SUVs are traditionally boxy and it’s therefore no coincidence that the world’s coolest models have adhered to this template. Just think Mercedes G63 AMG, Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and Range Rover Vogue and you get the idea. But recently, with the proliferation of high-end brands entering the fray, like Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Lamborghini the interpretation of an SUV has been shifting. Not always successfully though. Rolls-Royce packaged its outlandishly comfortable offering in a rather banal, slab-sided box. Lamborghini made too many compromises to what could have been a more radical and angular RSQ8. And finally, Bentley showed us what lipstick on a pig actually means. But, Aston’s DBX is, in my humble opinion, the first SUV to truly find success in breaking the mould. The lines of its body are captivating, its surfacing alluring, that open mouth suggests athleticism and its pert rear is a brilliant way of hiding heft – and something that’s already being copied by others (yes, we see you Kia EV6). Honestly, if we were to judge an SUV on looks alone then we’d crown the DBX as the world’s best. Unfortunately, however, in this rarified world of 200,000 USD-plus SUVs, customers are exceptionally discerning and, as you'd suspect, beauty alone won’t cut it.
So, what’s the DBX like to live with? Well, I had the good fortune to do exactly that, as I got a DBX to try out for a week and I can tell you this thing has enough sex appeal to put a smile on your face every time you get behind the wheel. I mean, not only do you find yourself looking back to admire it every time you park, its interior is also a joyful place to spend time. For example, I love how the windows are frameless, the rear legroom's formidable, the buttons are intuitive, and the connection you have to the road is faultless. Indeed, the ride is so well balanced and the triple-chamber air suspension is magical. The hypnotic smell of its rich leather should also get a special mention as should the roar from its thunderous AMG-developed V8, especially when you're in Sport Plus mode. In fact, it’s really impressive how Aston’s engineers made the car sound so different to any Merc and its original aural symphony will make you want to do kick downs a little too often. Unfortunately, you'd best take it easy, as the DBX is a thirsty beast and its combination of an eager engine and small fuel tank mean you'll end up stopping at petrol stations more often than you’re used to.
Other disappointing traits include a key fob that’s ridiculously big and heavy and therefore a bother to carry in your pocket, and seats that should have been way more comfortable. Yes, there’s a tonne of space on the interior of a DBX and the gorgeous glass roof adds so much to the overall ambience but if we are to be honest, the seats have nothing on an Audi A8 or Mercedes S-Class, especially if you’re comparing to the ones that come with softer leather and extra padded headrests. In a way, you could say that Merc and Audi have created the Adidas Ultra Boost of car seats but Aston hasn’t even tried to make a pair of trainers. Instead, they’ve gone with a traditional John Lobb approach. Sure, their seats are gorgeous to behold and they even offer brogue detailing if you want it, but are their wingtips more comfortable than trainers? Of course not.
On the other hand, the good news is that for once we have no reason to complain about Aston Martin’s infotainment system. And while it’s still far from the best in class, it’s at least not what you’d call a dealbreaker anymore. Oh wait, before I forget, I should mention one other crazy detail: the indicator noise. I would love to sit down with Aston’s designers and know what an Earth they were thinking when they designed the sound that the indicator makes. The result is that you’ll end up dreading left and right turns because, the sound of that knock, knock, knock, knock, knock, really will make you wonder whether this is a form of torture.
But, let's not digress. What’s important here is that the DBX is gorgeous, boasts a fantastic 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with 542bhp (the brand new 707 version adds another 155bhp to the mix). It has an infotainment system fit for the 21st century. It hits 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds (3.3 seconds in the 707 spec). It's beautifully made, and makes for a perfect daily driver. Is it better than its rivals? Depends in what way. A more pertinent question though is whether I'd like to own one? Damn right, I would. And, while Aston Martin may have arrived late to the SUV game, the one thing you can never accuse their DBX of being, is a follower, and for that we are grateful.
