Aston Martin DBX

Design

The DBX is the first car made at Aston Martin's new facility in St Athan, Wales. According to executive vice president and chief creative officer Marek Reichman, the wheelbase of the DBX stretches as far out as possible for the wheels to be positioned at the corners of the vehicle which with the low roofline creates the illusion of a smaller car helping make the DBX appear more like a traditional Aston Martin shape. The DBX features swan-hinged doors, while the front grille is the largest ever fitted on an Aston Martin.^[8]

Specifications and performance

While related to the Vantage, the DBX is built on its own dedicated platform. Like other Aston Martin models, it is constructed with bonded aluminium panels and extrusions. The powertrain and infotainment technology are borrowed from Mercedes-Benz. The DBX uses Mercedes-AMG's M177 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine that has a power output of 550 PS (405 kW; 542 hp) and 700 N⋅m (516 lb⋅ft) of torque.^[9] The DBX is capable of accelerating from 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 4.5 seconds, and attaining a top speed of 292 km/h (181 mph).^[10] A 9-speed automatic gearbox is standard, and towing is rated at up to 2,700 kg (6,000 lb). Its emissions are NEDC Combined CO2  269g/km and its UK combined mpg is 19.73. A 48-volt electric active roll system counteracts body roll under hard cornering, and the vehicle comes with five driving modes: a default GT, Sport, Sport Plus, Terrain and Terrain Plus with an additional Access mode. An active center transfer case directs torque to the front axle when it is required, and there is also an electronic limited slip rear differential. Adaptive dampers and triple-chamber air springs are both standard, offering a significant range of height adjustment.^[11][12]