Aston Martin DBX S: The Super SUV Arms Race Continues

Meet the Aston Martin DBX S, the new flagship of the British marque’s SUV lineup and a direct shot at the Lamborghini Urus and Ferrari Purosangue. Picture it rolling through the Place du Casino in Monte Carlo at night, the casino lights reflecting off the Mediterranean, a deep, purposeful V8 growl echoing off the Belle Époque facades. It is a sound that announces the arrival of something serious.

The DBX S is the most powerful internal combustion SUV in the world, producing 717 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. It is a car that takes the already formidable DBX707 and sharpens it into a more focused, more exclusive weapon, with a 20-horsepower bump, a significant weight reduction program, and a chassis that has been tuned to deliver an even more engaging driving experience. It is the super SUV arms race continuing, and Aston Martin is making a statement.

The Powertrain: Valhalla Technology, V8 Muscle

The heart of the DBX S is a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, sourced from Mercedes-AMG but heavily re-engineered by Aston Martin. The engine produces 717 horsepower at 6,250 rpm and 664 lb-ft of torque from 3,000 to 5,250 rpm. The power increase over the DBX707 comes from turbocharger technology borrowed from the Valhalla hypercar, which features a larger compressor wheel and a more free-breathing exhaust that reduces back pressure. The result is a more linear power delivery with a stronger top-end charge.

The engine is mated to a nine-speed wet-clutch automatic transmission, with revised shift mapping in Sport and Sport+ modes for more aggressive downshifts. The 0 to 60 mph sprint takes 3.1 seconds, and the top speed is 193 mph. The 0 to 124 mph time is 0.3 seconds quicker than the DBX707, thanks to the extra power and revised gearing.

The Weight Reduction: 103 Pounds Shed

The DBX S is the most focused and exclusive Aston Martin SUV, achieved through a comprehensive weight reduction program. The optional carbon fiber roof is the largest single carbon element ever fitted to an Aston Martin, saving 18 kg (40 pounds) from the highest point of the car. The optional magnesium wheels, the first time magnesium wheels have been offered on any vehicle in the ultra-luxury SUV segment, save 19 kg (42 pounds) of unsprung mass. The optional polycarbonate honeycomb grille and a new stacked quad-exhaust design contribute to a total weight saving of up to 103 pounds over the DBX707.

The weight reduction transforms the car’s handling. The magnesium wheels shed so much unsprung mass that the purity of the steering is immediately noticeable. There is no corruption through the wheel, and the car flows around corners beautifully, staying flat and true.

The Chassis: Sharper Steering, Better Balance

The DBX S retains the DBX707’s triple-chamber air springs and Bilstein dampers, but the steering ratio has been made 4 percent quicker. The steering system is now more direct and responsive, providing a level of feedback that is rare in a vehicle of this size. The turning circle has also been reduced by half a meter, making the car more maneuverable in tight spaces without resorting to rear-axle steering, which Aston Martin’s chief engineer feels introduces unwanted flex in heavier cars.

The chassis is a masterpiece of engineering, with active anti-roll bars that keep the car flat through corners and a suspension that provides a ride that is both comfortable and controlled. The DBX S is a car that can be driven on a track day or a mountain road with equal confidence, offering a level of engagement that is unmatched in its class.

The Design: Purposeful Aggression

The DBX S is visually differentiated from the DBX707 by a handful of key details. The front grille features a new black vaned design, available in lightweight polycarbonate, with over 25,000 individual facets. The rear is dominated by a new vertically stacked quad-exhaust design, which also reduces back pressure and improves the sound quality of the V8. The S badge, applied in red glass enamel, appears on the front fenders, and new magnesium wheels complete the look.

The interior is a study in performance luxury. The distinctive herringbone seat design is standard, and the S badge is embroidered onto the seats and appears on the treadplates and engine plaque. The cabin is trimmed in lightweight sporting Alcantara as standard, with semi-aniline leather on the bolsters, and the optional carbon roof extends the herringbone design to the headlining. The DBX S also features Aston Martin’s state-of-the-art in-house developed infotainment system, with a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, supporting Apple CarPlay Ultra.

The Monte Carlo Night

The DBX S has completed its drive along the coast. Its V8 has delivered the 717 horsepower that makes it the most powerful internal combustion SUV on the market. The magnesium wheels and carbon roof have shed the weight that transforms its handling. The driver, cocooned in the Alcantara-lined cabin, has experienced a level of performance that is as exclusive as it is thrilling.

The DBX S is not a car for everyone. It is a car for those who demand the ultimate in performance and exclusivity, who want an SUV that can attack a mountain pass with the ferocity of a sports car. But it represents a significant moment in Aston Martin’s history. It is a car that proves the super SUV arms race is far from over, that there is still room for a pure internal combustion V8 in a world of hybrids and EVs, and that Aston Martin can still build a car that is as thrilling to drive as it is to look at.