HEALDSBURG, Calif. – The idea of a “super-SUV” is basically a celebration of extra. Huge measurement and weight require huge quantities of energy to ship severe efficiency, and making an inherently utilitarian automobile platform really feel particular requires a extra deliberate strategy than is often wanted with a low-slung sports activities automobile. Usually this might appear to be at odds with Aston Martin’s modus operandi, which has historically been extra refined and understated than its European rivals. But when our tester’s roaring V8, vivid Synapse Orange paint, and equally citric Californian Poppy Semi-Aniline Leather-based inside are any indication, change is afoot in Gaydon.
Initially launched in 2021, the DBX rapidly turned Aston’s best-selling mannequin, and it’s loved a major glow-up within the few quick years it’s been on sale. The primary massive change got here with the introduction of the DBX707 in 2022, which noticed the SUV’s AMG-sourced 4.0-liter V8 outfitted with a brand new pair of turbochargers that elevated output from the usual DBX’s 542 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque to a lofty 697 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a nine-speed moist clutch transmission, the upgraded all-wheel-drive powertrain delivered a 3.1-second dash to 60 mph on the way in which to a 193-mile-per-hour prime velocity. The mix proved so interesting to consumers that Aston put the usual DBX out to pasture, leaving the DBX707 as the one model out there. This, regardless of the DBX’s base worth consequently rising to $253,000, together with the $4,000 vacation spot cost.
The second important step ahead comes as a spread of updates for the 2025 Aston Martin DBX707. Though it’s not a sweeping revamp of the DBX system, the modifications strategically deal with the few shortcomings current in Aston’s sport-utility automobile. The result’s a genuinely thrilling, charismatic machine that now not comes with substantial caveats hooked up.
We gained’t fault you for those who’re struggling to establish the modifications to the outside, although. Apart from 5 new paint coloration choices (Epsilon Black, Helios Yellow, Dash Inexperienced, Malachite Inexperienced, and Aura Inexperienced – plus the addition of Podium Inexperienced, which was previously unique to the DBX707 AMR23 Version) and a few new wheel finishes (Satin Black for the 23” Fortis wheel and Copper Bronze for the 23” Solid wheel), the updates include minor tweaks. It enjoys a brand new one-piece rear spoiler, powered door handles that now “current” themselves when the automobile is unlocked, new swivel-head door mirrors that function built-in cameras to assist the DBX707’s “3D parking” function and a redesigned Aston Martin badge on the hood.
Whereas meaning it’ll be robust for many to identify this because the automaker’s newest and biggest at a look, we will’t fault Aston Martin for selecting to not mess with a superb factor. Brashness and anonymity have each turn into hallmarks of the burgeoning super-SUV class due to autos just like the Lamborghini Urus and Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, respectively, however the DBX707 manages to chop a compelling determine with out resorting to extravagant thrives with a view to get the job executed. It’s a hit story that DBX chief engineer Andy Tokley attributes partly to the SUV’s structure, which, in contrast to the Cayenne and Urus, is bespoke to the DBX.
“By way of the platform, every part is our personal – we’re not sharing it with another producer,” Tokley mentioned. “And the important thing profit there may be that it allowed us to set the proportions of the automobile ourselves.”
The most important modifications for 2025 are discovered inside. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster now resides behind a brand new flat-bottom steering wheel, whereas reshaped door handles, vertical air vents on both finish of the dashboard, and bigger veneer door panels out there in a wide range of new supplies all contribute to a noticeably extra luxurious and performance-oriented cabin. The centerpiece, nonetheless, is the DBX707’s new infotainment system.
For years, Aston Martins have persistently lagged behind their rivals by way of in-car expertise. The automaker beforehand turned to Mercedes-Benz to supply its infotainment tech, however Mercedes was unwilling to present Aston Martin entry to its newest {hardware}, and that meant Aston’s choices have been saddled with infotainment techniques that have been already at the least a technology behind by the point Aston Martin obtained its arms on them. Worse, they really weren’t that nice when new, which is why the outgoing DBX707 suffered from a scarcity of a touchscreen, underwhelming visuals, lazy response and no wi-fi Apple CarPlay assist.
That period is formally over. First seen within the DB12, the DBX707 now sports activities an all-new, in-house-developed infotainment system that incorporates a 10.25-inch touchscreen with spectacular visuals and quick response, together with assist for wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Aston says the system may even assist the following technology of Apple CarPlay additional down the highway, which guarantees to faucet into all of a given automobile’s screens for a extra complete expertise whereas nonetheless permitting automakers to place their very own distinctive spin on its presentation.
The brand new infotainment setup is a quantum leap from its predecessor and goes a great distance towards making the DBX707 really feel completely up to date. Aston will get extra factors for resisting the present business development of abandoning bodily controls wherever attainable; the middle console presents a good-looking format of buttons for often-used options like exhaust mode and damper stiffness, whereas the knurled steel dials used for features like temperature and fan velocity really feel substantial and of top of the range.
Though the {hardware} underpinning the DBX707’s sinewy bodywork stays mechanically unchanged for 2025, Aston Martin made some modifications to the calibration for the digital dampers and air springs to extend transient physique management in response to buyer suggestions. That was welcome information to us, as we famous throughout our time with the earlier mannequin that the chassis didn’t appear as pinned down as a number of the DBX707’s rivals. And given its ferocious powertrain, the Aston’s tendency to bob round when hustled at increased speeds eroded our need to discover its dynamic limits.
As Tokley defined it to us, the revamped calibrations react faster than earlier than, so whereas the nostril of the SUV could dive to the identical diploma because the outgoing one underneath heavy braking or the physique could in the end exhibit the identical quantity of lean within the corners, the damping ramps up sooner throughout these occasions.
In apply, the modifications will seemingly be imperceptible to DBX707 homeowners nearly all of the time. Though the brand new calibrations have an effect on the entire drive modes – GT, Sport, Sport+ and Particular person – one of many advantages of this strategy is that the comparatively supple trip high quality of Aston Martin’s SUV stays unchanged throughout on a regular basis driving. However if you’re actually going hell for leather-based, the DBX707 now feels noticeably extra composed and cozy. The reassuring sensation of weight switch continues to be there, however the discount of extra physique motions leads to an SUV that feels desperate to deal with corners somewhat than merely keen to take action. It’s nonetheless not going to out-handle an Urus Performante, nevertheless it’s not going to abuse its occupants with a punishingly stiff trip, both.
Apart from, the true occasion piece right here continues to be the beastly twin-turbo V8, which sounds significantly unimaginable with the lively exhaust valves set to full track. It strikes the DBX707 together with the identical surprising urgency as earlier than, however now it doesn’t really feel like the explanation to miss elements of the DBX707 that previously fell in need of expectation. After just a few years of gestation, this DBX appears like a completely realized efficiency machine; a super-sport utility automobile that requires no apology when positioned alongside what the remainder of the world has to supply. Positive, it’s a little bit extreme, however that’s sort of the purpose.