We test the Aston Martin DBX 707; the fastest and most powerful SUV in the world

Compared with the rest of the DBX, this one includes improvements to the engine, gearbox, suspension and brakes to handle the increase in power. It debuts the new nine-speed gearbox and carbon brakes with 420 mm discs. Technically it excels in everything, including the boot capacity, which is 638 litres and has a sort of compartment beneath the boot floor that adds 81 extra litres. Not bad for carrying the golf bag, which will surely be the most common load.

4-litre V8 engine with two turbochargers, of Mercedes origin

The craftsman engineers at Aston Martin chose to develop the 4-litre V8 engine with two turbochargers already fitted to the DBX, which is of Mercedes origin. An excellent base. The engine is made of aluminium alloy with 32 valves and four overhead camshafts and produces a not inconsiderable output of 707 CV at 4,500 rpm with a torque of 900 Nm at 6,000 rpm, which amounts to a specific output of 138 CV/l. Simply brutal.

The acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is 3.3 seconds, 0 to 160 km/h takes 7.4 seconds and the top speed is 310 km/h… It runs fast and also drinks, though less so. The average consumption is 14.2 l/100 km, although pushing the engine hard we also see peaks above thirty litres per hundred kilometres. Normal for such performance. The DBX 707 has a nine-speed automatic sequential gearbox with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. A high-performance gearbox capable of withstanding the peaks of over 900 Nm that the V8 generates at full output. A delight that borders on perfection and which communicates with the wheels via a driveshaft made in a single piece and of carbon fibre that rests at its end on an electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential with five control modes and intelligent traction, four for road and one for off-road, the Terrain mode.

Traction is on all four wheels and the distribution of torque between both axles is automatic, but when necessary up to 100% of the torque can be sent to the rear axle, while the exceptional electronic limited-slip rear differential guarantees the traction and wheel speed needed for each wheel to optimise cornering and the most sporty sensations at the wheel.

Formula 1 brakes, which is why it is a Aston Martin

The brakes are so powerful they seem almost taken from Formula 1, with carbon-fibre-reinforced ceramic brake discs 420 mm in diameter and six-piston aluminium calipers. At the rear they are somewhat less powerful: they are also carbon-fibre-reinforced ceramic discs, but 390 mm in diameter with sliding-piston aluminium calipers and high-performance brake pads. In addition, the standard carbon-fibre-reinforced ceramic brakes reduce unsprung weight by 40.5 kg, which helps a great deal in optimising dynamics. The result is easy to imagine. We could not get the braking power to drop on a demanding stretch; only the feel became a little spongier.

The brakes hide behind sculptural 22-inch wheels with tyres that are genuine F1-style rollers, 285 mm wide at the tread and 325 mm with a 35 profile at the rear. In short, it rides on rails. And then there is the suspension system, which is ideal for combining maximum ride comfort with the wildest performance of the moment. The triple air chamber achieves the ideal set-up in every situation through the new damping valve system and spring recalibration to improve body control. The suspension is intelligent air suspension with triple chamber, permanently controlled by a computer that determines the ideal ride height, which is variable (it can rise up to 45 mm or drop down to 30 mm) depending on how the car is being used.

And to top it off, like a good off-roader it is, it offers benchmark off-road figures, with an approach angle of 25.7° at maximum ride height. A good departure angle to escape obstacles at 27.1° and a pronounced breakover angle of up to 18.8°. The wading depth is 500 mm, in case we dare to tackle rivers too…

An elite club

From the outside it is imposing, but inside it is a dream. The Aston Martin DBX707 is a unique SUV, and that is exactly the point: there are other similar ones crowding the streets, but you won’t easily spot this one. If you are inside it, you are at the pinnacle of exclusive high-performance SUVs. Only Ferrari, Lamborghini or Bentley compete in this game. A battle of extremely high performance, almost disproportionate I would say, and an unmistakable style alongside the most absolute luxury. There are requirements to meet on paper, such as being the fastest and most powerful on the market, without neglecting to be the best behind the wheel, a privileged experience for the user with the best control capability in every manoeuvre.

Outstanding in everything for the DBX 707, which was conceived to stand out in an unmatched way. At Aston Martin figures and even data take second place whenever it comes to guaranteeing the fundamental nuances of its cars, such as having or developing power and speed that are hard to imitate and, if possible, never seen before. But always with the technological yet artisanal touch that the select British manufacturer imprints on its cars, especially when assessing an exceptional guidance precision, a dynamic style that is hard to replicate and a firm commitment to achieving a truly addictive driving experience. All this makes this car something very special.

Computers, radars, sensors… at will

The most sophisticated electronics have their moment of glory in this Aston Martin when it comes to experiencing the highest performance. Thus, notable improvements are included in the dynamic driving modes, especially with the “Race Start” function, available in GT, Sport and Sport+ modes, to maximise the acceleration provided by those 707 wild horsepower. Electronics rule, and with a car like this the information, safety and ADAS electronics in general are enormous. From the simple anti-lock braking to the sophisticated electronic stability and traction control associated with the most complete intelligent all-wheel-drive system. And all of this without forgetting the emergency braking assist, the anti-rollover stability control, the hill start assist system, intelligent speed control, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, unintended lane departure warning, etc.

All of Aston Martin’s technology comes together to dominate… the gearbox, the all-wheel-drive system, the launch system and the precision of the traction and stability control make it possible as if it were an impeccable Formula 1 car. Its top speed of more than 310 km/h says it all… With the Aston Martin DBX707 all limits are surpassed to create a car that leaves performance standards behind, always with the best manoeuvrability in its class. Only in this way can one stand at the pinnacle of SUV performance.

A little history

The aim of Aston Martin is to become the most desired British ultra-luxury brand in the world, creating for this purpose the most exquisitely addictive high-performance vehicles. And they are not going down the wrong path… Aston Martin was founded in 1913 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford and is synonymous with style, luxury and performance. It is currently listed on the London Stock Exchange as Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings plc, and for them cutting-edge technology is part of a long artisanal tradition that has given rise to beautiful cars such as the Vantage, the DB11, the DBS and the DBX in question, and even more so with the supercar Aston Martin Valkyrie, which reinterprets the concept of the automobile through its audacity and uniqueness.

The headquarters are in Gaydon, England, where the sports cars are manufactured, while the SUVs are built in St. Athan (Wales). Aston is, therefore, luxury à la carte, and there is more: for customers who wish to make their car even more exclusive, the British brand has created Q by Aston Martin, which is nothing other than the brand’s personalisation service. There, the craftsmen of Aston Martin do whatever the customer wants, from carbon fibre or bespoke materials to any modification for both the interior and exterior; with the “Q by Aston Martin – Commission” the only limit is one’s imagination.

Aston Martin DBX 707 – Image gallery