Aston Martin has unveiled a new, angrier version of the brand’s first luxury SUV – the DBX707.  Although the original DBX had softer-spoken performance figures in the super-SUV category, the DBX707 has flipped that notion, placing itself atop of the super luxury SUV segment. 

Yup, you guessed it – the DBX707 has 707PS, which translates into 519kW of power.

Underneath, the DBX707 uses the same Mercedes-AMG sourced 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 found in the standard DBX. Aston’s engineers have installed a pair of larger ball-bearing turbochargers and spent time tinkering with the engine tuning. 

Where the standard DBX produced 405kW of power and 700Nm of torque, Aston’s engine fettling generates a healthy increase of 115kW and 200Nm,

This means the DBX707 is good for 519kW of power and 900Nm of torque, sprinting to 100kmh in 3.2 seconds, while the speedo will climb to 310kmh. Helping the SUV along is a new 9-speed ‘wet clutch’ automatic transmission, capable of managing the increased torque loadings compared with a regular torque converter automatic.

The performance improvements mean the DBX707 topples the likes of the 478kW Lamborghini Urus, the 467kW Bentley Bentayga and the 471kW Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT. 

Is it the most powerful SUV created? Nope, that honour is still held by the 528kW Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, which is likely to be toppled by the Tesla Model X Plaid. But according to Aston, there’s nuance behind their numbers. 

Aston says that too often this class of car is characterised by a thuggish obsession with brute force. The DBX707 objective is to match immense performance with impeccable control and precision, combined with an authentic sporting character essential in every Aston Martin model. “A sabre in a segment of sledgehammers” Aston coins it.

In line with this ethos, Aston’s tweaked more than just the engine and gearbox.  DBX707 features a new electronic limited slip rear differential (e-diff). Strengthened to handle the full 900Nm of torque, which has a revised (shorter) final drive ratio of 3.27 compared to 3.07 for the original DBX. Torque distribution front-to-rear remains fully automatic, with the ability to send up to 100% of the torque to the rear axle on demand.

Aston has also tweaked the air suspension system, with a dedicated chassis tune for the DBX707. There’s also standard fitment of Carbon Ceramic Brakes, measuring 420mm front and 390mm rear, gripped by 6-piston calipers. The result is greater stopping power, less fade and a 40.5kg reduction in unsprung weight. Brake cooling has also been improved by taking air from both the main cooling intake and the underfloor.

So what’s the point of all these changes? Not only will your kids get to school faster than anyone else, Aston allegedly wants to take the Nurburgring’s fastest SUV record. Judging by all these upgrades, we’d say it has a fairly good chance.  

Signalling these record setting intentions on the outside is a larger front grille, an all-new day-time running light design complete with new air intakes and brake cooling ducts, plus a new front splitter. At the back, there’s a larger diffuser and a new rear bumper to house the new quad exhaust system. The DBX707 sits on 22’’ alloys as standard, with a 23’’ alloy option for those that think 22’’ isn’t large enough. 

Of course, Aston hasn’t alienated its core clientele of DBX.  The inside is still uber luxurious, with leather and other lush materials covering every surface. Aston’s also added soft-close doors for good measure. 

Deliveries of the DBX707 scheduled to begin early to mid-2022. While pricing hasn’t been indicated for New Zealand, it’s expected to cost more than $232,000 USD, meaning you ought to expect to pay north of $350,000 once it’s landed.   

Ken, our man in Japan, has tested the Aston Martin DBX. Check that review out here. 

I suppose all that’s left to say is – Aston, we’ll be free in April. 

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Alistair Weekes
A millennial who prefers driving cars to having avocado on toast.

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