weight while giving it that unmistakable supercar aesthetic. When you’re dealing with a vehicle that already weighs over 2,200kg, every kilogram saved makes a difference.
The visual upgrades extend beyond the roof. Carbon fiber elements appear throughout the exterior, from the front splitter to the side skirts, each piece carefully designed to enhance both appearance and aerodynamics. The red edging on these components adds a subtle but aggressive touch that screams performance.
Power That Demands Respect
Under the hood sits a masterpiece of engineering – a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that now produces an astounding 535kW of power. To put that in perspective, that’s more power than many dedicated sports cars. The engineers didn’t just turn up the boost; they incorporated technology directly from Aston Martin’s upcoming Valhalla supercar, including larger compressor wheels and internal improvements that make every revolution count.
The torque output remains at a substantial 900Nm, which means this SUV can pull like a freight train from virtually any speed. Whether you’re merging onto the highway or overtaking slower traffic, the DBX S responds with the kind of urgency that makes passengers grip their seats.
Performance Numbers That Impress
Despite the power increase, the acceleration figures might surprise you. The 0-100km/h time remains at 3.3 seconds – the same as its DBX707 sibling. However, that’s still fast enough to keep pace with supercars costing twice as much. The real improvement comes in the 0-200km/h sprint, where the extra power shaves 0.3 seconds off the time.
The top speed remains electronically limited to 310km/h, which is more than adequate for any real-world driving scenario and places it among the fastest SUVs ever produced.
Technology and Transmission
Advanced Gearbox Engineering
The nine-speed wet-clutch transmission deserves special mention. Unlike traditional torque converter automatics, this system delivers lightning-fast shifts and more direct power delivery. For the DBX S, engineers revised the shift points to take advantage of the engine’s extended rev range, while making the automatic downshifts even more aggressive in Sport and Sport+ modes.
The all-wheel-drive system can send up to 100% of the torque to the rear wheels when maximum performance is needed, or split it 50/50 for optimal traction in challenging conditions.
Interior Luxury and Comfort
Craftsmanship Meets Performance
Step inside, and you’re greeted by one-piece carbon fiber seats badged with the ‘S’ designation. These aren’t just for show – they provide excellent support during spirited driving while maintaining the comfort expected in a luxury SUV.
The interior materials showcase Aston Martin’s attention to detail, with premium Alcantara and leather options throughout the cabin. Every surface feels deliberately crafted, from the dashboard to the door panels.
Sound Experience
The modified exhaust system with staggered quad outlets isn’t just about looks. The engineers tuned it specifically to amplify the V8’s character, creating a soundtrack that matches the vehicle’s performance credentials.
DBX S Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 |
| Power Output | 535kW |
| Torque | 900Nm |
| 0-100km/h | 3.3 seconds |
| Top Speed | 310km/h |
| Transmission | 9-speed wet-clutch |
| Drive System | All-wheel drive |
| Weight Reduction | 47kg (carbon roof) |
Market Position and Value
The DBX S sits at the pinnacle of Aston Martin’s SUV lineup, above both the standard DBX and the already impressive DBX707. While Australian pricing hasn’t been announced, expect a significant premium over the current DBX707’s $429,000 starting price.
This positioning makes sense when you consider the competition. The DBX S matches or exceeds the performance of rivals like the Ferrari Purosangue and Lamborghini Urus Performante, while offering the distinctive British character that Aston Martin is known for.
The Heritage Factor
The ‘S’ designation carries significant weight in Aston Martin’s history, dating back to the 1953 DB3S. This naming convention represents the brand’s commitment to creating special, high-performance variants that push boundaries while maintaining their core identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much faster is the DBX S compared to the DBX707?
A: While 0-100km/h times are identical at 3.3 seconds, the DBX S is 0.3 seconds quicker from 0-200km/h due to its additional 15kW of power.
Q: What’s the main benefit of the carbon fiber roof?
A: Beyond the visual appeal, it reduces weight by 47kg and lowers the center of gravity for improved handling dynamics.
Q: When will the DBX S be available in Australia?
A: Aston Martin hasn’t announced local availability or pricing details yet, but expect it to arrive as a 2025 model.
