2023 Aston Martin DBX

Name: 2023 Aston Martin DBX Review
Brand: Aston Martin

Release Date: On sale now

Estimated Price: DBX707 starts at $236,000 (not including destination)

+19

We never thought we'd live to see an SUV by Aston Martin and yet here we are. The DBX blends Aston Martin's distinctive styling with a spacious cabin, a decent amount of utility, and a powerful V8 engine. But in a growing field of super SUVs, the DBX doesn't break any ground in performance, function or technology. In other words, you'll have to really want an Aston Martin SUV to justify paying for one.

Pros

Gutsy turbocharged engines
Sharp steering, stellar handling
Plenty of standard interior luxuries

Cons

Dated infotainment system
Ride on rough roads can be harsh
Driver assist technology isn't as refined as it should be

Aston Martin DBX for Sale

2023 Aston Martin DBX Review

byCameron Rogers^{Manager, News
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).}

What's new

New DBX707 version with almost 700 horsepower
Part of the first DBX generation introduced for 2021

Overview

The Aston Martin DBX is the British sports car maker's first SUV. The DBX delivers the effortless performance and exceptional craftsmanship we've come to expect from the U.K.-based firm and provides a bit more ground clearance and utility than other Astons.

The standard DBX soldiers on with few changes for 2023. The big news this year is the DBX707, a more extreme version of the DBX tuned to 697 horsepower. The new model receives a host of performance upgrades, including a new wet-clutch nine-speed automatic transmission, carbon-ceramic brakes, specific calibrations for the air suspension and anti-roll system, a revised rear limited-slip differential and new driver-selectable performance modes. The result of these upgrades is an SUV that's surprisingly nimble and engaging on curvy roads and face-meltingly quick in a straight line. At the same time, the 707 is reasonably comfortable (even equipped with the available 23-inch wheels), easy to drive in traffic, and relatively docile when driven with a light foot.

The DBX707 elevates the Aston SUV's performance capabilities, but unfortunately it doesn't fix any of the model's key issues. By far the biggest of those issues is the DBX's outdated infotainment system, which doesn't offer touchscreen functionality and generally feels old and clunky compared to its competition. Speaking of competition, the DBX's rivals include such heavy hitters as the Lamborghini Urus, Bentley Bentayga, Porsche Cayenne Coupe Turbo GT and the new Ferrari Purosangue. The DBX is a fine ultra-luxury SUV and is uniquely Aston Martin inside and out, but if cutting-edge tech is a priority for you, you'll want to look elsewhere. Check out our test team's Expert Rating below to get the full download on the DBX.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Average

7.6

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

8.0/10

How does the DBX drive? Aston Martins have never been about world-dominating speed and grip, and the DBX isn't looking to change that. Instead you'll find an appreciable balance of everything that makes for a suitable grand-touring vehicle.

With its turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 thrumming under the hood, our DBX test vehicle sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and cleared the quarter mile in 12.5 seconds at 112 mph. That's ample speed for a performance SUV. The DBX also has a quick-shifting gearbox, communicative steering, and strong and smooth braking. Our only real complaints pertain to a slightly unrefined engine stop-start system and mildly overbearing stability control.

Comfort

8.0/10

How comfortable is the DBX? The DBX is comfortable but falls short in a few areas. The front seats in particular feel a little flat and unyielding. They have excellent lateral support to hold you in place while cornering, but they lack any extending support for the lower cushion. The standard adaptive air suspension delivers a commendable ride over nearly any surface, especially considering the large 22-inch wheels that the DBX rolls on. Road noise is also pretty minimal, though wind noise is somewhat more prevalent.

The DBX has tri-zone climate (some competitors offer four-zone systems) and the system is able to warm or cool the cabin quickly. The heated and ventilated seats also work quickly. But we don't like the way the climate controls are laid out. Some functions are toggles or capacitive buttons, while other functions are accessed through the digital display.

Interior

7.5/10

How’s the interior? Aston Martin has put some of the most beautiful sports cars on the road. But with the DBX, some of the eye-catching design comes at the expense of function. Door handles, window controls and seat controls all look great but present ergonomic challenges. Our biggest gripe concerns the infotainment system: The central display lacks touchscreen functionality. Seriously, why?

The rest of the DBX interior is quite good. The cabin is spacious, especially in the back seat. There's a generous amount of legroom and enough headroom to accommodate someone as tall as 6-foot-5. Despite the unintuitive seat controls, we eventually found a comfortable driving position as well. Visibility out of the cockpit is good, especially to the front.

Technology

7.0/10

How’s the tech? Technology is where the DBX indisputably trails the pack. First, the good: 1) the 14-speaker audio system, which doesn't carry the markings of any notable audio brand, produces crisp and clear sound and 2) the voice recognition system can recognize most commands using natural speech.

It's mostly downhill from there. Everything from using the navigation system to changing the climate controls is a small chore. The infotainment system is supposed to have Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, but we were unable to get it to work during our DBX test. There are four USB ports for charging devices but no wireless charger, which we think is an oversight at this price.

Though the DBX had most of the modern advanced driving aids, their functionality left much to be desired. Adaptive cruise stopped abruptly on a few occasions, and the lane keeping system seemed far too sensitive in detecting lane markings yet proved useless for actually staying in the lane.

Storage

7.5/10

How’s the storage? Cargo and storage is always a relevant topic for any SUV, no matter how exotic. The DBX offers a fairly good amount of utility with a rear cargo area of just over 22 cubic feet, and all of it is pretty usable. The rear seats split in three sections and fold virtually flat for when you need to carry longer items.

Inside there are various places, all modestly sized, for storing personal items. A leather-lined bonus area beneath the center console looks to be a perfect spot for a wireless charger, but we didn't find one there. Most luxury SUVs don't do a great job of offering ample interior storage, so the DBX is not an outlier. Should you want to use your exotic SUV as a school bus, you'll be pleased to know that the child safety seat anchors are easily accessible, and there's a helpful amount of space for installing even a bulky rear-facing model.

Fuel Economy

6.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? This is not the SUV to buy if you're concerned with efficiency, but that said, it's not the worst of the bunch either. Our text DBX carried a rating of 15 mpg combined (14 city/18 highway), which aligns with vehicles such as the BMW X5 M and Bentley Bentayga. But let's be real, no one will be making this point. For what it's worth, the DBX returned slightly better fuel economy than expected on Edmunds' 115-mile evaluation route, averaging 19.7 mpg.

Value

6.5/10

Is the DBX a good value? While you can't really place a value on exclusivity, we can compare what a vehicle objectively offers versus its competition. The quality of materials in the DBX is exquisite, and we can't remember any vehicle with more leather-wrapped surfaces. There is a lot of super-soft leather here.

For better and for worse, Astons also have a hand-built quality and feel to them. Some gaps and seams, though, aren't quite lined up tightly, and while some may find this charming, others might find it frustrating at this price point. But objectively speaking, the DBX offers nothing that its less expensive peers provide other than the Aston Martin badge. For some, the brand alone is a compelling enough argument.

The DBX offers similar warranty coverage to other brands of this ilk, with three years of comprehensive warranty coverage and roadside assistance and a 10-year corrosion warranty, all without mileage limits.

Wildcard

8.5/10

The DBX is middle of the pack when it comes to fun behind the wheel. Most other exotic SUVs are quicker and have more grip, but the DBX offers a more artisanal balance of things. Those expecting world-beating performance will be left wanting more, but if you're familiar with the Aston Martin experience, the DBX will feel just right.

And when it comes to design, we think Aston Martin nailed the look of the DBX. The brand's design DNA translates surprisingly well, with muscular lines that also manage to look graceful. It looks like an Aston Martin but also like nothing else on the road.

Which DBX does Edmunds recommend?

The extra power and performance of the DBX707 are certainly tempting, but the standard DBX should be more than quick enough for most. By going with the regular version, you'll save over $50,000 and still have a potent and lavishly appointed SUV. If you want an even more opulent experience, you can use the money you save getting lost in Aston Martin's extensive customization options.

Aston Martin DBX models

The 2023 Aston Martin DBX is available in two forms: the standard DBX and the ultra-high-performance DBX707. The base DBX is powered by a 4.0-liter turbocharged V8 engine that makes 542 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque and is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission that routes power to all four wheels. The DBX707 gets a high-output version of this engine good for 697 hp and 663 lb-ft. The special model also receives a unique wet-clutch nine-speed automatic, a retuned all-wheel-drive system and an air suspension further refined for performance. A seemingly endless list of option packages and customization options is available through the company's Q customization service. If that seems overwhelming, the DBX can also be purchased in a number of preconfigured variants to help keep things simple.

DBX
Even without options, the Aston is luxuriously equipped with:

22-inch wheels
Adjustable air suspension with adaptive dampers and variable ride height
Electronic limited-slip differential for the rear axle
Six drive modes, including two off-road modes
LED headlights
Power tailgate
Acoustically laminated windshield and side windows (reduces cabin noise at high speeds)
Keyless entry with push-button start
Full leather upholstery
Heated, 12-way power-adjustable front seats with memory function
Three-zone climate control
10-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation
Apple CarPlay compatibility
Navigation system with traffic sign recognition
Heated rear seats
Panoramic sunroof
14-speaker audio system
Four USB ports

DBX707
The extra-spicy version of the DBX turns up the heat with:

697-hp twin-turbocharged V8 engine
Recalibrated adjustable air suspension with adaptive dampers
Carbon-ceramic brakes
Enhanced drive modes with console-mounted controls
Unique front and rear bumpers
16-way power-adjustable front sport seats
Dark chrome interior trim

There are a few à la carte options potential buyers might be interested in such as:

Sport exhaust system
16-way adjustable, heated Sport Plus seats
23-inch wheels
Tow bar
Wireless charging mat
Ventilated front and rear seats
Heated steering wheel

The DBX also comes standard with:

Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Aston Martin and the car in front)
Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the DBX and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
Lane keeping assistance (steers the DBX back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
Blind-spot warning (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
Hill descent control (ensures a controlled, low speed when descending a steep incline)
Hill start assist (ensures the vehicle won't roll backward when ascending a steep incline)
Automatic high beams

Highlights of some of the DBX's many available option packages include:

Interior Protection package

All-weather floor mats
All-weather load space mat
Rear seat covers
Rear bumper protector

Convenience package

Hands-free tailgate
Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)
Touchpad with control for garage door opener

Indulgence package

16-way power-adjustable front seats with memory function
Heated and ventilated front and rear seats
Tinted rear side windows with added sound insulation

DB Elegance package

Quilted and perforated leather seating surfaces
Upgraded leatherwork with embroidery

Events package

Rear-facing trunk-mounted seats
Food and dining storage, including a chilled compartment
Picnic blanket
Umbrella strap

Snow package

2023 Aston Martin DBX video

Lamborghini Urus vs. Aston Martin DBX | Exotic SUV Showdown & Drag Race

NOTE: This video is about the 2021 Aston Martin DBX, but since the 2023 Aston Martin DBX is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.

The Aston Martin DBX and Lamborghini Urus are among the quickest and most opulent SUVs money can buy. These are super SUVs with the power and luxury to match, which means our expectations are in the stratosphere.

2023 Aston Martin DBX First Impressions

byKurt Niebuhr

•2/01/2022 (updated 4/12/2022)

What is the DBX?

The DBX is far and away Aston Martin's most popular vehicle, accounting for half of the company's worldwide sales last year. It's not hard to see why the DBX resonates with buyers of high-end luxury SUVs. It faithfully adapts the design, driving feel and craftsmanship that Aston Martin sports cars are known for in a more family-friendly vehicle. But if for some reason you were thinking the DBX lacked performance, there's a new version that might entice you: the 2023 Aston Martin DBX707.

The 2023 Aston Martin DBX707 starts by bumping the DBX's output by about 30%, then adds hardware to make the most of the extra power. Here's everything we know about this more muscular DBX.

What's under the DBX's hood?

Every DBX is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 sourced from Mercedes-Benz. In regular DBX models, the engine produces a stout 542 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque and is matched to a nine-speed traditional automatic transmission. We've tested it and recorded a 0-60 mph sprint of 4.4 seconds. That's certainly quick but notably slower than other performance-focused SUVs such as the Bentley Bentayga and BMW X5 M.

The new DBX707 should make up for the standard model's shortcomings. The DBX707 starts with an upgraded version of the V8, this time tuned to make 697 horsepower and 663 lb-ft of torque. The transmission has also been revised to provide even quicker shifts. Aston says the significantly more potent engine should help the 707 accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds. If proven true, that would make the DBX707 quicker than the above SUVs and place it among the world's quickest SUVs, up there with the Cayenne Turbo GT, Lamborghini Urus and Tesla Model X.

Added performance rarely only means added power, and the DBX707 incorporates a set of hardware upgrades meant to rein in speed and enhance the big SUV's cornering abilities. Behind the standard 22-inch wheels is a set of carbon-ceramic brakes, which should allow the DBX707 to slow consistently, even after a punishing day carving along mountain roads. Handling should be improved by DBX707-specific calibrations for the air suspension and anti-roll system. Aston Martin also said it revised the stability control system, though it didn't detail what exactly got changed. We hope it has looser reins as the standard model's restrictive ESC prevented it from being a superstar at our track.

How does the DBX drive?

Our time in the DBX707 had us traversing mountain roads as well as a good hundred miles of highway and the big Aston felt equally at home in both environments. On the highway, the 707's steering didn't suffer any nervousness or ever feel vague or disconnected. Even with our test car's optional 23-inch (!) wheel and tire package, the ride was surprisingly good. You certainly felt and heard larger potholes, but nothing really upset the ride.

When a good stretch of road beckoned, the DBX707 was more than willing to get down to business. Perhaps the biggest surprise up the Aston's sleeve was just how natural the 707 felt while it was being hustled around. Cranking a performance SUV up to 11 can sometimes create a near parody of the sports car experience, with hyper-quick reactions, an overly aggressive ride and tricky handling. But the Aston remained communicative and compliant and allowed for easy, if not alarming, levels of speed on tight, flowing roads. Credit should also go to the DBX707's impressive 52/48 front-rear weight distribution just as much as it goes to the retuned electronic differentials to help you maximize traction for both turning and acceleration.

In fact, you almost forget the near 700 horsepower that lives just beneath your right foot. There's so much torque that the transmission doesn't really need to work hard, but it's very well calibrated for the brawny power curve of the 707's monster motor. And should you need to pass a few vehicles, the 707 will be happy to sail well into triple-digit speeds without hesitation. It's almost deceptively fast, if you can say that about a 697-horsepower SUV. But if you need reminding just how potent the DBX 707 is, you can find an empty stretch of road, activate the 707's launch control system, and experience wheelspin from all four wheels. Aston says the DBX707 can hit 60 in just over 3 seconds, and we have absolutely no reason to doubt that figure.

How comfortable is the DBX?

The 707 comes standard with sport seats (less aggressive comfort seats are a no-cost option), and we found them to be fairly comfortable and supportive without being too aggressively bolstered. Like the ones in the standard DBX, these seats are quite firm, so if you prefer a more cushioned seat, you might want to give these a test sit before buying. Otherwise, the DBX707 is an extremely well-appointed and well-constructed SUV and offers a level of personalization that few other vehicles, SUV or otherwise, can match.

How's the DBX's interior?

Leather, chrome and imitation suede blanket nearly every surface of the DBX's interior — exactly what you'd expect of a vehicle that starts at around $180,000. The DBX707's sticker is about $50,000 higher than that, and you get a few interior upgrades to drive home its performance theme. Sport front seats come standard, as does upholstery that is a mix of Alcantara faux suede and leather. The base DBX's comfort-oriented seats are available as a no cost-option, and the Alcantara can be exchanged for a full-leather option. As expected, buyers have a wealth of upholstery color, stitching color, veneer type, switchgear surrounds and more available to them should they want to customize the DBX707's interior environment to their liking.

The DBX is a five-seat midsize SUV that offers ample headroom and legroom in both rows. Despite the DBX's swept roofline, 6-footers will have no problem sitting in the rear comfortably — a good thing because the DBX's second-row seatbacks bizarrely do not recline. The standard DBX's exterior noise is reasonably quelled, which makes for a pleasant passenger experience. We can't say the same just yet for the DBX707, which comes with four exhaust pipes and a (presumably) throatier engine note.

How's the DBX's tech?

Nothing's really changed in the infotainment department, which means the DBX still offers an attractive 10.25-inch display that, sadly, lacks touchscreen capability. Based on an older Mercedes-Benz system, it lacks more than a few of the more modern functions offered by its rivals, and we don't think the rotary control knob has enough room around it to be operated properly.

Though Android Auto is not compatible, Apple CarPlay is. There's also a wireless charging pad and plenty of USB and charging ports available for all passengers. Navigation is standard as is a 14-speaker, 800-watt audio system.

Advanced driver aids include a surround-view camera, parking sensors, and parking assist feature that steers you into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention. Other systems including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are all standard.

Edmunds says

The new Aston Martin DBX707 turns a quick, comfortable cruiser into one of the fastest SUVs on the market. Our only disappointment is the seemingly interminable wait to get behind the wheel for thorough evaluation and testing by our experts.