Aston Martin DBX arrives in PH

MANILA: Aston Martin Manila has officially rolled out the brand’s first sports utility vehicle (SUV), the DBX.

It is the realization of a program that started in 2015, and its comprehensive development began with physical testing in Wales in 2018. The DBX ushers in a new era in Aston Martin’s pursuit to provide remarkable performance, style, and function in a new segment. The DBX combines the versatility expected from a luxury SUV with sports-car level of dynamic performance.

The DBX made its global debut in 2018 and since then, Filipinos have been anticipating its arrival in the country. The luxury SUV is brought in by DBPhils Motorsports, Inc. under the Tagle Group of Companies.

In a statement, Aston Martin Manila Chairman and President Marc Louie Tagle said, “We are confident that this move of Aston Martin will be warmly embraced by the Filipino market. Admittedly, we are an SUV nation – we love to cruise with our adventurous spirit, and bring family, friends, and loved ones along for the ride. Aston Martin captures this passion and adds its trademark luxury and beauty for the ultimate driving experience.”

The development of the DBX has brought the company into new territories and inspiring directions. “In Asia-Pacific, countries that have commenced deliveries, including Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and further afield in USA, UK, China, and New Zealand, the DBX has already built strong market share amongst the luxury SUVs. We’re proud to have particularly strong market share right here in Asia-Pacific,” Aston Martin Asia-Pacific Director of Operations Patrik Nilsson stated.

Although it is an SUV, the DBX also delivers the same performance that is produced by Aston Martin sports cars. Aston Martin Manila Marketing Head Fiel Tan said, “Aston Martin owners are those who love cars that are not just jaw-dropping to look at, but also thrilling to drive, and the DBX lives up to these qualities. This is a pivotal moment for the brand, and we could not have been more excited to showcase this to the Philippine market.”

The DBX features an incredibly light and stiff body structure, delivering an overall kerb weight of 2,245 kg. It comes with a spacious cabin that offers generous legroom for both front and rear occupants. The DBX is designed based on a new platform that enables exceptional stiffness and dynamics both on- and off-road.

The SUV combines the adaptive triple volume air suspension with the latest 48V electric anti-roll control system (eARC) and electronic adaptive dampers, making the vehicle more capable in any situation. The adaptive triple chamber air springs enable variable spring stiffness to enable premium comfort and dynamic performance. Meanwhile, the eARC is capable of producing 1,400Nm of anti-roll per axle, therefore, it can minimize the vehicle’s body roll to achieve handling that is more similar to that of a sports car than an SUV. The combination of adaptive air suspension, dampers, and eARC provides maximum ride comfort for up to five occupants while maintaining a highly responsive and dynamic capability.

The DBX is powered by the latest four-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 engine that generates 550ps and 700Nm of torque. The active exhaust system helps produce a refined yet exhilarating engine sound. The turbocharged V8 engine also comes with a cylinder deactivation to improve fuel economy. Due to its high-performing powertrain, the DBX can accelerate from zero to 62mph in 4.5 seconds and onto a top speed of 181mph.

The engine is mated to a nine-speed torque convertor gearbox and an all-wheel drive system with active differentials featuring an active central differential and an electronic rear limited slip differential (eDiff). This combination allows the torque to be precisely distributed to the front and rear of the vehicle, and also across the rear axle. To give the driver an overriding sense of control, the DBX is also equipped with a bespoke steering system that has been tuned to generate more sports car-like response.

As the brand’s first ever full-size five-seat model, the DBX is not only versatile in terms of the terrain that it can conquer; it is also adaptable to the varying needs and lifestyles of its owners. Aside from its best-in-class interior space, the DBX also has a flexible cargo capacity. With 632 liters of boot space and 40:20:40 split folding rear seats, the SUV provides ample room for a variety of luggage, such as suitcases and golf bags.

The DBX also comes with a full-length glass panoramic roof and frameless door glass to provide the cabin with an enhanced sense of openness. It is also equipped with sports seat for the driver to provide long-distance driving comfort, as well as knee and footwell clearance for the rear passengers.

Some cabin touches, including the separate central armrests, glovebox design, and the ergonomic positioning of the car’s key control systems, were based on the input of Aston Martin’s Female Advisory Board, dealership feedback, and various focus groups held worldwide.

The seats are wrapped in plush, full-grain leather sourced from Bridge of Weir. The luxurious Alcantara headlining and electric roof blind provide harmonious design, light obscuration, and solar offsetting with compromising headroom. The entire cabin also features a sensible use of metal, glass, and wood materials.

A 10.25-inch TFT screen is located in the center console, while a huge 12.3-inch TFT screen provides relevant vehicle information to the driver. Other modern cabin features include Apple CarPlay, a 360-degree camera system, and ambient lighting that offers 64 different color selections in two zones.

The elegance of Aston Martin sports cars is also embodied on the exterior of its first ever SUV. The DBX sports the signature “DB” grille at the front and a tailgate with a flip that draws inspiration from the Vantage. The hidden side glass seals on the frameless doors and glass B-pillar finishers also add sleekness to the SUV’s exterior.

Aside from the available active safety systems, Aston Martin also offers optional accessory packages for the DBX. One of these is the Pet package that includes a portable washer to keep a muddy dog clean after a walk. Meanwhile, the Snow package includes boot warmers that can be used on ski trips.

Aston Martin considers the production of the DBX as a milestone because it is not just beautifully made, but also technologically advanced. The luxury carmaker believes that the DBX is “a car that will give many people their first experience of Aston Martin ownership.”

Photos from Aston Martin Manila

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