Whenever a car company adds a letter to a model name, you know what to expect. Cadillac‘s V, Audi’s S, and BMW‘s M vehicles offer higher levels of power and performance. Aston Martin also uses the letter “S” for its more aggressive models; the newest one is the DBX S.
To set it apart from other DBXs, Aston Martin gave the S model metal and enamel badges, black grille vanes and a new front splitter, side sills, and rear diffuser. Perhaps most recognizable difference is the modified exhaust system’s two pairs of stacked outlets.
Changes to the Alcantara and semi-aniline leather interior include a herringbone design and “S” embroidery on the seats along with more “S” branding on the door sill plates. Two audio systems are available, including the top-of-the-line 1,600-watt Bowers & Wilkins surround sound setup with 23 speakers.
A variety of exterior options are available to cut weight in strategic areas. According to Aston Martin, the 23-inch magnesium wheels drop 19 kilograms (41.9 pounds) of unsprung weight, which heightens the effect of the DBX S’s four-percent-faster steering ratio. Opting for the carbon fiber roof eliminates the roof rails, but further reduces weight by 18 kilos (39.7 pounds) and lowers the center of gravity – both good things for taking on a Ferrari Purosangue or Lamborghini Urus. Even the grille can be swapped out for a lighter polycarbonate honeycomb unit to make the front end ever so slightly lighter.
Aston Martin combines those reductions with an increase in output. “By using turbo technology transferred directly from the upcoming Valhalla supercar including its larger compressor wheel diameters and other internal improvements,” it was able to boost the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8’s output to 727PS (717 horsepower) and broaden its rev range. Changes to the nine-speed automatic resulted in new shift points and more forceful downshifts in the Sport and Sport + drive modes. Combined with variable all-wheel drive, the bump in power enables the DBX S to hit 62 mph in 3.3 seconds and rip to 124 mph 0.3 seconds sooner than the DBX707, which used to be the flagship model of Aston Martin’s SUV range.
If that one “S” at the end of this ultimate DBX’s name is a big deal to you, call your local Aston Martin dealer to put in your order for one now. Expect them to call you in Q4 of this year to let you know your DBX S is ready to pick up.