Aston Martin DBX707

Engineered with an abundance of character and compelling capability, Aston Martin states the new halo DBX707 is the ultimate SUV in every respect.

Aston Martin says it set out to create the fastest, most powerful, and best handling performance SUV available: not by blindly chasing benchmarks but achieving these three goals on its own terms and in its own way.

Taking the V8 DBX’s acclaimed design, dynamics, and driver-pleasing character as its starting point, the DBX707 builds on these authentic sporting attributes. Every area of the car has been enhanced to boost performance, intensify driving pleasure, and amplify its on-road presence.

Starting with the powertrain, Aston Martin’s engineering team set about realising the full potential of the DBX’s 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8.

As a result, the DBX707’s engine now features ball bearing turbochargers and a bespoke engine calibration to liberate more power and torque. Also new to Aston Martin’s flagship high performance SUV is a 9-speed ‘wet clutch’ automatic transmission. Capable of managing much increased torque loadings compared with a regular torque converter automatic, this high-performance transmission allows output of the 4.0-litre V8 to be lifted to an immense 707PS (519kW) and 900Nm, increases of 157PS (115kW) and 200Nm over the conventional V8 DBX. 

The adoption of the new wet clutch transmission brings further benefits, most noticeably faster gear changes compared to the torque converter transmission. Aston Martin’s engineers say the feel of the shift is more immediate and direct, which gives the driver an increased sense of control and responsiveness, and a dramatic character change from the DBX. Launch capability is also improved, which contributes towards the DBX707’s 0-100km/h time of 3.3 seconds.

Also integral to the DBX707’s suite of performance enhancements is the standard fitment of Carbon Ceramic Brakes. Measuring 420mm front and 390mm rear, the discs are gripped by 6-piston calipers and result in a 40.5kg reduction in unsprung weight. Revisions to the braking system’s hydraulic sizing and booster tune improve pedal feel and braking response for greater precision and driver confidence. Improved brake cooling has also been achieved by taking air from both the main cooling intake and the underfloor, with high performance brake pads delivering excellent friction consistency across a wide temperature range.

Wheels and tyres are 22-inches as standard, with an optional 23-inch alloy wheel offered in a choice of textured black or satin black with diamond turned highlights. The adoption of a 23-inch wheel also brings dynamic benefits, with the larger diameter tyre offering improved steering response, better primary body control and improved lap times.

The new DBX707, New Zealand pricing of which has been confirmed at $390,000 plus on-road costs, also features an advanced version of the electronic limited slip rear differential (e-diff). Strengthened to handle the full 900Nm of torque, it features a revised (shorter) final drive ratio of 3.27 compared to 3.07 for the DBX V8. This aids the DBX707’s sprinting ability through the lower gears and enhances in-gear response, while retaining the efficiency and cruising refinement offered by the 9-speed transmission.

Torque distribution front-to-rear remains fully automatic, with the ability to send up to 100% of the torque to the rear axle on demand. Careful calibration of the e-diff ensures the DBX707 has the cornering agility, sporting feel and dynamic character of a true sports car. One that integrates chassis and powertrain technology to find the sweetest handling balance and seek to maintain the optimum combination of traction and agility at all times.

Also key to the DBX707’s handling abilities is its air suspension system. Retaining the basic architecture and triple volume air chambers of the DBX V8, the DBX707 features a dedicated chassis tune optimised to its uncompromising demands and objectives.

Starting with the suspension, the DBX707 features new damper valving and recalibration of dynamic spring volume switching to improve body control and steering response. The electronic power steering system has also been adjusted to improve steering feel, with greater effort build-up off centre to help the driver build a clearer picture of increasing cornering loads and available grip.

To underline the DBX707’s driver-focussed credentials there have also been some changes and enhancements to the Dynamic Drive modes. “Race Start” is available in GT Sport and Sport+ modes to maximise off-the-line acceleration and truly showcase the enhanced performance. Revised active logic in the all-wheel drive system transfer case achieves greater harmony and precise control between the driveline and the ESP system, for a more natural, sports car-like driving experience.
 

In the spirit of placing the driver in control, the DBX707 also introduces a revised lower console containing new drive mode selection switches. Now, rather than having to enter a sub-menu within the infotainment system, the driver has immediate fingertip control of key dynamic modes and setting. These include dedicated buttons for suspension mode, ESP, manual gear selection mode - which now holds manual like a sports car, rather than defaulting back to auto - and active exhaust switch, which opens the valves of new quad tailpipe sports exhaust system without needing to be in Sport drive mode.

In keeping with its extensive engineering upgrades the exterior and interior of the DBX707 have received an equally thorough design makeover.

New front-end refinements see the high-performance iteration of the DBX receive a larger front grille and all-new design of daytime running lights, complete with new air intakes and brake cooling ducts, and a new front splitter.

Dark satin chrome window surrounds and new louvred bonnet blades co-ordinate perfectly with the front grille and gloss black splitter, continuing along the flanks with gloss black side sills, which now feature a more heavily sculpted profile to give the DBX707 a ground-hugging stance. The DBX707 also welcomes the addition of soft-close doors, further enhancing the SUV’s luxury credentials. 

The SUV’s rear-end treatment is equally dramatic. A new lip spoiler has been added to the roof wing to reduce lift and increase high speed stability, with a significantly enlarged twin rear diffuser rising to meet the new large diameter quad exhaust system. Finished in satin black to compliment the gloss black treatment of the diffuser this new exhaust has been tuned to deliver a unique sound signature. Completing the rear-end changes a new rear bumper complete with integrated quarter panel vents accentuate the DBX707’s muscular physique. 

The sporting theme continues inside with sport seats fitted as standard (Comfort seats are available as a no-cost option). All seat options come with 16-way electric adjustment plus heating in front and rear as standard and a mix of upholstery materials. As on the exterior, the DBX707’s interior features a dark chrome finish to switchgear as standard. Bright chrome and carbon fibre can be specified as an option. Piano Black veneer is standard with carbon fibre or bronze metal mesh veneer finishes available as an option. 

As the flagship model in the DBX range, the DBX707 is poised to continue the award-winning achievements of Aston Martin’s first SUV, which has achieved more than 3000 global sales in its first year of production and scooped a host of accolades.

DBX707 production is due to commence in the coming months. Full New Zealand market specification details will be available in the weeks ahead.