Aston Martin DBX S Redefines The Luxury Performance SUV
Aston Martin DBX S leads the next chapter in luxury SUVs with cutting-edge design, F1 technology, and handcrafted British detail.
A bold new era for Aston Martin’s SUV flagship
The DBX S is more than an upgrade; it is Aston Martin’s clearest declaration that it intends to dominate the luxury SUV space with agility, heritage, and unmistakable British style.
Why does this matter right now?
Luxury SUVs have become the cornerstone of profitability for high-end carmakers. Aston Martin knows it cannot afford to sit idle while Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Bentley reap the rewards. Enter the DBX S, a model designed to outmaneuver rivals in weight, detail, and dynamic brilliance. It also arrives at a moment when the brand is experiencing a renaissance in both product strategy and executive vision, with Adrian Hallmark recently joining from Bentley to sharpen operational focus.
Over the past 18 months, Aston Martin has revamped nearly its entire lineup: the DB12 has replaced the DB11, a new Vantage has been a huge hit, and the Vanquish nameplate is on sale. The DBX S sits at the heart of this rejuvenation. As with all modern Aston products, motorsport learnings from Formula 1 and endurance racing flow directly into its DNA. The DBX serves as the official medical car of Formula 1, so it is no exaggeration to say the lessons learned on Sunday are baked into Monday’s showroom models.
This is not merely about another trim level. Aston Martin has taken its signature “derivatization” philosophy to heart, producing a machine that blends F1-inspired engineering with craftsmanship one would normally associate with fine jewelry. Even Apple has collaborated with Aston Martin, choosing the marque as the launch partner for its new CarPlay Ultra system, available first with Aston Martin in 2025.
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How does it compare to rivals?
The obvious benchmark here is the Ferrari Purosangue, Lamborghini Urus Performante, and Bentley Bentayga Speed. Each offers speed and exclusivity, but Aston Martin’s approach is surgical. The DBX S tips the scales nearly 300 kg lighter than BMW’s M5 sedan, despite being a full-size SUV. Magnesium wheels, a carbon fiber roof, and a re-engineered diffuser are not gimmicks; they are engineering firsts in this segment.
The twin-turbocharged V8 produces 717 bhp, offering blistering acceleration that bests its own 707 sibling by a full second from 62 to 155 mph. The revised exhaust note adds theatre to the performance, with Vanquish-inspired tailpipes delivering a distinct, off-beat crackle. It feels more race-bred than its Bentley rival, more refined than the Lamborghini, and more driver-focused than Ferrari’s four-door.
Unlike competitors shackled to shared VW Group hardpoints, Aston’s bonded aluminium architecture allows it to control every proportion. The long dash-to-axle ratio and muscular haunches give it the stance of a sports car wearing SUV clothing.
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Who is this for and who should skip it?
The DBX S is for the connoisseur who believes an SUV can be both thrilling and artful. It will appeal to Aston loyalists who might otherwise keep a DB12 in the garage, but it will also tempt those bored with the predictable German dominance in this segment. Buyers who relish craftsmanship will notice the herringbone seat stitching, the deeply embossed headrests, and the handcrafted “S” badging made by a Birmingham jeweler.
However, if you are seeking absolute practicality or discretion, this is not your car. The DBX S announces its presence with an exhaust note calibrated for theatre. Nor is it the choice for those prioritising pure electrification today; Aston’s hybrid Valhalla arrives first in late 2025, with fully electric models following beyond that horizon.
As a bridge to the electrified future, the DBX S embodies the final glory days of pure V8 combustion in Aston’s SUV lineup. Those looking for tax efficiency or EV incentives should instead eye the Valhalla or wait for the brand’s dedicated EVs in 2026.
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What is the long-term significance?
Aston Martin’s strategy rests on two pillars: performance heritage and a sustainable future. The DBX S shows that the brand is not retreating from either. By refining combustion technology while launching hybrids and preparing EVs, Aston is playing both short and long games simultaneously.
The technical learnings from DBX’s service as F1’s medical car feed into road-car cooling systems, suspension calibration, and driver feedback. Similarly, the nimbleness with which Aston integrated CarPlay Ultra shows how a relatively small manufacturer can leapfrog corporate giants. It’s a reminder that heritage brands can innovate faster than expected when paired with the right leadership.
Expect this model to serve as a halo for Aston’s SUV sales while reinforcing its broader identity. The DBX S is not just a refreshed model; it is a statement of intent that Aston Martin intends to remain relevant, dynamic, and defiantly British in a rapidly electrifying market.
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