Aston Martin’s first SUV: DBX

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Aston Martin’s first SUV: DBX revealed in Mzansi with pricing

As Aston Martin South Africa unveiled its new dealership in Melrose Arch, so too did it unveil the long-awaited Aston Martin DBX SUV – Order Books are now open.

Aston Martin’s first SUV: DBX

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Not two weeks after its international reveal, the Aston Martin DBX SUV was unveiled at Aston Martin’s brand new dealership in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg on 5 December 2019. Pricing has been announced starting from R3 600 000.

The Aston Martin DBX is the latest model release from the brand. After its worldwide debut and considering the reaction from the local reveal, the SUV seems to strike at the emotional heartstrings in terms of its design. It’s typically Aston Martin, yet in SUV form with highlights that denote it as part of the modern Aston Martin family.

It does also reflect some of its own unique design traits, most notably the ‘duck tail’ rear section that mimics a rear spoiler smartly worked into the rear lighting cluster. It’s undoubtedly a sports car from front to rear and from my eye at least, it’s one of the most proportionate sports-SUV body designs.

The interior of the cabin is atypical Aston luxury with a new centre screen that sits above a raised centre console, all woven into what looks like more leather than any other car, certainly any other Aston. It’s certainly a luxurious and detailed interior design with a mix of other luxury materials including panels of grained wood, polished alloy switchgear, door handles, air vent and screen surrounds as well as piano black backdrop on the console.

Undoubtedly, the DBX is built to owners specifications and the depth of options is second to none, all handcrafted to individualised tastes.

The DBX is powered by a 4.0-litre, twin turbo V8 that started life as a Mercedes-AMG mill. It dishes out 404kW of power and 700Nm of torque via a 9-speed auto transmission that is all managed through an active all-wheel drive system with variable torque distribution. Claimed performance figures are: 0 – 100km/h in 4.5 seconds and a top end of over 290km/h. The bonded alumiunium body is kept in check via a 48V antiroll stabilisation system and air suspension comes standard.

From this, we can expect unmatched NVH levels plus the uncanny ability to unleash worlds of power and enjoy some power slides for good measure. (Just search ‘DBX powerslide’ for some entertaining videos of the DBX during its testing programme in Wales, to see what I’m talking about.)

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DBX is huge for Aston Martin

As far as sales go, there are huge expectations from the DBX. The global preference of SUV’s over saloons continues unabated and like Bentley, Rolls Royce and Lamborghini, the launch of the DBX was never a case of what if, but more a case of when. It’s part of CEO Dr Andy Palmer’s plan to steer Aston Martin into a profitable and long-term successful investment for its shareholders.

Aston Martin company history, illustrious as it is, hasn’t been rosy and even after a strong revival and going public in 2018, the share price has been hard hit – something that Palmer and team are eager to change. The DBX then, is set to do just that and its part of a product offensive that will see the brand move more cars to more owners than ever before.

Local Pricing and a new investment in South Africa

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Aston Martin South Africa launched their brand new dealership in Melrose Arch, a 1 217m², multi-level space that will now serve as the Johannesburg home of Aston Martin. The new dealership features a car display area, handover area, specification lounge and coffee shop among the beautiful and tactile design and lighting elements.

Justin Divaris, CEO of Daytona Group asserted their commitment in the country and the prospects of the DBX. “We are delighted to be the official representation of Aston Martin in South Africa. The current product line up is the most varied and exciting in the company’s long and illustrious history DBX truly is the most beautiful SUV in the market and showcases the sophistication of Aston Martin’s modern design language and its commitment to delivering class-leading dynamics.”  

Starting at R3,6 Million, the order books are officially open for a new Aston Martin DBX. This pricing puts the car squarely in the sights of Bentley’s slightly more expensive Bentayga and the similarly priced Lamborghini Urus. But it must be noted that at this level, the specification level is ultimately the price decider, and the base price is hardly what the true prices of each car will be.

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