Aston DBX S Unleashed

Aston Martin DBX S

The Aston Martin DBX S emerges as the next heavyweight contender in the ultra-luxury SUV market. It’s a beefed-up successor to the DBX707, aiming to jostle with high-performance giants like the Lamborghini Urus SE. While it keeps the essence of the DBX707 intact, a few strategic upgrades have propelled this vehicle into the heavyweight division.

Power and Performance

This beast is armed with a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine, a familiar powerhouse sourced from Mercedes-AMG and retuned to unleash 717 horsepower. That’s a thrilling 20 horsepower boost over its predecessor, made possible by new turbocharger implementations expected in the upcoming Valhalla supercar. This bump doesn’t alter the 0-60 mph stats, which remain at a rapid 3.1 seconds, but does allow the DBX S to hit 124 mph faster, ultimately maxing out at a scorching 193 mph, nearly matching the Urus SE’s top speed.

Handling and Tech

Aston Martin has refined the nine-speed automatic transmission with a retuned shift mapping, especially in Sport and Sport+ modes, to offer crisp gear changes. Enhanced steering geometry provides a more direct feel, while the intuitive all-wheel-drive system, carried over from the DBX707, is ever-ready to shuffle torque front or rear for optimized traction. Carrying forward are the customizable air suspension systems and robust carbon-ceramic brakes—16.5 inches up front and 15.3 in the rear—offering precision control and reassurance at any speed.

Design Upgrades

A face-lifted front and rear end give the DBX S a sportier appearance, complemented by a bolder front splitter and redefined rear diffuser design. It’s topped off with an eye-catching vertically stacked quad-exhaust system, reminiscent of the early Lexus IS F. For those seeking to reduce the curb weight from its standard 4,846 pounds, Aston Martin offers optional magnesium wheels, a carbon fiber roof, and other lightweight components—but these enhancements come at an additional cost.

Costs and Customization

Positioned as a premium offering, the DBX S, with a starting price rubbing shoulders with the DBX707’s $260,000, can easily soar over $300,000 with optional extras. This places it squarely in the realm of competitors like the Bentley Bentayga Speed, offering a canvas for buyers to tailor its luxury and performance to their specifications.

Interior and Conclusion

A few subtle interior tweaks, including exquisite new trim choices and distinctive “S” badging, maintain the luxury appeal. While major cabin overhauls occurred during the last refresh, the DBX S focuses on enhancing sensory experience and driver engagement over superficial changes. The 2026 model is slated for release in Fall 2025, promising to uphold its status as a blend of extravagant allure and brute strength—remaining one of the few SUVs to truly embody the essence of ‘sport’ in ‘sport utility vehicle.’