Country for PR: Hong Kong
Contributor: PR Newswire Asia (Hong Kong)
Wednesday, November 20 2019 - 15:10
AsiaNet
Aston Martin Unveils DBX: An SUV with the Soul of a Sports Car
BEIJING, Nov. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/--

--Aston Martin launches fourth car of transformational Second Century Plan 
--First SUV for 106-year-old luxury British marque 
--Delivers broadest design brief of any Aston Martin in history 
--Broad range of capability from sportscar dynamics to off-road versatility


A bold new chapter and a landmark moment in Aston Martin's illustrious 106-year 
history, Aston Martin has today unveiled its first SUV and a model that will 
propel the brand to new heights worldwide. That model, is DBX.

To view the Multimedia News Release, please click:
https://www.prnasia.com/mnr/astonmartin_201911.shtml

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The culmination of an extensive development programme that began with physical 
testing in Wales last year and virtual development stretching back to 2015, DBX 
signals a new era in Aston Martin's pursuit to deliver exceptional performance, 
style and usability in a segment previously unexplored by the world-famous 
manufacturer. Bringing both the versatility and indulgence expected of a luxury 
SUV with sports car levels of dynamic performance, DBX sets a bold new standard 
in this sector. 

Aston Martin Lagonda President & Group CEO, Dr. Andy Palmer said: "I can't 
emphasise enough how incredibly exciting and significant DBX is for Aston 
Martin. Through its development alone, this beautiful SUV has already taken the 
company into new territories and in inspiring directions. DBX also marks a key 
moment in the delivery of the third and final phase of our Second Century Plan, 
not only representing the promised expansion of our portfolio but also 
signaling the start of production at Aston Martin's second manufacturing plant. 
We have both delivered this model through our expertise, but also by garnering 
invaluable experience and knowledge from external counsel, including our Female 
Advisory Board. This is a real landmark for this great British brand and I 
promise that DBX will reward all who experience it in their everyday lives."

Set to be built in Aston Martin's purpose-built manufacturing facility in St 
Athan, Wales, the foundation of DBX is a new dedicated SUV platform, something 
rarely seen across the sector. More than ever before, this clean sheet of paper 
has allowed all departments within Aston Martin to innovate and push the 
boundaries of what British design and engineering can create, resulting in a 
truly remarkable product. 

Utilising bonded aluminium, a construction method Aston Martin has refined 
through the development of its sports cars, the body structure is both very 
light and incredibly stiff, assisting in the delivery of an overall kerbweight 
of 2,245kg. Right from its genesis, it was designed to allow maximum room in 
the cabin, putting a premium on refinement and class leading spaciousness for 
both front and rear occupants. Meanwhile, the exceptional stiffness inherent in 
the design of the new platform has also enabled DBX to achieve exceptional 
dynamics both on and off-road. 

Adaptive triple volume air suspension has been combined with the latest 48v 
electric anti-roll control system (eARC) and electronic adaptive dampers to 
provide the new SUV with a huge breadth of ability. With its capacity to raise 
the ride height by 45mm or lower it by 50mm the air suspension gives any driver 
the confidence to tackle a wide range of terrain. While this of course provides 
benefits while on the move, the system can be further programmed to aid with 
ingress, egress and loading requirements, aiding on a practical level. 

The adaptive triple chamber air springs enable variable spring stiffness, 
giving both luxurious comfort and dynamic prowess. Extraordinarily the eARC - 
capable of 1,400Nm of anti-roll force per axle – can limit DBX's body roll for 
handling that is much more akin to that of a sports car than an SUV. This 
sophisticated system of adaptive air suspension, dampers and eARC allows for 
maximum ride comfort when transporting up to five occupants and their luggage, 
while maintaining a highly responsive and engaging dynamic capability. 

Powered by a new version of the characterful 4-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 
engine found in DB11 and Vantage, DBX features an impressive output of 550PS 
and 700NM of torque, carefully tuned to meet the specific needs of this model. 
With a sound character that is unquestionably Aston Martin, the active exhaust 
system ensures this is a luxury SUV that can sound refined one moment and 
exhilarating the next. The engine's versatility isn't restricted to its vocals 
either; the turbocharged V8 has cylinder deactivation to enhance fuel economy, 
yet it can also propel DBX from 0 to 62mph in 4.5 seconds and on to a top speed 
of 181mph. 

Transmitting this power and torque to the ground is a nine-speed torque 
convertor automatic gearbox, allied to an all-wheel drive system with active 
differentials featuring an active central differential and an electronic rear 
limited slip differential (eDiff). This allows the torque to be moved precisely 
both fore and aft in the vehicle and also across the rear axle. When combined 
with the bespoke steering system that has been tuned to deliver feel and sports 
car-like response, DBX imbues the driver with an overriding sense of control, 
whatever the conditions. 

Aston Martin's first ever full-size 5-seat model is not only exceptionally 
versatile in terms of the terrain that it can tackle, it is also extremely 
adaptable to a wide variety of lifestyle needs and owners. Designed to 
accommodate the world's 99th percentile male and 5th percentile female, DBX has 
been very deliberately created with instant familiarity and ease of use from 
the start. 

With 632 litres of boot space and 40:20:40 split folding rear seats DBX 
possesses all the flexible load capacity expected of an SUV with class-leading 
interior space. The load space offers a practical and cleanly designed space. A 
narrow load sill and broad aperture maximises the practicality for a variety of 
luggage, such as suitcases, golf bags and ski equipment. 

Complimenting the incredibly high standard specification of DBX, which includes 
all available active safety systems, there are many optional accessory packages 
offered. These packages will tailor the car even further to customers' needs, 
sports or pastimes. For example, the Pet package will include, amongst other 
things, a portable washer to help attend to the needs of a muddy dog after a 
walk. Alternatively, the Snow package will deliver boot warmers to make a ski 
trip just that little bit more pleasurable. 

The luxuriously handcrafted interior of DBX has been designed to provide equal 
space and comfort whether sitting in the front or rear of the car. 
Class-leading headroom and legroom combines with a full-length glass panoramic 
roof and frameless door glass to offer a fantastically light and spacious cabin 
environment. The use of sports car seat packaging in the front not only 
provides the driver with exceptional support and long-distance driving comfort, 
but also provides knee and footwell clearance for those sitting behind. 

Small touches throughout, including separate central armrests, glovebox design 
and the ergonomic positioning of the car's key control systems, have been 
guided carefully by the input of the brand's Female Advisory Board, dealership 
feedback and a variety of private focus groups held worldwide. Not limited to 
this area, the guidance provided has been key to the success of DBX's overall 
design. 

The seats are trimmed in sumptuous, full grain leather, sourced from long term 
partner Bridge of Weir. An industry first, both the headlining and electric 
roof blind are available in a luxurious Alcantara(R) finish, providing a 
harmonious design, light obscuration and solar attenuation without compromising 
headroom. Throughout the cabin, DBX maintains an authenticity of materials, 
with judicious use of metal, glass and wood throughout the cabin. 

Another design highlight includes the elegantly crafted bridged centre console 
allowing for both flexible storage below and a beautiful, architectural 
centrepiece. This feature keeps valuables close to hand while not occupying the 
passenger seat and away from dirt on the car's floor mats. 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, 
for added tactility. 

A contemporary range of exquisite wood, composite and metal veneers ensure that 
the cabin can be tailored to any taste. This includes a range of innovative 
materials and an industry first application of a fabric made from 80% wool. A 
new flax composite - derived from the same plant as fine linen - also provides 
an alternative to carbon fibre and a distinctive design aesthetic. 

Framed by these materials is an abundance of technology. A 10.25" TFT screen 
sits elegantly flush in the centre console, while a huge 12.3" TFT screen 
provides a wealth of information to the driver. Apple CarPlay comes as 
standard, as does a 360-degree camera system and ambient lighting that offers 
64 different colours in two zones. 

DBX's exterior works as hard as the interior at bringing the elegance of Aston 
Martin's sports cars into the world of the SUV. From the signature 'DB' grille 
at the front, through the sculptured sides and design feature line, to the 
tailgate with a flip that draws inspiration from Vantage, this is an Aston 
Martin from first glance to detailed inspection. Beautiful details like the 
hidden side glass seals on the frameless doors and glass B-pillar finishers add 
an elegant sleekness and confidence to the stance. Cutaway sills also assist in 
narrowing the stepover required to enter the sumptuous cabin, while reducing 
the risk of ruining a fine dress or suit on arrival to a dinner engagement. 

Aerodynamics were an important consideration within the design process and this 
included the novel experience for the team of running computational fluid 
dynamics (CFD) tests with a DBX towing a trailer with a DB6 on it. At the car's 
front, the daytime running lights (DRLs) have an integrated aerodynamic duct, 
which channels air through the front wheel arches and along the side, helping 
to reduce both drag and lift while also cooling the brakes. Air flows cleanly 
over the roof, through the rear wing, over the rear window and on to the rear 
flip. This unique approach and design detail allows the rear screen to 
self-clear on the move. Aerodynamic design has also played a key part in 
passenger comfort because as one of only a few companies using computational 
aeroacoustics technology, Aston Martin's engineers have been able to keep cabin 
noise to a minimum at speed. 

Aston Martin is incredibly proud that DBX, an SUV intended to expand the sales 
reach of the brand worldwide, will be built in Britain at the new manufacturing 
plant in St Athan, Wales. With its all-wheel drive system, DBX is a car that 
will allow the company to increase its presence in markets where perhaps the 
weather or terrain is less than conducive to rear-wheel drive sports cars. The 
clear emphasis on a spacious and luxurious cabin - whether seated in the front 
or back - will also allow Aston Martin to better reach customers who prefer to 
be driven rather than drive. 

Further adding to the desirability of DBX, the first 500 owners of this 
landmark model will benefit from an exclusive '1913 Package'. Fitted with a 
unique fender badge, sill plaques and an inspection plaque detailing its 
limited build-run, each of these first examples will be personally endorsed and 
inspected by Andy Palmer. In addition, each customer will also receive a unique 
build-book signed by both Aston Martin's CEO and Chief Creative Officer Marek 
Reichman and an invitation to a regionally hosted Waldorf Astoria celebration 
cocktail party, hosted by a member of the Aston Martin Lagonda executive team. 

Dr Andy Palmer said: "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. To have produced such a beautiful, hand 
built, yet technologically advanced car is a proud moment for Aston Martin." 

Recommended Retail Price from GBP158,000* in the UK, EUR193,500 in Germany and 
USD189,900 in USA. DBX is on sale now, with first deliveries scheduled to begin 
Q2 2020.

*Includes 3 year's servicing

Attachments

DBX SPECIFICATION
(https://static.prnasia.com/pro/media/mnr/201911/aston/DBX_Specification.pdf)
Aston Martin DBX: Design( 
https://static.prnasia.com/pro/media/mnr/201911/aston/Aston_Martin_DBX_Design.pdf)

Aston Martin DBX: Driving Dynamics( 
https://static.prnasia.com/pro/media/mnr/201911/aston/Aston_Martin_DBX_Driving_Dynamics.pdf)

Aston Martin DBX: In-Car Technology and Entertainment( 
https://static.prnasia.com/pro/media/mnr/201911/aston/Aston_Martin_DBX_In-Car_Technology_and_Entertainment.pdf)

Aston Martin DBX: Body Structure & Safety( 
https://static.prnasia.com/pro/media/mnr/201911/aston/Aston_Martin_DBX_Body_Structure&Safety.pdf)

Aston Martin DBX: Aerodynamics( 
https://static.prnasia.com/pro/media/mnr/201911/aston/Aston_Martin_DBX_Aerodynamics.pdf)

Aston Martin DBX: Powertrain( 
https://static.prnasia.com/pro/media/mnr/201911/aston/Aston_Martin_DBX_Powertrain.pdf)

Aston Martin DBX: Accessories( 
https://static.prnasia.com/pro/media/mnr/201911/aston/Aston_Martin_DBX_Accessories.pdf)


Media Contact

Asia Pacific
Andreas Rosen
Marketing and Communications Manager
Mobile: +65-6908-0825
Email: Andreas.Rosen@astonmartin.com

https://media.astonmartin.com/contacts/ 

SOURCE  Aston Martin Lagonda