The Gentleman Magazine Issue 18 | December 2019 | Page 29

Throughout the cabin, DBX maintains an authenticity
of materials, with judicious use of metal, glass and wood
throughout the cabin.
Another design highlight includes the elegantly crafted
bridged centre console allowing for both flexible storage below
and a beautiful, architectural centrepiece. This feature keeps
valuables close to hand while not occupying the passenger
seat and away from dirt on the car’s floor mats. As part of ‘Q
by Aston Martin’ – Aston Martin’s personalisation service -
optional features of this centre console can be machined from
a solid piece of wood, such as Walnut, for added tactility.
A contemporary range of exquisite wood, composite and metal
veneers ensure that the cabin can be tailored to any taste.
This includes a range of innovative materials and an industry
first application of a fabric made from 80% wool. A new flax
composite – derived from the same plant as fine linen – also
provides an alternative to carbon fibre and a distinctive design
aesthetic.
Framed by these materials is an abundance of technology. A
10.25” TFT screen sits elegantly flush in the centre console,
while a huge 12.3” TFT screen provides a wealth of information
to the driver. Apple CarPlay comes as standard, as does a
360-degree camera system and ambient lighting that offers 64
different colours in two zones.
DBX’s exterior works as hard as the interior at bringing the
elegance of Aston Martin’s sports cars into the world of the
SUV. From the signature ‘DB’ grille at the front, through the
sculptured sides and design feature line, to the tailgate with a
flip that draws inspiration from Vantage, this is an Aston Martin
from first glance to detailed inspection. Beautiful details like
the hidden side glass seals on the frameless doors and glass
B-pillar finishers add an elegant sleekness and confidence to
the stance. Cutaway sills also assist in narrowing the stepover
required to enter the sumptuous cabin, while reducing the risk
of ruining a fine dress or suit on arrival to a dinner engagement.
Aerodynamics were an important consideration within the
design process and this included the novel experience for the
team of running computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tests
with a DBX towing a trailer with a DB6 on it. At the car’s
front, the daytime running lights (DRLs) have an integrated
aerodynamic duct, which channels air through the front wheel
arches and along the side, helping to reduce both drag and lift
while also cooling the brakes. Air flows cleanly over the roof,
through the rear wing, over the rear window and on to the rear
flip. This unique approach and design detail allows the rear
screen to self-clear on the move. Aerodynamic design has also
played a key part in passenger comfort because as one of only a
few companies using computational aeroacoustics technology,
Aston Martin’s engineers have been able to keep cabin noise to
a minimum at speed.
Aston Martin is incredibly proud that DBX, an SUV intended
to expand the sales reach of the brand worldwide, will be built
in Britain at the new manufacturing plant in St Athan, Wales.
With its all-wheel drive system, DBX is a car that will allow the
company to increase its presence in markets where perhaps the
weather or terrain is less than conducive to rear-wheel drive
sports cars. The clear emphasis on a spacious and luxurious
cabin – whether seated in the front or back – will also allow
Aston Martin to better reach customers who prefer to be
driven rather than drive.
Further adding to the desirability of DBX, the first 500 owners
of this landmark model will benefit from an exclusive ‘1913
Package’.
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