Ultra-luxury SUVs have been around for a while, but there have not been that many of them. In terms of full-size, full-fat vehicles, options include the likes of the Bentley Bentayga and the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. For something more in the vein of a mid-size crossover—well, firstly, you must discount the Ferrari Purosangue as it is not an SUV, which leaves it as a choice between the Lamborghini Urus—fast, sporty and a proponent of Italian drama—and the Aston Martin DBX.
The latter was the softer choice: quick but not exceptionally fast, with power and aggression taking a back seat in favour of elegance and refinement. But then, the iconic British marque asked: what if you could have it all? In 2022, two years after the launch of the DBX, it unveiled the DBX707, which is not just quick—it also jockeys for the title of fastest SUV in the world. Its evolved 4.0-litre biturbo V8 engine, derived from Mercedes-AMG, puts out a whopping 697bhp (which is 707PS, for anyone wondering about the name) and 900Nm, and paired with the new nine-speed wet clutch transmission, goes from 0-100km/h in 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 310km/h.
Essential aspects relating to handling have all been touched on. Carbon ceramic brakes are fitted as standard. There is a new electronic limited slip rear differential, calibrated for cornering and dynamism. The adaptive triple-chamber air suspension, which includes an active anti-roll system, has been improved for greater body control and response. The electronic steering has been adjusted for better feedback and feel. And the all-wheel drive system can send up to 100 per cent of available power to the rear axle.
As a result, the DBX707 feels like it should be taken to a track. Its power and acceleration are unquestionable but controlled, and its composure at high speeds is remarkable—balanced, responsive, communicative, with not an ounce of twitchiness or flightiness. It has an edge, a higher and more aggressive ceiling compared to the regular DBX—and yet there is a finesse to it, such that it never feels harsh or contentious even when pushed. The higher stance of SUVs are a fundamental drawback to their handling, but the DBX707 conceals this as well as anything else out there.
But back off the throttle, and the DBX707 feels right at home too. It can be quiet and comfortable, and it responds well to relaxed driving and even as it feels engaging during mundane manoeuvres. Take away all that power and racing cleverness, and you are left with a reasonably sized five-seater with a pretty capacious 638 litres of boot space. Sports seats are standard, but those still come with 16-way adjustment. It has the usual suite of driver assistance systems—adaptive cruise control, lane departure, emergency braking, etcetera—that befits the modern road warrior. It has soft-close doors, too, and a cabin outfitted with leather and Alcantara, and many, many speakers with more wattage than anyone really needs.
One notable omission is the lack of touch functionality on the infotainment screen, which is controlled via wheel or touchpad in the centre console. How excusable this is for a modern car is up for debate—but thankfully, Aston Martin has put it to rest by announcing that the DBX707 has received a better-late-than-never interior update. Starting later this year, it will be equipped with the brand’s new-generation operating system, with a 12.3-inch central touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The fascia and centre console have also been redesigned to be cleaner and more modern, with key functions such as climate control and drive mode still using tactile buttons. Most notably, tradition has been broken by replacing the brand’s traditional individual gear selector buttons for a more conventional single lever. The exterior has largely been untouched, but the door handles now pop out when the car is unlocked—it is the little things, after all, that make a luxury car luxurious. The update is a welcome one, because it addresses the DBX707’s only real shortcomings, making it a truly no-compromise, contemporary vehicle.
More photos of the Aston Martin DBX707
