HEALDSBURG, Calif. – The idea of a “super-SUV” is essentially a celebration of extra. Huge measurement and weight require huge quantities of energy to ship severe efficiency, and making an inherently utilitarian car platform really feel particular requires a extra deliberate strategy than is often wanted with a low-slung sports activities automobile. Usually this could appear to be at odds with Aston Martin’s modus operandi, which has historically been extra delicate and understated than its European rivals. But when our tester’s roaring V8, vivid Synapse Orange paint, and equally citric Californian Poppy Semi-Aniline Leather-based inside are any indication, change is afoot in Gaydon.
Initially launched in 2021, the DBX rapidly turned Aston’s best-selling mannequin, and it’s loved a big glow-up within the few brief years it’s been on sale. The primary huge change got here with the introduction of the DBX707 in 2022, which noticed the SUV’s AMG-sourced 4.0-liter V8 outfitted with a brand new pair of turbochargers that elevated output from the usual DBX’s 542 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque to a lofty 697 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a nine-speed moist clutch transmission, the upgraded all-wheel-drive powertrain delivered a 3.1-second dash to 60 mph on the best way to a 193-mile-per-hour prime pace. The mixture proved so interesting to patrons that Aston put the usual DBX out to pasture, leaving the DBX707 as the one model out there. This, regardless of the DBX’s base value consequently rising to $253,000, together with the $4,000 vacation spot cost.
The second important step ahead comes as a variety of updates for the 2025 Aston Martin DBX707. Though it’s not a sweeping revamp of the DBX system, the modifications strategically deal with the few shortcomings current in Aston’s sport-utility car. The result’s a genuinely thrilling, charismatic machine that now not comes with substantial caveats hooked up.
We gained’t fault you should you’re struggling to determine the modifications to the outside, although. Except for 5 new paint colour choices (Epsilon Black, Helios Yellow, Dash Inexperienced, Malachite Inexperienced, and Aura Inexperienced – plus the addition of Podium Inexperienced, which was previously unique to the DBX707 AMR23 Version) and a few new wheel finishes (Satin Black for the 23” Fortis wheel and Copper Bronze for the 23” Solid wheel), the updates include minor tweaks. It enjoys a brand new one-piece rear spoiler, powered door handles that now “current” themselves when the car is unlocked, new swivel-head door mirrors that characteristic built-in cameras to assist the DBX707’s “3D parking” characteristic and a redesigned Aston Martin badge on the hood.
Whereas meaning it’ll be robust for many to identify this because the automaker’s newest and best at a look, we are able to’t fault Aston Martin for selecting to not mess with an excellent factor. Brashness and anonymity have each turn out to be hallmarks of the burgeoning super-SUV class because of autos just like the Lamborghini Urus and Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, respectively, however the DBX707 manages to chop a compelling determine with out resorting to extravagant prospers with a view to get the job carried out. It’s successful story that DBX chief engineer Andy Tokley attributes partially to the SUV’s structure, which, not like the Cayenne and Urus, is bespoke to the DBX.
“When it comes to the platform, all the things is our personal – we’re not sharing it with another producer,” Tokley stated. “And the important thing profit there’s that it allowed us to set the proportions of the automobile ourselves.”
The largest modifications for 2025 are discovered inside. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster now resides behind a brand new flat-bottom steering wheel, whereas reshaped door handles, vertical air vents on both finish of the dashboard, and bigger veneer door panels out there in a wide range of new supplies all contribute to a noticeably extra luxurious and performance-oriented cabin. The centerpiece, nevertheless, is the DBX707’s new infotainment system.
For years, Aston Martins have constantly lagged behind their rivals when it comes to in-car know-how. The automaker beforehand turned to Mercedes-Benz to supply its infotainment tech, however Mercedes was unwilling to present Aston Martin entry to its newest {hardware}, and that meant Aston’s choices had been saddled with infotainment methods that had been already no less than a technology behind by the point Aston Martin acquired its arms on them. Worse, they really weren’t that nice when new, which is why the outgoing DBX707 suffered from a scarcity of a touchscreen, underwhelming visuals, lazy response and no wi-fi Apple CarPlay assist.
That period is formally over. First seen within the DB12, the DBX707 now sports activities an all-new, in-house-developed infotainment system that encompasses a 10.25-inch touchscreen with spectacular visuals and quick response, together with assist for wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Aston says the system may also assist the subsequent technology of Apple CarPlay additional down the street, which guarantees to faucet into all of a given car’s screens for a extra complete expertise whereas nonetheless permitting automakers to place their very own distinctive spin on its presentation.
The brand new infotainment setup is a quantum leap from its predecessor and goes a good distance towards making the DBX707 really feel totally modern. Aston will get further factors for resisting the present trade development of abandoning bodily controls wherever attainable; the middle console gives a good-looking structure of buttons for often-used options like exhaust mode and damper stiffness, whereas the knurled steel dials used for capabilities like temperature and fan pace really feel substantial and of top of the range.
Though the {hardware} underpinning the DBX707’s sinewy bodywork stays mechanically unchanged for 2025, Aston Martin made some modifications to the calibration for the digital dampers and air springs to extend transient physique management in response to buyer suggestions. That was welcome information to us, as we famous throughout our time with the earlier mannequin that the chassis didn’t appear as pinned down as among the DBX707’s rivals. And given its ferocious powertrain, the Aston’s tendency to bob round when hustled at increased speeds eroded our want to discover its dynamic limits.
As Tokley defined it to us, the revamped calibrations react faster than earlier than, so whereas the nostril of the SUV might dive to the identical diploma because the outgoing one below heavy braking or the physique might finally exhibit the identical quantity of lean within the corners, the damping ramps up sooner throughout these occasions.
In follow, the modifications will doubtless be imperceptible to DBX707 house owners nearly all of the time. Though the brand new calibrations have an effect on the entire drive modes – GT, Sport, Sport+ and Particular person – one of many advantages of this strategy is that the comparatively supple trip high quality of Aston Martin’s SUV stays unchanged throughout on a regular basis driving. However while you’re actually going hell for leather-based, the DBX707 now feels noticeably extra composed and comfy. The reassuring sensation of weight switch continues to be there, however the discount of extra physique motions leads to an SUV that feels wanting to sort out corners somewhat than merely keen to take action. It’s nonetheless not going to out-handle an Urus Performante, but it surely’s not going to abuse its occupants with a punishingly stiff trip, both.
In addition to, the actual occasion piece right here continues to be the beastly twin-turbo V8, which sounds notably unimaginable with the energetic exhaust valves set to full track. It strikes the DBX707 together with the identical surprising urgency as earlier than, however now it doesn’t really feel like the rationale to miss facets of the DBX707 that previously fell in need of expectation. After just a few years of gestation, this DBX appears like a totally realized efficiency machine; a super-sport utility car that requires no apology when positioned alongside what the remainder of the world has to supply. Positive, it’s a bit of extreme, however that’s sort of the purpose.
