Explosive power is an understatement when it comes to the new Aston Martin DBX 707. Coming straight from my Cayenne GTS and its twin turbo, I was eager to get behind the wheel of Aston Martin’s newest and powerful SUV.
When I first got behind the wheel of the DBX 707 I was overwhelmed with the abundance of leather throughout the entire cabin. Everywhere you touch feels like a fancy bag that you don’t dare get dirty. The mix of tan leather and carbon fiber accents, and dual tone steering wheel all flow so nicely together. I had to touch everything I was seeing. The seats hug you, the steering wheel keeps your hands comfortable, and all you smell is brand new supple leather.
Quick specs on the Aston Martin DBX 707
With a power output of 707HP (697 BHP/520KW) at 6,000rpm and a formidable max torque of 900NM (663lb-ft) between 2,750 to 4,500rpm, this powerhouse propels from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.1 seconds, while reaching 100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds and 100 mph in a blistering 7.4 seconds. The acceleration is equally impressive in the 50-75 mph (80-120 km/h) range, achieved in a mere 1.9 seconds. Pushing the boundaries further, the DOX 707 boasts a top speed of 193 mph (310 km/h).
Driving experience
As it was time to push start, I touched the brake pedal and pushed the Start button that shines in the center of the dashboard between the gear options. That 4.0L V8 came alive and once I turned the drive mode to Sport+–the growl shakes everything around. The character of the Aston Martin DBX 707 comes alive through the throaty V8. Even with the presence of two turbo chargers, the tone is not as muffled as I thought it would be. At idle, it has a throaty chug, which creates quite a nice sound when backed into a space in a parking garage.
Taking off with Its 9-speed transmission is very smooth. I had not driven with this 9-speed before, and it was very compliant while being snappy and knowing exactly what kind of driving you are doing. But as I hopped onto the highway towards Palm Beach, it was the suspension that really began to impress.
The Aston Martin DBX 707 absorbs any irregularity in the road surface. Very responsive, not jarring, and most importantly there is no illusion of comfort with wafty shocks; the vehicle feels planted and firm, yet extremely comfortable.
After a full day of driving around town, on the highway, through backroads, and between city traffic I found my settings for the Aston to be…Sport+. Sport+ all the time, everywhere, no matter what environment I was in. This means the exhaust is open, suspension at the highest level of stiffness and transmission at the snappiest. As far as comfort goes using this mode, it was better than any other SUV I have been in before. Responsive at any speed, taking bumps without any fuss or drama and at a moment’s notice, able to point and shoot wherever you want the car to be.
One of my favorite qualities of the DBX707 was while I am in Sport+ the transmission can detect what kind of driving you are doing. Sometimes in other vehicles I’ve experienced, you cannot be comfortable in a mode like this and drive slowly around town or in traffic. That is NOT the case here. Instead of fully winding out first gear in traffic going very slow, it will shift appropriately and smoothly. That is until you want to put the pedal down and let it get to work absolutely making its way across any road surface with its beautiful suspension tuning. This DBX is a marvel of engineering.
While somewhat understated to those who are not familiar with Astons, the DBX has a loud presence. Even just around town with a little gas you hear the blow off valves surge, exhaust roar and sometimes a little tire chirp from those rear 325 sectionals…or at times those front 285’s. The power from this package of an SUV is explosive. Touching the gas pedal is intoxicating and the only downside of this is watching the gas level diminish; but even that will put a smile on your face.
It is great to see twin turbo V8’s being put into SUV’s. Aston Martin knocked this one out of the park. All show, all go and very difficult to go slow.
For more car stories read about why I bought 10 Miatas over the years and why I love E39s.