Review: My first Aston Martin drive – the DBX

Honest disclaimer first: I have never driven an Aston Martin. So, when I got the opportunity to get behind the wheels of the newly launched DBX – the company’s first SUV in its 100+ years, I immediately started practicing my James Bond pose. While I’m yet to perfect my pose, driving the DBX was an absolutely smooth ride.

The look: Driving a bright saffron coloured car in Dubai is going to have some heads turning and the chic exterior certainly warrants that reaction. With its angular body and stylish finish, the DBX is built to be a showstopper. The interiors also ooze luxury, with soft and comfortable leather seats and spacious headroom and legroom. One rather thoughtful addition is the elegantly crafted bridged centre console, that allows for storage below.

For those more discerning, as part of ‘Q by Aston Martin’ – Aston Martin’s personalisation service – optional features of this centre console can be machined from a solid piece of wood, such as walnut. It is also perfect as a family car – my toddler was extremely relaxed throughout our journey (we drove from Dubai to the Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah) and particularly enjoyed the massive sliding roof which offers a panoramic view of the skyline and makes the car seem even more expansive. The boot is also massive (632 litres) and can easily accommodate suitcases, golf bags, strollers and all the shopping bags after a big retail splurge.

The drive: As a first-time user, the controls were easy to master and as I started the vehicle, the 4-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine purred to life super smoothly. The SUV effortlessly eased into the road when I pushed down on the accelerator and remained highly perceptive to my every command. But my James Bond moment truly came when I drove on the Sports mode on the highway, when I could experience the exhilarating rush of a car that boasts 542hp and 700Nm of torque.

Reflecting its sports car roots, the DBX can surge from 0 to 100kph in 4.5 seconds – although the turbocharged V8 also has cylinder deactivation to enhance fuel economy – adding a sustainable element to its operations. Transmitting the torque to the ground is a nine-speed torque convertor automatic gearbox, allied to an all-wheel drive system. The car is extremely versatile when it comes to terrains – it has the capacity to raise the ride height by 45mm or lower it by 50mm – perfect for those looking to go off-roading.

Despite its sporty legacy, the acoustics within the DBX are great with cabin noise remaining minimal (perfect when your toddler falls asleep during a long drive) – although you can enjoy the engine rumbling when on Sports mode. The car’s cooling system also quickly defeats the heat outside, with the seat cooling feature a clear favourite for the family. Navigating the controls is easy with the 10.25-inch TFT screen which sits in the centre console – although we missed touch-screen, and the car’s 360-degree camera system assists in steering through and parking in tough spots.

The verdict: I would echo the comment that Aston Martin Lagonda’s former president and group CEO Andy Palmer said while launching the vehicle: “DBX is a car that will give many people their first experience of Aston Martin ownership. As such it needed to be true to the core values established in our sports cars, while also providing the lifestyle versatility expected of a luxury SUV.” With a starting price of Dhs848,000, the DBX is a perfect combination of style and substance, all shaken, not stirred in the right proportions.