First previewed in the country nearly a year ago now in conjunction with the global debut, Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur (AMKL) today officially launched the Aston Martin DBX here in Malaysia. The Aston Martin DBX will join a pretty crowded bunch of ultra-luxury SUVs in the market including the Lamborghini Urus and the Bentley Bentayga, the latter launched in Malaysia just yesterday.
The Aston Martin DBX will go on sale in Malaysia starting at RM818,000 without insurance, taxes, and associated costs, which is quite a bit higher than previously anticipated. The company explains that the increase in cost was due to the several quality enhancements made to the final production model.
PERFORMANCE
Underneath the hood of the DBX is a Mercedes-AMG sourced 4.0 litre twin-turbocharged V8, tuned in this iteration to make 550 hp and 700 Nm of torque – higher than the Vantage and DB11.
Power is transferred to the ground via a nine-speed automatic transmission (also sourced from Mercedes) and an all-wheel drive system featuring an active central differential and an electronic rear limited-slip differential (eDiff). The AWD system allows for torque to not only be controlled between the axles, but across the rear axles as well.
With that much traction, the Aston Martin DBX completes the century sprint in just 4.5 seconds, onward to a top speed of 291 km/h. Aston Martin says that its not only quick on a straight line, but around bends as well, thanks to the triple-chamber air springs at all corners as standard, along with a 48-volt electric anti-roll control system.
Collectively, the suspension system is able to raise or lower the car by 45 mm and 50 mm respectively, and exert up to 1,400 Nm of force on each axle to mitigate the rolling effects from the higher centre of gravity of an SUV. Aston Martin said that the DBX is a sports car first, SUV second, and we certainly have no doubts about that ambitious claim.
EXTERIOR
The Aston Martin DBX features some of the company’s most iconic design elements, including the signature grille design (the largest that’s ever been fitted on any AM model, by the way), and a full-width taillight with integrated ducktail spoiler inspired by the new Vantage.
The Gaydon-based company not only paid extra-close attention to small visual details such as the glass cover on the B-pillars and flush window sills for a more coherent and elegant look, but also to the SUV’s overall aerodynamic performance.
These include a vent on the daytime-running light up front that channels air through the front wheel arches and along the sides, as well as a slotted rear roof spoiler which not only helps clean up air flow over the roof, but also helps enhance the effectiveness of the ducktail spoiler, and even helps clear the rear windscreen from rainwater – removing the need of an ugly rear wiper.
Another benefit to the aerodynamic performance of the car is the reduction of cabin noise while on the move; Aston Martin says that they are one of the very few companies who are using computational aeroacoustics technology to help improve passenger comfort.
INTERIOR
On the inside, the passengers are pretty much cocooned in acres of full-grain leather covering the entirety of the dashboard, as well as trims on the door panels, and of course the sport seats. The leather is offset by the headlining and electric roof blind which can be optioned in Alcantara suede.
The centre console is constructed as a floating bridge, where you’ll find most of the driving and infotainment system controls, while underneath it is some flexible storage space. Along the sides, the decorative trims can be furnished in a range of different finishes, including solid wood, composite and metal veeners, as well as a new flax composite designed to be an ecologically-friendly alternative to carbon fibre.
Other interior highlights include a 10.25-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay connectivity, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 64-colour ambient lighting with two control zones, three-zone climate control, a 360-degree camera system, and a 14-speaker, 800-watt sound system.
As for the SUV side of the equation, the Aston Martin DBX boasts a class-leading interior space thanks in part to the slim sport seats for the front passenger, and a reworked panoramic glass roof that reduces the height required for the rolling blinds mechanism. Further at the back, the DBX also features a cargo space of 632 litres, expandable by the 40:20:40 split folding rear seats.
In fact, Aston Martin says that its Female Advisory Board was significantly involved during the design process of the DBX, in addition to dealership feedback and private focus groups to enhance the overall ergonomics of the luxury SUV, including the separate central armrests, glovebox design, and even the positioning of the car’s key control systems.
SAFETY
The family-oriented Aston Martin is well equipped with advanced safety features, including autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and lane keep assist, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition, and automatic high beam.
Additionally, the DBX also comes as standard with six airbags (front, side, and curtain), stability control, emergency brake assist, roll-over stability control, hill descent control, and hill start assist.
PRICING
As mentioned above, the Aston Martin DBX retails at RM818,000 before options, taxes, duties, and all other associated costs. On the options, Aston Martin is also offering additional packages such as the Pet package which includes a portable washer for your furry friends after a walk in the mud, in addition to the various wheel options, as well as exterior and interior finishes.
The DBX will be built at the company’s manufacturing plant in St Athan, Wales, and is now available for viewing and booking at the Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur showroom.
GALLERY
