Luxury cars have long been at the forefront of automotive technology, showcasing cutting-edge features that set them apart. For those who appreciate the blend of opulence and innovation, the 2021 Aston Martin Dbx presents an intriguing proposition. While it might not boast the most futuristic technology, this SUV excels in delivering the core elements of a grand-touring luxury vehicle: striking aesthetics, exhilarating performance, and a truly luxurious feel.
The DBX carves its own path by emphasizing traditional luxury values. It’s a vehicle that prioritizes the tactile and visceral experience of driving, offering a sense of occasion and refinement that is deeply rooted in Aston Martin’s heritage. In a market increasingly dominated by technological wizardry, the DBX offers a refreshing take on what a luxury SUV can be. It impresses not just with gadgets, but with its inherent quality and driving dynamics. This approach allows the 2021 Aston Martin DBX to stand out as a genuinely compelling option in the crowded luxury SUV segment.
2021 Aston Martin DBX: Key Specifications
Here’s a detailed look at the specifications of the 2021 Aston Martin DBX, providing a snapshot of what powers and defines this luxury SUV:
- Starting MSRP (as tested): $179,986 ($219,186 as tested with options)
- Engine: 4.0-liter Twin-Turbo V8
- Transmission: 9-speed Automatic
- Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
- Power Output: 542 Horsepower at 6,500 rpm
- Torque Performance: 516 lb-ft of Torque from 2,200 to 5,000 rpm
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 4.3 seconds
- Top Speed: 181 mph
- Cargo Capacity: 22.3 cubic feet
- Fuel Economy (EPA Estimated): 14 mpg City / 18 mpg Highway / 15 mpg Combined
- Summary: A luxury SUV that successfully blends traditional craftsmanship with robust performance, offering a unique driving experience.
- Rating: 7/10
Aston Martin DBX: The Basics of a Luxury SUV
The 2021 DBX marks a significant milestone as Aston Martin’s first foray into the SUV market. Joining the ranks of other prestigious marques like Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Lamborghini, Aston Martin has expanded its portfolio to meet the growing demand for luxury SUVs. This strategic diversification allows these brands to compete effectively in a contemporary automotive landscape increasingly oriented towards trucks and SUVs. While the concept of a “Super SUV” may be debated among purists, the DBX exemplifies how such vehicles can be exceptionally executed, contributing to the financial health of these iconic brands and enabling the development of their more traditional sports car offerings.
One of the critical challenges in designing a luxury SUV is achieving visual harmony. Competitors like the Bentley Bentayga, Lamborghini Urus, and Rolls-Royce Cullinan have faced varying degrees of success in translating their brand aesthetics to the SUV form factor. The DBX, however, masterfully embodies classic Aston Martin design language within an SUV silhouette. It leans towards a refined, elevated wagon appearance, rather than a boxy, conventional SUV. This design philosophy, coupled with striking “Ribbon Gloss Graphite” wheels, positions the DBX as a leader in the visual appeal of high-performance luxury SUVs. It’s an SUV that manages to be both practical and undeniably beautiful.
Inside the DBX: A Sanctuary of Traditional Luxury
Stepping inside the 2021 Aston Martin DBX is akin to entering a meticulously crafted sanctuary of traditional luxury. The interior echoes the brand’s renowned design ethos, emphasizing handcrafted materials and thoughtful detailing. Lavish leather upholstery envelops nearly every surface, complemented by authentic wood trim featuring a sophisticated satin finish. The design of every element, from the switchgear to the door handles and air vents, reflects a painstaking level of consideration. The overall ambiance is one of solidity and premium craftsmanship, creating an environment that feels both substantial and exquisitely refined.
This dedication to luxury is seamlessly integrated with excellent ergonomics. The seats, both in the front and rear, offer a harmonious blend of support and comfort, ideal for long journeys or daily commutes. The rear seats provide a particularly cozy and intimate atmosphere, enhancing passenger comfort. While the infotainment system might not lead in cutting-edge graphics or processing speed – perhaps feeling slightly dated compared to newer systems – its functionality is adequate. It performs reliably in essential tasks and doesn’t detract from the otherwise exceptional cabin environment. In everyday driving scenarios, such as highway cruising or navigating through traffic, the DBX’s interior remains a pleasant and relaxing space to occupy.
The Driving Dynamics of the Aston Martin DBX
The robust and refined feeling experienced within the DBX’s interior seamlessly extends to its driving dynamics. Under the hood lies a potent 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, sourced from Mercedes-AMG, a renowned powerhouse in the automotive world. This engine, celebrated for its responsiveness and broad powerband, is a key component of the DBX’s performance capabilities. The twin-turbo configuration minimizes turbo lag, delivering near-instantaneous torque, creating a sensation of immense power on demand.
The DBX’s acceleration is delivered via an all-wheel-drive system and a smooth 9-speed automatic transmission, also a Mercedes-Benz component. While a dual-clutch transmission might offer quicker shifts, the existing automatic is well-suited to the DBX’s character as a grand touring SUV, prioritizing smoothness and refinement over outright track performance. The vehicle’s weight, at 4,940 pounds, is perceptible, but the expertly tuned chassis and suspension effectively manage this mass. The DBX exhibits impressive grip and composed handling, inspiring confidence even when cornering. The substantial 542 horsepower output ensures that the DBX never feels cumbersome; its mid-range performance is particularly strong, providing effortless acceleration for overtaking and highway driving.
The true brilliance of the DBX chassis emerges on varied road surfaces, including rough pavement and gravel. Its triple-chamber air suspension system is remarkably effective at absorbing imperfections, providing a ride quality that rivals even dedicated off-road vehicles known for their comfort. Despite riding on large 22-inch wheels, the DBX maintains exceptional composure and smoothness, even on challenging road conditions. The steering is precise and well-weighted, the brakes are firm and responsive, and the throttle is finely tuned, all contributing to an engaging and confidence-inspiring driving experience. While not explicitly designed for hardcore off-roading, the DBX excels in real-world conditions, offering a blend of comfort and capability that is truly exceptional.
High Points and Areas for Improvement in the DBX
The 2021 Aston Martin DBX undeniably excels as a luxury SUV, successfully blending traditional luxury with performance. However, in a rapidly evolving automotive landscape, there are areas where the DBX could be enhanced to maintain its competitive edge. While its focus on classic luxury is a strength, integrating more advanced technology, especially driver-assistance systems, would elevate its appeal even further. Competitors, including those in lower price brackets, are increasingly offering sophisticated tech features like advanced driver aids and cutting-edge infotainment systems.
For instance, systems like Cadillac’s Super Cruise offer hands-free highway driving, setting a new benchmark in driver convenience. While Aston Martin, as a smaller manufacturer, may have resource limitations, the next iteration of the DBX should prioritize incorporating more contemporary technology to remain at the forefront of the luxury SUV segment. Features such as radar cruise control and a standard 10-inch navigation screen are functional, but the market is moving towards larger, curved OLED displays, enhanced connectivity, and more comprehensive driver-assistance packages.
In terms of performance, the DBX’s powertrain is generally impressive, delivering exhilarating acceleration and ample power. However, there are instances where the power delivery and transmission response could be more refined. While often mind-bendingly quick, the torque delivery isn’t always consistently strong, and the transmission can sometimes feel hesitant to shift optimally. The absence of launch control, a feature common in performance vehicles, feels like a missed opportunity to underscore the DBX’s sporting credentials, especially given its AWD system and high horsepower output.
Despite these minor shortcomings, the DBX’s strengths are undeniable. Its exceptional ride quality and potent powertrain make it a joy to drive in various conditions. The DBX excels as a driving tool, offering effortless power for daily commuting, highway cruising, and spirited driving. Furthermore, its bespoke platform, unique to Aston Martin and not shared with other brands, adds to its exclusivity and specialness in a market where platform sharing is increasingly common.
DBX Pricing and Competitive Landscape
The 2021 Aston Martin DBX enters a competitive segment populated by established luxury SUVs. Its closest competitor in terms of price and performance is arguably the Bentley Bentayga. However, a key differentiator for the DBX is its exclusive platform. The Bentayga, along with the Lamborghini Urus, Audi Q8, Audi Q7, and Porsche Cayenne, shares a common platform within the Volkswagen Group. This shared underpinning arguably dilutes the exclusivity of these vehicles compared to the DBX, which stands alone on its dedicated architecture.
The DBX not only boasts a unique platform but also arguably surpasses the Urus in aesthetic appeal and holds a stronger brand cachet than the Audi and Porsche offerings. Compared to the Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan, the DBX leans towards a more performance-oriented character, aligning with Aston Martin’s sporting heritage. The appeal of the DBX mirrors the allure of Aston Martin’s sports cars: a blend of performance, luxury, and distinctive style.
The DBX also offers extensive customization options, allowing buyers to personalize their vehicle to an exceptional degree. The test vehicle, with approximately $39,200 in options over the base MSRP of $179,986, illustrates the breadth of personalization available. While some options, such as blacked-out badging or colored brake calipers, carry a premium, they represent a relatively small fraction of the overall vehicle cost for buyers in this segment. The sheer volume of choices, spanning exterior colors and interior upholsteries, ensures that DBX owners can create a truly bespoke vehicle, reflecting the core principle of luxury car ownership: personalization and exclusivity.
Final Verdict: The 2021 Aston Martin DBX – A Worthy Luxury SUV
The 2021 Aston Martin DBX is unequivocally a compelling vehicle and a distinguished luxury SUV. More than just another luxury SUV in an oversaturated market, it genuinely earns its Aston Martin badge. The Aston Martin name evokes a legacy of beautiful design and refined engineering, qualities that are palpably present in the DBX. From its meticulously engineered chassis to its striking exterior design and exquisitely crafted interior, the DBX embodies the essence of a super SUV. The engine starts with a refined smoothness, and while the V8’s exhaust note is present, the cabin remains remarkably quiet and composed, creating a serene driving environment.
The DBX achieves a unique equilibrium of performance and luxury, making it a standout in its class. As Aston Martin looks towards the future and the development of the DBX’s second generation, there’s immense potential for further enhancements. For the present, the 2021 DBX justifies its base price through its build quality, performance capabilities, and aesthetic appeal. To fully capitalize on its value proposition and broaden its market appeal, incorporating advanced technology features is crucial. While the DBX excels in driving dynamics, the increasing prevalence of driver-assistance systems in competing vehicles means that Aston Martin must adapt to meet evolving customer expectations.
Ultimately, an Aston Martin should be a comfortable and capable grand tourer. Features that reduce driver fatigue and enhance convenience in everyday driving are becoming integral to modern luxury. While the DBX delivers on traditional luxury elements, embracing technological advancements will be key to its continued success in the luxury SUV landscape.
