The Gentleman Magazine Issue 18 | December 2019 | Page 27
A bold new chapter and a landmark moment in Aston Martin’s
illustrious 106-year history, Aston Martin has today unveiled
its first SUV and a model that will propel the brand to new
heights worldwide. That model, is DBX. More than ever before, this clean sheet of paper has allowed
all departments within Aston Martin to innovate and push the
boundaries of what British design and engineering can create,
resulting in a truly remarkable product.
The culmination of an extensive development programme
that began with physical testing in Wales last year and virtual
development stretching back to 2015, DBX signals a new era
in Aston Martin’s pursuit to deliver exceptional performance,
style and usability in a segment previously unexplored by the
world-famous manufacturer. Bringing both the versatility and
indulgence expected of a luxury SUV with sports car levels of
dynamic performance, DBX sets a bold new standard in this
sector. Utilising bonded aluminium, a construction method Aston
Martin has refined through the development of its sports
cars, the body structure is both very light and incredibly stiff,
assisting in the delivery of an overall kerbweight of 2,245kg.
Right from its genesis, it was designed to allow maximum
room in the cabin, putting a premium on refinement and
class leading spaciousness for both front and rear occupants.
Meanwhile, the exceptional stiffness inherent in the design of
the new platform has also enabled DBX to achieve exceptional
dynamics both on and off-road.
Aston Martin Lagonda President & Group CEO, Dr. Andy
Palmer said: “I can’t emphasise enough how incredibly
exciting and significant DBX is for Aston Martin. Through its
development alone, this beautiful SUV has already taken the
company into new territories and in inspiring directions. DBX
also marks a key moment in the delivery of the third and final
phase of our Second Century Plan, not only representing the
promised expansion of our portfolio but also signaling the start
of production at Aston Martin’s second manufacturing plant.
We have both delivered this model through our expertise, but
also by garnering invaluable experience and knowledge from
external counsel, including our Female Advisory Board. This is
a real landmark for this great British brand and I promise that
DBX will reward all who experience it in their everyday lives.”
Set to be built in Aston Martin’s purpose-built manufacturing
facility in St Athan, Wales, the foundation of DBX is a new
dedicated SUV platform, something rarely seen across the
sector.
Adaptive triple volume air suspension has been combined
with the latest 48v electric anti-roll control system (eARC) and
electronic adaptive dampers to provide the new SUV with a
huge breadth of ability. With its capacity to raise the ride height
by 45mm or lower it by 50mm the air suspension gives any
driver the confidence to tackle a wide range of terrain. While
this of course provides benefits while on the move, the system
can be further programmed to aid with ingress, egress and
loading requirements, aiding on a practical level.
The adaptive triple chamber air springs enable variable spring
stiffness, giving both luxurious comfort and dynamic prowess.
Extraordinarily the eARC – capable of 1,400Nm of anti-roll
force per axle – can limit DBX’s body roll for handling that is
much more akin to that of a sports car than an SUV.
The Gentleman Magazine | 27