Aston Martin DBX

The 2025 Aston Martin DBX, particularly the DBX707 variant offered in India, is powered by a formidable 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine. This powerhouse is tuned to produce an astonishing 697 bhp (707 PS) of power at 6000 rpm and a colossal 900 Nm of torque at 2600-4500 rpm. Power is sent to all four wheels via a 9-speed wet-clutch automatic gearbox. The recently unveiled DBX S variant takes this even further, producing 727 bhp from the same engine, thanks to larger compressor wheel diameters and revised tuning.

The DBX707 can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in a blistering 3.3 seconds, with a top speed of 310 kmph, making it one of the fastest SUVs on the planet. The DBX S shaves off even more time for the 0-200 kmph sprint. The 9-speed wet-clutch gearbox provides rapid and aggressive shifts, especially in Sport and Sport+ modes. Aston Martin has recalibrated the electronic dampers and air springs for better body control, ensuring that the immense power is translated effectively to the road. Fuel efficiency is an expected 8 kmpl in the city and 10.1 kmpl on the highway (ARAI).

Ride and Handling

The 2025 Aston Martin DBX is engineered to deliver a dynamic yet comfortable ride and handling experience, effectively blurring the lines between a high-performance sports car and a luxurious SUV. Its sophisticated air suspension system with adaptive dampers and 48-volt active anti-roll bars (eARC) provides exceptional body control, minimizing roll during cornering and ensuring a flat ride even over undulating surfaces.

The steering is precise and direct, offering good feedback and making the DBX surprisingly agile for its size. While the large 22-inch or 23-inch wheels and low-profile tires can transmit some road imperfections, the overall ride quality remains remarkably composed and comfortable, especially in GT mode. Cabin insulation is excellent, effectively isolating occupants from road and wind noise, contributing to a serene interior environment. The DBX's advanced all-wheel-drive system, coupled with various drive modes (including off-road settings), allows it to confidently tackle a range of terrains, showcasing its versatility beyond paved roads. The recalibrated electronic dampers and air springs further enhance its dynamic capabilities and overall driving refinement.

The interior of the 2025 Aston Martin DBX has received a significant overhaul, bringing it in line with the brand's latest models like the DB12 and Vantage. The cabin is a luxurious sanctuary, meticulously crafted with high-grade materials such as hand-stitched leather, Alcantara, and a wide array of customizable trims including wood, metal, and carbon fibre. The overall layout is new, focusing on improved ergonomics and technological integration.

A key update is the new 10.25-inch central infotainment display and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, replacing the older Mercedes-Benz sourced system. The center console features updated switchgear, new horizontal central air vents, and new choices of materials for the door panels and door handles, enhancing the tactile experience. The 5-seater cabin offers generous space for all occupants, with comfortable and supportive seats that often include heating, cooling, and 16-way power adjustment. Boot space is a practical 632 litres, making it genuinely usable for luggage. The cabin ambience is one of opulent luxury, blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge digital displays and controls.

Infotainment

The infotainment system in the 2025 Aston Martin DBX has been completely revamped, moving away from the older Mercedes-Benz derived system to an all-new, in-house developed unit. This new system is displayed on a crisp 10.25-inch central touchscreen, offering a modern user interface, improved responsiveness, and high-resolution graphics.

A major technological advancement is the integration of Apple CarPlay Ultra, which extends beyond the central screen to the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. This allows for a highly customizable and integrated experience, displaying navigation, media, and various customizable dials across multiple screens. The system also supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless smartphone connectivity. Physical buttons for key mechanical operations like gear selection, drive selection, heating, and ventilation are retained, providing a balance between touchscreen controls and tactile feedback. The DBX also features full online connectivity, satellite navigation, and a premium 14-speaker audio system, with an optional Bowers & Wilkins system for enhanced sound quality.

The exterior design of the 2025 Aston Martin DBX remains a testament to the brand's commitment to elegant yet powerful aesthetics. It retains its instantly recognizable silhouette, characterized by flowing lines, a muscular stance, and a distinctive front grille. The DBX707, which is the primary offering in India, features more aggressive styling cues, including a larger grille, revised front splitter, and a more pronounced rear diffuser with vertically stacked quad exhaust tips, enhancing its sporty appeal.

Subtle cosmetic tweaks for the 2025 model year include new Satin Black and Copper Bronze finishes for the alloy wheels and new flush-fitting door handles, contributing to a cleaner and more modern look. The DBX S, if introduced in India, will further differentiate itself with additional weight-saving measures and even more assertive design elements. The DBX typically rides on large 22-inch or optional 23-inch alloy wheels, which perfectly fill the wheel arches and contribute to its imposing road presence. Dimensions are substantial, with a length of approximately 5039 mm, a width of 2220 mm (including mirrors), and a height of 1680 mm, with a wheelbase of 3060 mm. Ground clearance is a versatile 190 mm, providing capability for varied terrains.

Safety is paramount in the 2025 Aston Martin DBX, which is engineered to provide a high level of protection for its occupants. While specific crash test ratings from Indian agencies are not typically available, the DBX has received commendable ratings from global safety organizations, reflecting its robust construction and advanced safety features.

The DBX is equipped with a comprehensive array of passive safety features, including 10 airbags (driver, passenger, side, curtain, and knee airbags). Active safety features include Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control (TC), Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist, and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). It also boasts an extensive suite of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), including Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Warning (BSW) with Lane Change Warning (LCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, Rear Cross Traffic Detection (RCT), and a 360-degree Aerial View Camera System. Carbon ceramic brakes (420 mm front, 390 mm rear) ensure exceptional stopping power.

The 2025 Aston Martin DBX operates in the fiercely competitive ultra-luxury SUV segment in India, facing off against some of the most prestigious and powerful SUVs in the world.

Its primary competitors include the Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus. The Bentley Bentayga emphasizes unparalleled luxury, exquisite craftsmanship, and a supremely comfortable ride, appealing to buyers who prioritize opulence and refinement. The Lamborghini Urus, on the other hand, focuses on extreme performance and a more aggressive, supercar-like driving experience. The DBX positions itself as a compelling blend of both, offering the raw power and dynamic capabilities of a sports car combined with the practicality and luxurious comfort of an SUV, all wrapped in distinctive Aston Martin styling.

Other formidable rivals include the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, known for its track-focused performance, and the Lotus Eletre, an all-electric hyper-SUV that brings cutting-edge EV technology to the segment. The DBX also competes with high-end variants of the Land Rover Range Rover, which offers a strong blend of luxury, off-road capability, and brand heritage. The DBX differentiates itself with its unique British charm, a more driver-centric approach than some rivals, and the sheer exclusivity that comes with the Aston Martin badge.

The 2025 Aston Martin DBX, particularly in its potent DBX707 and the even more extreme DBX S variants, continues to be a standout in India's ultra-luxury SUV market. It masterfully combines a stunning design, a supremely luxurious and technologically advanced interior, and a monstrous twin-turbo V8 engine that delivers exhilarating performance. The significant interior updates, including the new infotainment system with Apple CarPlay Ultra, greatly enhance the user experience.

While its ultra-premium price tag places it in an exclusive league, the DBX justifies its cost with its unparalleled driving dynamics, comprehensive safety features, and the prestigious Aston Martin badge. For discerning buyers in India who demand an SUV that offers the thrill of a supercar, the comfort of a luxury sedan, and the versatility to tackle diverse conditions, the 2025 Aston Martin DBX stands as a highly desirable and compelling choice. It truly embodies the spirit of a "super-SUV," offering an unforgettable automotive experience.