The Aston Martin DBX707 has been tested on winding roads across the globe. But you don’t have to venture far from Aston Martin’s home in Gaydon, UK, to experience the best out of the world’s most powerful luxury SUV. The Chiltern Hills lie just 50 miles from Aston Martin’s spiritual home, a distance the DBX707 eats up with impressive ease.
The first SUV in the company’s 110-year history, the DBX retains the quintessential beauty of an Aston Martin while appearing reassuringly muscular, and capable of absorbing just about anything England’s country roads can throw at it.
The towns and villages in this part of the world are the UK’s answer to the Hamptons; affluent locals are used to supercars roaring in from London. Yet with its carbon roof spoiler, extended rear diffuser, optional 23-inch wheels (is there really another option?) and unique sound signature, the DBX707 turns heads and leaves a lasting impression.
Style and elegance come as standard for an Aston Martin. What the ultra-luxury brand set out to do with the DBX707 is reaffirm itself as a world-leading performance carmaker. Aston Martin tuned the custom 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 to bring it up to 697 hp, a top speed of 193 mph and 663 lb ft of torque.
Aston Martin has also gone much further than an engine tune-up. Every aspect of the DBX707’s performance — aerodynamics, handling, suspension and brakes — has been enhanced. It features ball bearing turbochargers and a new nine-speed ‘wet clutch’ automatic transmission.
The larger double-vane grill accommodates an 80% rise in airflow, helping to keep the engine and transmission at optimal temperature. New, lighter carbon ceramic brakes come as standard, keeping the car under close control.
There are numerous ways to get the most out of the V8. A new “Race Start” maximizes acceleration off the line, bringing the 0-62mph time to an impressive 3.3 seconds. For the bravest of drivers, set the car to Sport+ mode and send all the torque to the back wheels. The rate of acceleration, at such a ride height, is unmatched.
Matching a true GT in a straight line is one thing. Matching it for day-to-day living is another. The ride has been lowered and the steering is more responsive, and a re-calibrated suspension has significantly improved the ride at low speeds.
There is a quiet-start function — perfect for those sleepy village mornings — and supremely comfortable sports seats as standard.
The Q by Aston Martin bespoke service offers endless customization options on interior and exterior details, just in case owning the world’s fastest SUV isn’t enough to set you apart.
Aston Martin DBX707 from $242,000. For more information, visit astonmartin.com
