Overview
For those who covet an Aston Martin and can afford a six-figure SUV, the 2024 DBX checks both boxes. While its larger footprint and extra mass mean it’s not nearly as satisfying to drive as the British brand’s sports cars, the DBX offers things none of them do, such as an inhabitable back seat and towing ability. It has considerably more cargo space than the DBS or Vantage too. Of course, the high-riding Aston still delivers high performance thanks to its rowdy twin-turbo V-8, which makes either 542 or 697 horsepower. The higher figure applies to the sport-tuned DBX 707, which races to 60 mph in an impressive 3.1 seconds. Still, there are quicker alternatives that cost less, and the ultra-lux SUV should have more modern safety tech than it does. At least its richly appointed cabin and countless customizable options help its desirability, and there aren’t many other SUVs that are as handsome as the 2024 Aston Martin DBX.
What’s New for 2024?
The DBX lineup carries over unchanged for the 2024 model year.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Aston Martin provides an impressive number of personalization options for the DBX, especially through its Q customization service. The company’s online configurator shows several different appearance packages. We’re partial to the standard DBX with the Accelerate interior theme, with its mix of leather and faux suede and the Sports Plus seats. On the outside, we’d choose the pretty Minotaur Green paint as well as the 22-inch black-and-bronze Ribbon wheels. We’d also opt for the tow package, the power tailgate, and the Sports Exhaust system that lets us better enjoy the engine’s music.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The regular DBX is powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 engine supplied by Mercedes-AMG. The engine makes 542 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque and pairs with a nine-speed automatic transmission, also supplied by Mercedes. The DBX 707 features a revised version of the AMG powertrain that generates 697 horsepower and 663 pound-feet of torque. Its nine-speed automatic uses a wet-clutch pack instead of the torque converter used by the standard transmission. While the DBX is fundamentally rear-wheel drive, a center transfer case sends torque to the front axle when slippage is detected at the rear. It also has a limited-slip rear differential and can tow up to 5940 pounds. Adaptive dampers and height-adjustable air springs come standard on the Aston—a boon for off-road adventuring. The DBX we tested rushed to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, which is respectable for a hot SUV, but the Lamborghini Urus and other rivals are notably quicker. The DBX 707 was much quicker and hit 60 mph in 3.1 seconds. The version we drove on England’s best roads showcased the engine’s lusty soundtrack and the transmission’s unobtrusive operation. Thanks to a diverse set of drive modes, its chassis demonstrated a broad range of demeanors, from refined and relaxed to responsive and playful. Despite its short 157-foot stop from 70 mph, the ute suffered from an unresponsive brake pedal.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Per the EPA’s methodology, the regular DBX will earn 14 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway. We haven’t had the chance to evaluate the standard model’s real-world fuel economy on our 75-mph highway route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, but when we do we will update this story with test results. For more information about the DBX’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The DBX shares a lot of its switchgear with the rest of the Aston Martin family. The cabin is covered in attractively stitched leather, soft-touch surfaces, and a microsuede headliner. The ute comes standard with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, customizable ambient lighting, three-zone climate control, and heated front and rear seats. Desirable options include ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a variety of even fancier cabin materials. Rear-seat space is ample, with plenty of knee and headroom for adults. There’s a good amount of cargo volume, too, with 22 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat and 54 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The large 10.2-inch infotainment screen—based on an aging Mercedes interface—doesn’t respond to touch inputs. Instead, you control the unit through the steering-wheel buttons as well as a rotary knob on the center console; an integrated touchpad is optional. The system includes popular features, such as Apple CarPlay integration, built-in navigation, a 14-speaker stereo, and several USB and 12-volt charging outlets.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The DBX is available with some driver-assistance technology, but the roster is surprisingly absent of expected content such as lane-keeping assist. For more information about the DBX’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features:
- Standard front and rear parking sensors
- Standard 360-degree camera system
- Standard automatic high-beams
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Aston’s current warranty includes unremarkable limited and powertrain coverage. Buyers can pay more for extended plans that include some scheduled maintenance visits.
- Limited warranty covers three years and unlimited miles
- Powertrain warranty covers three years and unlimited miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Specifications
Specifications
2023 Aston Martin DBX 707
Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $239,086/$292,186
ENGINE
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 243 in3, 3982 cm3
Power: 697 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 663 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
TRANSMISSION
9-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: multilink/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 16.5-in vented, cross-drilled carbon-ceramic disc/15.4-in vented, cross-drilled carbon-ceramic disc
Tires: Pirelli P Zero A8A
F: 285/35ZR-23 (107Y) Extra Load
R: 325/30ZR-23 (109Y) Extra Load
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 120.5 in
Length: 198.4 in
Width: 78.7 in
Height: 66.1 in
Passenger Volume: 109 ft3
Cargo Volume: 22 ft3
Curb Weight: 5128 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 3.1 sec
100 mph: 7.9 sec
1/4-Mile: 11.5 sec @ 119 mph
130 mph: 14.2 sec
150 mph: 21.2 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 4.5 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.7 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.1 sec
Top Speed (mfr’s claim): 193 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 151 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 303 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.94 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 15 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 17/15/20 mpg
2021 Aston Martin DBX
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE AS TESTED
$195,586 (base price: $179,986)
ENGINE TYPE
twin-turbocharged and intercooled V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement
243 in3, 3982 cm3
Power
542 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque
516 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
TRANSMISSION
9-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): multilink/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 16.1-in vented, grooved disc/15.4-in vented, grooved disc
Tires: Pirelli P Zero PZ4 PNCS, F: 285/40ZR22 (101Y) A8A R: 325/35ZR22 (114Y) A8A
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 120.5 in
Length: 198.4 in
Width: 78.7 in
Height: 66.1 in
Passenger volume: 109 ft3
Cargo volume: 22 ft3
Curb weight: 5128 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 3.9 sec
100 mph: 9.5 sec
150 mph: 25.6 sec
1/4 mile: 12.4 sec @ 114 mph
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 4.7 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 2.7 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 3.4 sec
Top speed (mfr’s claim): 181 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 157 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 310 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.92 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 13 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 15/14/18 mpg
