Licensed to thrill: The 2021 Aston Martin DBX

After 11 years of refining the formula to cement their place in the SUV market, the Aston Martin DBX is finally here. So when Aston Martin invited me to test drive their all-new DBX model, I knew this was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.

Famed for being 007’s ride of choice, Aston Martin has been making luxury hand-crafted cars since 1913. Sleeks lines, mighty engines and luxurious interiors are the name of the game, giving these cars looks to kill and a license to thrill.

But is the Aston Martin DBX special enough to fit in with the other Astons? It certainly looks the part. With the signature grill shape remodelled to fit the broader front and the trademark barrel-shaped body, the DBX has all the makings of the traditional British sports car. A sleek spoiler brings modernity to the design, while the signature almond-shaped headlights seem to almost be winking at us and inviting us in.

Interior

The DBX is arguably a little late to the game as an SUV, but then again, nothing compares to that signature Aston Martin charm. The plush interior was a joy to sit in – the leather, soft and supple. Gone are the days of being cramped in the backseat, as the five-seater DBX is spacious enough to fit even the tallest of passengers in its luxurious interior. Despite being one of the cheaper entries in the high-end field, the DBX has all the makings of a great SUV and more importantly, stays true to the Aston Martin brand.

For Aston Martin collectors who have graduated from the traditional two-seater to a more family-friendly car, the DBX is a mid-sized, front-engine, all-wheel drive luxury crossover.

Performance on the road

The Aston Martin DBX has six drive modes: GT, Sport, Sport+, Individual, Terrain and Terrain+. On the cloudless and sunny day of my test drive, I didn’t have the chance to put the all-weather aspect of the vehicle to the test, but when I switched to ‘Sports+’ mode, which partially deactivates stability control, things got exhilarating.

Out on the open roads of Hong Kong’s beautiful Southside, the beast was released. The acceleration (0-60 in 4.3seconds) and impressive handling at high speed proves the DBX is not just an SUV, it is an Aston Martin in the form of an SUV. The sturdy steering wheel felt light in-hand and the brakes were sensitive to the touch. Weaving along the winding roads, the DBX glided almost silently – the quiet purr of the engine not detracting from the views.

The all-wheel drive system delivered impressive traction. The uber responsive handling took a little bit of getting used to, but that is no surprise when you consider the fact that the DBX lowers itself to 10mm and the adaptive dampers provide a smooth, controlled ride. The engine roars into life without feeling harsh or pounding bumps in the road. Despite the speed and sharp corners, I felt connected to the car, almost as if we were moving as one. 

Powered by the spirit of adventure and built with a slightly different clientele in mind, this SUV has the comfort of a large people carrier while boasting a Mercedes-made 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. This combined with a nine-speed automatic transmission with a top speed of 181mph, makes for an exciting driving experience.

Walking the line between beautiful and aggressive, the Aston Martin DBX is built with the same charm, taste and style. For the Aston Martin fans out there, Christmas has come early.

Learn more about the Aston Martin DBX at astonmartin.com