Now, what’s the DBX like to love 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 glamour to put a smile on your face every day you’re behind its wheel. Not only do you find yourself always looking back to admire it whenever you park, the inside is also a joy too. I love how the windows are frameless, the rear legroom is formidable, the buttons intuitive, the connection you have to the road and how beautifully balanced the ride is. The smell of the rich leather is hypnotic and the roar from its thunderous AMG-developed V8 is awesome especially when you switch from GT to Sport Plus. In fact, it’s impressive how Aston’s engineers made the car sound so different to any Merc and the aural symphony it produces when you kick it never gets old. Unfortunately, it’s not something you’re going to want to do too often, as the DBX is already thirsty enough and its combination of a thirsty engine and a small fuel tank mean you end up stopping at petrol stations way more often than you’re used to.
Some other disappointing traits include a key 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, its 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 seats but Aston hasn’t even tried to make a trainer. Instead, they’ve gone with a traditional John Lobb approach. Sure, they’re gorgeous to behold and they even offer brogue detailing if you want it, but are they more comfortable then trainers? The simple answer is no.
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 not what you’d call a dealbreaker anymore. But before I forget, I should also mention one other crazy detail and it’s the indicator noise. I would love to sit down with Aston’s designers and know what an Earth they were thinking of when they designed the sound that the indicator but let me tell you 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 some form of Chinese torture.
But don’t let me transgress. What’s important here is that the DBX is gorgeous, boasts a fantastic 4-litre twin-turbo V8 with 542bhp (the brand new 707 version adds another 155bhp to the mix). Finally has an infotainment system fit for the 21st century. It comes with plenty of driver aids including lane assist. It hits 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds (3.3 seconds in the 707 spec) and makes for a perfect daily driver. Is it better than all its rivals? Depends in what way. Would I love 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.
