ASTON MARTIN DBX

There are many firsts about the Aston Martin DBX. It’s the firm’s first SUV, the first model to be produced in its new factory, the first Aston built to target female buyers and, in time, the first car from the brand to get hybrid technology.

That it’s also set to become the company’s best-selling model shows just how crucial the DBX is to Aston’s ‘Second Century’ plan, devised (and

so far being near-faultlessly implemented at double speed) by boss Andy Palmer.

The DBX was first a concept in 2015. Little has carried over to the production car in tangible terms, but the ethos is the same, Aston trying to keep the model as sleek as it can while also giving it the practicality of a five-door layout.

Aston has shown off some development pictures of the DBX snaking sideways on the gravel forest stages of Wales Rally GB, to prove that it’s serious about giving the car off-road performance credibility.

The DBX gets a new aluminium and composite architecture inspired by that used on Aston’s frontengined, rear-drive sports and GT models. It’s of Aston’s own design, and not related to any Mercedes, as reported elsewhere. Mercedes will, however, supply the DBX’S electrical architecture. Expect Aston’s own V12 and the Amgsourced V8 engine to be offered, a couple years before the hybrid technology arrives. That’s also set to be sourced from AMG.