Aston Martin unveils what it claims is the world’s fastest luxury performance SUV in the shape of the DBX707.
The vehicle, boasting 702 hp and 663 lb.-ft. (900 Nm) of torque, is said to accomplish a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint in just 3.3 seconds. Top speed is 193 mph (311 km/h). Power comes from a 4.0L twin-turbocharged V-8 featuring ball bearing turbochargers and a bespoke engine calibration.
This flagship SUV also boasts a 9-speed wet clutch automatic transmission, especially developed to handle the car’s hike in power over its DBX V-8 forebear, which checked in with 152 hp and 147 lb.-ft. (200 Nm) of torque less.
This clutch also brings further benefits, providing much faster gear changes compared to the torque-converter transmission. It claims a more immediate and direct feel, providing an increased sense of control and responsiveness, Aston Martin says.
Handling, too, has been a major focus for the sportscar brand, and the DBX707 sits on an air suspension system that takes the bulk of the heavy lifting. While it keeps the basic architecture and triple volume air chambers of the DBX V-8, the SUV features new damper valving and recalibration of dynamic spring volume switching to improve body control and steering response. The electronic power steering system also has been adjusted to improve steering feel, with greater effort build-up off center to aid the feel of increasing cornering loads and available grip.
This is combined with tighter management of heave, pitch and body roll, helping the driver adjust yaw of the car with pedal or steering inputs. Changes have been made in the vehicle’s electronic active roll control (eARC) system, with sharper parameters to accentuate agility and improve the balance of the car.
Driver modes include “Race Start” that is available in GT Sport and Sport+ modes for launch-control acceleration. Revised active logic in the all-wheel-drive system transfer case is meant to improve harmony and control between the driveline and the electronic stability system.
To cope with the performance, carbon ceramic brakes are fitted as standard and measure 16.5 ins. (420 mm) front and 15.4 ins. (390 mm) rear, gripped by 6-piston calipers and resulting in an 89.1-lb. (40.5-kg) reduction in unsprung weight. Improved brake cooling comes from channeling air from both the main intake and the underfloor.
Standard wheels and tires measure 22 ins. and come in a choice of Sport and Ribbon designs, with an optional 23-in. alloy wheel offered in either textured black or satin black with diamond turned highlights. The adoption of a 23-in. wheel promises improved steering response, albeit possibly at the expense of some ride quality.
Inside sees sport seats fitted as standard although comfort seats are available as a no-cost option. All seat options come with 16-way electric adjustment plus heating in front and rear as standard. There are three basic choices of interior environments. The base Accelerate trim features a mix of leather and Alcantara. Optional are Inspire Comfort and Inspire Sport, which features full semi-Aniline leather with embroidered Aston Martin wings on the headrest, a contrast stripe down the center of the seat and a perforation pattern in the seat back and base cushion.
As on the exterior, the DBX707’s interior features a dark chrome finish to switchgear as standard. Bright chrome and carbon fiber can be specified as an option. Piano Black veneer is standard with carbon fiber or bronze metal mesh veneer finishes are available as options.
Further personalization opportunities range from unique graphics through to tinted carbons and bespoke materials on both the interior and exterior under the brand’s “Q by Aston Martin – Commission” option.
DBX707 production is due to begin in the first quarter, with first deliveries scheduled to begin during early second-quarter 2022.
Inside DBX707
