The Aston Martin DBX707 is a 'segment-topping' SUV with 707ps, 900Nm on tap

MANILA: The new Aston Martin DBX707 is propelling the brand to the peak of the segment, thanks to a unique blend of blistering performance, supreme dynamics, unmistakable style, and unrivaled luxury. With its wealth of character and outstanding capability, the DBX707 is considered as the ultimate SUV in every aspect.

The V8 DBX’s globally acclaimed design, dynamics, and driver-pleasing character serves as the foundation for the new DBX707. Every aspect of the car has been improved to enhance performance, driving pleasure, and on-road presence.

In a statement, Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer Tobias Moers said, “Right from its first introduction, the DBX has represented Aston Martin’s dynamic and design values in a way that proves not all SUVs have to conform to the same compromises. With the DBX707, we have pushed the boundaries in every area to create a car which sets new standards of performance and desirability. The fastest, most powerful, best handling and most engaging car of its kind, it propels Aston Martin to the pinnacle of SUV performance.”

Aston Martin’s engineers set out to maximize the full potential of the DBX’s 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8. The DBX707’s engine has ball bearing turbochargers and a bespoke engine calibration to generate more power and torque. The high-performance SUV also gets a nine-speed “wet clutch” automatic transmission, which can handle significantly higher torque loadings than a standard torque converter automatic. With this transmission, the 4.0-liter V8’s power is boosted to an immense 707ps and 900Nm.

The use of the new wet clutch transmission has additional benefits. The gear changes are substantially faster in comparison to a torque converter transmission. The shift is more rapid and direct, giving the driver a greater sense of control and responsiveness. The DBX707’s launch capability has also increased, resulting in a zero-to-100kph time of 3.3 seconds.

“With this exceptional new model we have truly unlocked the performance potential within the DBX to create a world-beating high-performance SUV,” Aston Martin Powertrain Head Ralph Illenberger stated. “The huge gains we have found in both power and torque demonstrates not only the inherent prowess of the 4.0-liter biturbo V8, but Aston Martin’s appetite and ability for finding uncompromising engineering solutions. The combination of this magnificent engine with a new nine-speed wet-clutch transmission sits at the heart of DBX707’s formidable capabilities and unforgettable character.”

Carbon ceramic brakes are standard on the DBX707 as part of its suite of performance upgrades. These discs, which measure 420mm in front and 390mm at the rear and are held by six-piston calipers, result in a 40.5-kg reduction in unsprung weight. The hydraulic sizing and booster tune of the braking system have been modified, resulting in better pedal feel and braking response for more precision and driver confidence. Improved brake cooling is obtained by taking air from both the main cooling intake and the underfloor, with high performance brake pads giving great friction consistency throughout a wide temperature range.

The DBX707 comes standard with 22-inch wheels, with optional 23-inch alloys available in textured black or satin black with diamond turned highlights. The large-diameter tire offers superior steering response, better primary body control, and faster lap times.

A new version of the electronic limited slip rear differential (e-diff) is featured on the DBX707. To handle the full 900Nm of torque, it has a tweaked final drive ratio of 3.27, shorter than the 3.07 of the DBX V8. This helps the DBX707 race through the lower gears and improves in-gear performance while keeping the nine-speed transmission’s efficiency and cruising finesse.

Front-to-rear torque distribution is still fully automated, with the potential to transmit up to 100% of torque to the rear axle on demand. The DBX707 has the cornering agility, sporting feel, and dynamic character of a true sports car, thanks to meticulous tuning of the e-diff.

The air suspension system is vital in the DBX707’s outstanding handling. Following the footsteps of the DBX V8, which is widely considered as the best-handling SUV on the market, the DBX707 is fitted with a chassis tuned specifically for its demanding requirements.

To improve body control and steering response, the DBX707’s suspension has better damper valving and dynamic spring volume switching recalibration. The electronic power steering system has also been tweaked to provide the driver a better steering feel, with more effort build-up off-center to give them a better sense of the increasing cornering loads and available grip.

The DBX707 makes it easier for the driver to adjust the car’s yaw with natural pedal or steering inputs and to control the heave, pitch, and body roll. The eARC (electronic active roll control) system has been tweaked in more detail, with new parameters that improve the car’s agility and dynamic balance.

The Dynamic Drive modes have also been updated to emphasize the DBX707’s driver-focused qualities. To truly highlight the improved performance, “Race Start” is made available in GT Sport and Sport+ modes to optimize off-the-line acceleration. For a more natural, sports car-like driving experience, the revised active logic in the all-wheel drive system transfer case achieves greater harmony and precise management between the driveline and the ESP system.

“Creating the ultimate SUV presented formidable challenges for our engineering team. Too often this class of car is characterized by an obsession with brute force. With DBX707 our objective was to match immense performance with impeccable control and precision, combined with an authentic sporting character essential in every Aston Martin model. To this end we applied an uncompromising approach to every area of the vehicle. Engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, electronic systems and aerodynamics have all been subject to extensive enhancement and meticulous tuning. The result is a car which sets new standards and further distinguishes the DBX from its class rivals,” Aston Martin Engineering and Procurement Head Drummond Jacoy said.

The DBX707 presents a new lower console with new driving mode selection switches. Instead of having to go into the infotainment system’s submenu, the driver may now control key dynamic modes and settings with a single touch. These include dedicated buttons for suspension mode, ESP, manual gear selection mode, active exhaust switch.

To keep up with its major engineering upgrades, the DBX707 exterior and interior have also been given a comprehensive makeover. The outcome is breathtaking – blatantly sporting, yet with the style and attention to detail that Aston Martin is known for.

The DBX gets a new front-end treatment that includes a wider front grille, an all-new daytime running lights (DRL) design, new air intakes and brake cooling ducts, and new front splitter profile. The satin chrome grille has double vanes, with six horizontal bars now split to generate more visual interest and make this range-topping model instantly recognizable. The grille has been enlarged to greatly increase cooling airflow to both the ultra-high performance engine and new nine-speed transmission.

The dark satin chrome window surrounds and new louvred bonnet blades perfectly match the front grille and gloss black splitter. The gloss black side sills now have a more heavily contoured profile to give the vehicle a ground-hugging stance. Soft-close doors have also been added to the DBX707, further improving the SUV’s luxury status.

The makeover of the rear end is equally dramatic. A new lip spoiler has been added to the roof wing to minimize lift and boost high-speed stability, while a much bigger twin rear diffuser rises to match the new large diameter quad exhaust system, improving both aesthetic form and aerodynamic function. This new exhaust has been calibrated to produce a unique sound signature and is finished in satin black to complement the gloss black treatment of the diffuser. A redesigned rear bumper with integrated quarter panel vents completes the rear-end upgrades, emphasizing the DBX707’s athletic stance.

“The key to DBX707’s design DNA is capturing the confidence that comes from its dynamic supremacy,” Aston Martin Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman stated. “When you are the alpha SUV you don’t have to try too hard, therefore, we concentrated on those areas of the design that would make the DBX707 instantly recognizable as the highest performing model. Naturally, function is the driver for some of the changes — most notably the larger grille aperture, rear spoiler and optional 23-inch wheels. But elsewhere — such as the side sills and rear bumper — we expressed the DBX707’s immense performance in ways that create a more aggressive stance and greater muscularity. The result is a design that exudes potency while retaining our commitment to pure lines and perfect proportions. DBX707 is a true performance beast, yet retains the beauty and elegance you expect from Aston Martin’s DNA.”

The athletic theme continues on the inside with the standard Sport seats. Comfort seats are also available as an option, with no additional cost. All seat options come with 16-way electric adjustment and heating. There are three interior environment options: the standard Accelerate, which features a mix of leather and Alcantara, and the optional Inspire-Comfort and Inspire Sport which feature full Semi-Aniline leather with embroidered Aston Martin wings on the headrest, a contrast stripe down the center of the seat, and a perforation pattern in the seat back and base cushion.

Like its exterior, the DBX707’s interior has a dark chrome finish on the switchgear. Customization options include bright chrome and carbon fiber. The vehicle also comes standard with Piano Black veneer, with carbon fiber or bronze metal mesh finishes available as options.

Q by Aston Martin, the brand’s bespoke service, provides the best in customization for customers wanting to further enhance the exclusiveness of the DBX707. Each Q by Aston Martin – Commission car can push the frontiers of desire and is completely tailored to the customer, with options ranging from unique graphics to tinted carbons and bespoke materials.

As the flagship model in the DBX lineup, the DBX707 is ready to continue the success of Aston Martin’s first SUV, which sold over 3,000 units in its first year of production and won a slew of awards. Among them are the “Best Luxury SUV” at the GQ Car Awards, the “Super SUV of the Year” by Top Gear, and back-to-back wins as the “Best Super Luxury SUV” at the PR Arabia National Auto Awards.

The production of the DBX707 is set to begin within the first quarter of 2022, with first deliveries expected in the second quarter of the year.

Photos from Aston Martin

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