Aston Martin DBX707 has $428k price tag

CLAIMED to be the “fastest, most powerful, best handling and most engaging car of its kind”, the new, range-topping Aston Martin DBX707 was conceived to “propel Aston Martin to the pinnacle of SUV performance” – and it’s scheduled to arrive Down Under in late Q2 or early Q3 this year.

 

Aston Martin has confirmed to GoAuto News the newcomer will priced at $428,400 (excluding ORCs). 

 

Those bold assertions about the DBX707 were made by Aston Martin chief executive officer (and former Mercedes-AMG boss) Tobias Moers. The newcomer, whose nomenclature is derived from its 707PS output, may sound like a limited-edition model, but no, it’s the range’s flagship. 

 

The DBX707 is clearly aimed at eclipsing the Lamborghini Urus and the upcoming Ferrari Purosangue super SUVs. 

 

For starters, the newcomer’s Mercedes-AMG-sourced 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 has been beefed up with ball-bearing turbochargers and a bespoke engine calibration to produce peak outputs of 520kW and 900Nm – increases of 46kW and 200Nm over the V8-engined DBX. 

 

The thumping motor is pared to a nine-speed wet multi-clutch automatic transmission, which is said to be capable of managing much increased torque loadings – and deliver noticeably faster gear changes – compared to the standard DBX’s torque-converter ‘box. 

 

Aston Martin claims the DBX707 can bolt from zero to 100km/h in 3.3 seconds, compared with its sibling’s 4.5 seconds.

 

DBX707 also features an updated electronic limited slip rear differential with a shorter final drive ratio of 3.27 compared to 3.07 for the DBX V8. This is said to aids the DBX707’s sprinting ability through the lower gears and enhance in-gear response. 

 

Torque distribution front-to-rear remains fully automatic, with the ability to send up to 100 per cent of the torque to the rear axle on demand. 

 

To aid the air-sprung Aston Martin’s outright handling ability, the Gaydon-based brand has implemented a dedicated chassis tune. DBX707 features new damper valving and recalibration of dynamic spring volume switching. In addition, the electronic power steering system has also been adjusted to improve steering feel, with “greater effort build-up off centre”, the firm says.

 

Combined with tighter management of heave (vertical movement over bumps and crests or in compressions), pitch (when the car dives under braking or squats under acceleration) and body roll, DBX707 is said to offer a driver “easier ability to adjust the yaw of the car with natural pedal or steering inputs”. 

 

The eARC (Electronic Active Roll Control) system, in turn, has revised parameters that “heighten the sense of agility and improve the dynamic balance of the car”.

 

For optimal stopping power, the newcomer is fitted as standard with carbon ceramic brakes (420mm discs at the front and 390mm discs at the rear), which are gripped by six-piston calipers and result in a 40.5kg reduction in unsprung weight. Aided by improved cooling, the braking system’s hydraulic sizing and booster tune are said to improve pedal feel and braking response.

 

From a cosmetic point of view, the front-end execution of the DBX707 can be distinguished by its enlarged satin-chrome grille (with double vanes and six horizontal bars), revised daytime running light signature, as well as new air intakes, brake-cooling ducts, and front-splitter profile. 

 

Other derivative-specific adornments include new louvred bonnet blades, dark-satin chrome window surrounds and gloss-black side sills, while at the rear, the DBX707 features a new lip spoiler, a reshaped rear bumper that features integrated quarter-panel vents, a significantly enlarged twin rear diffuser as well as large-bore quad exhaust tips (finished in satin black). 

 

Inside, Aston Martin’s newcomer is fitted as standard with dark chrome finished switchgear, piano black veneer with sports front seats that offer 16-way electric adjustment. A heating function is available to front and rear occupants. 

 

A mix of leather and Alcantara trim, is standard, but Semi-Aniline leather with embroidered Aston Martin wings on the headrests, contrast stripes down the centres of the seats and perforation pattern in the seat backs and cushions is optional.

 

The revised lower console contains new drive mode selection switches (in the DBX707, “Race Start” is available in GT Sport as well as Sport+ modes). These include dedicated buttons for suspension mode, ESP, manual gear selection mode and an active exhaust switch, which opens the valves of quad-tailpipe sports exhaust system without needing to be in Sport drive mode.

 

Finally, for customers who want to personalise their DBX707, Q by Aston Martin – the brand’s bespoke service – offers a wide range of extra-cost options, from unique graphics through to tinted carbons and bespoke materials on both the SUV’s interior and exterior, the firm says.