Aston Marton has a new flagship SUV, the DBX S.

The S denotes its high-performance upgrades over the existing DBX, currently available as the DBX707.

“Over the last two years, Aston Martin have introduced an entire core collection of next generation sports cars as well as a new DBX; all with a new, entirely bespoke infotainment system designed in-house. The marque continues its focus on class leading performance, ultra-luxury design and innovation, broadening the range of products under each core model,” said Aston Martin CEO Adrian Hallmark in a news release.

“The introduction of DBX S not only reaffirms our commitment to producing the most exciting, rewarding and beautiful cars, it also sends a powerful statement of intent about our ambitions not just for DBX, but for the Aston Martin brand.”

DBX S powertrain

The high-performance SUV gets an upgraded version of Aston Martin’s 4.-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, which utilizes technology originally introduced in Aston Martin’s Valhalla supercar, including larger compressor wheel diameters.

Power is increased by 20 hp to 717 hp.

A modified exhaust system amplifies the character of what Aston Martin calls a “thunderous” V8 engine.

The SUV’s nine-speed wet clutch transmission, which doesn’t use a conventional torque converter for improved performance, has been modified with change up points adjusted to reflect the DBX S’s extended rev range. Down shifts in Sport and Sport+ modes are even more aggressive, Aston Martin said.

The SUV can send up to 50 per cent of torque to the front wheels and up to 100 per cent to the rear wheels.

Performance

The DBX S accelerates from zero to 200 km/h (124 mph) 0.3 seconds quicker than the DBX707.

Zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) arrives in 3.3 seconds, which is unchanged.

The top speed is 310 km/h (193 mph), which is also unchanged.

Weight loss

A new optional carbon fibre roof, measuring three square metres, is the largest carbon element fitted to an Aston Martin, the automaker said. This option, which includes the deletion of roof rails, reduces 18 kilograms of weight, and helps lower the SUV’s centre of gravity.

The DBX S also has optional 23-inch magnesium wheels, which reduce weight by 19 kilograms over the standard 23-inch forged aluminum wheels. The magnesium wheel option also comes with the deletion of roof rails.

There’s also an optional lightweight polycarbonate honeycomb grille, reducing weight at the front of the vehicle.

In total, lightweight options can lower the weight of the DBX S by 47 kilograms compared to the DBX707.

Other improvements

The DBX S gets other improvements, including a steering ratio that’s four per cent faster, making the SUV more agile and reducing its turning circle.

Suspension enhancements increase body control to reduce weight transference, which improves stability.

There are also visual cues to make the DBX S stand out, such a pure black vaned grille, a new splitter and diffuser, new side sills with upturned air splitters and more.

The DBX S also comes with vertically stacked quad exhausts, which helps distinguish the DBX S further at the rear. These are available in gloss and matte finishes.

Interior

Occupants will find the “S” suffix appearing throughout the cabin.

The interior blends Alcantara and semi-aniline leather upholstery, and red seatbelts can be specified.

An 800-watt, 14-speaker premium audio system with QuantumLogic surround sound is standard, while a Bowers & Wilkins sound system with 23 speakers and 1,600 watts is optional.

The DBX S also features Aston Martin’s in-house developed infotainment system.

More details are available on the Aston Martin website.

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