Aston Martin's Most Powerful SUV Ever: Presenting The DBX S

A British super SUV done right

Aston Martin just added a new weapon to its performance SUV arsenal–the DBX S. The brand’s most powerful SUV ever, the DBX S offers even more muscle than the ludicrous DBX707, but Aston has also made a serious effort to strip the DBX S of as much weight as possible, using lightweight materials such as carbon fiber and magnesium. Altogether, the DBX S might just be one of the wildest vehicles we’ve ever seen from the storied British automaker.

The Aston Martin DBX S copies the Valhalla’s homework

To achieve its astonishing 717-horsepower figure–a 20-horsepower bump over the DBX707’s 697-horsepower rating–Aston turned to its new Valhalla supercar for some ideas. Using “larger compressor wheel diameters and other internal improvements,” the DBX S benefits not just from more power, but also a higher redline and a pokier power band in the higher rev range. According to Aston Martin, this all means that the DBX S will benefit from a rapid, 3.3-second sprint from 0-62 mph, with a top speed of 193 mph. The DBX S also gains a modified exhaust system, allowing its AMG-sourced, twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 to breathe more freely and growl more aggressively.

The Aston Martin DBX S employs the same 9-speed ‘wet clutch’ transmission found in the DBX707, albeit with adjusted shift points to reflect the raised rev limit. Despite its standard all-wheel drive system that can send up to 50% of the DBX S’s torque to its front wheels, 100% of that power can be sent to the rear wheels, allowing for some ridiculous-looking slides from Aston Martin’s luxury performance SUV.

Carbon fiber and magnesium parts keep the DBX S’s weight down

New for the Aston Martin DBX S is a carbon fiber roof “presented in a glorious single-weave pattern, which, at almost three meters square, is by far the largest such carbon element ever fitted to an Aston Martin.” Optional 23-inch magnesium wheels are another first on the DBX S, but 23-inch forged aluminum wheels come fitted as standard. Aston Martin notes that if you do opt for the carbon roof and/or the magnesium wheels, you’ll lose the standard roof rails, allowing for further weight savings at the cost of functionality. If you’re willing to sacrifice functionality in favor of less weight, we’re admittedly curious why one wouldn’t just opt for the Vantage instead of the DBX in the first place. Regardless, the DBX S’s focus on increased power and decreased weight highlights its commitment to extreme and uncompromising performance, akin to what the Turbo GT stands for within the extensive Porsche Cayenne lineup.

The Aston Martin DBX S’s enhancements continue into its cabin

Other enhancements for the Aston Martin DBX S include a bespoke ‘S’ interior theme, “the most notable feature being the distinctive herringbone design which comes as standard on the seats, but which is also extended to the headlining if the optional Carbon roof is chosen.” Alcantara is also prevalent in the DBX S cabin as a nod to the SUV’s focus on weight reduction. Aston Martin’s Premium Audio 800w, 14-speaker surround sound audio system comes standard, but a 1,600w, 23-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system is available as well. The Aston DBX S’s richly luxurious interior continues the brand’s tradition of blending thrilling performance with lavish materials and distinct luxury.

Final thoughts

The Aston Martin DBX S is the brand’s most extreme SUV yet, and perhaps one of the brand’s most extreme vehicles ever produced. It’s yet another fine entry into Aston Martin’s superbly compelling contemporary lineup, which, thanks to its current ownership under Canadian businessman Lawrence Stroll, has become more competitive than ever before, giving brands like Porsche, Ferrari, and Lamborghini a run for their money.

The DBX S seems to take clear aim at the likes of the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, the Lamborghini Urus Performante, and perhaps the Ferrari Purosangue, clearly signalling Aston Martin’s intentions to earn the respect from buyers they once missed out on as a result of unappealing traits such as dated interior design, poor tech, and questionable build quality–all of which have been properly addressed under the brand’s latest stewardship.