FIRST LOOK AT WALES’ SUPERCAR
ASTON Martin has unveiled the DBX.
The SUV, which is currently under production in South Wales, was revealed to the public for the first time in Beijing, China.
The DBX is the fourth car of the luxury marque’s Second Century Plan and signals a move into previously unexplored by the world-famous manufacturer.
Aston Martin Lagonda president and 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.”
He added: “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.”
Three years ago Aston Martin took over a 90-acre site in St Athan, which included three “super hangars”, from the Ministry of Defence.
The hangars have now been converted and the factory has already produced a number of DBX testing vehicles.
With its all-wheel drive system, it is thought the DBX will allow the company to increase its presence in markets where perhaps the weather or terrain is less suitable for rear-wheel drive sports cars.
In testing the DBX regularly achieved sub eight-minute Nordschleife lap times.
For comparison that is about the time the marque’s V8 Vantage achieves.
Aston Martin has also revealed that in testing the DBX has repeatedly exceeded 180mph, though the final top speed and acceleration figures will be set within the closing stages of the testing process.
Chief engineer Matt Becker said: “We have concentrated our work to ensure that the calibration and tune of this 4.0litre twin-turbo V8 delivers both the everyday usability and refinement expected by SUV owners.
“However, we have also focused heavily on matching that with the engaging driving dynamics that are commanded by our brand and inherent in every Aston Martin and early indications of the car’s overall performance have been incredibly promising.”
The DBX has a recommended retail price from £158,000 and the order books have now opened.
Dr Palmer added: “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.”
The first deliveries of the DBX are scheduled to begin in the second quarter of next year and production has been gearing up at the St Athan facility.
Last year, St Athan was named as Aston Martin Lagonda’s Home of Electrification and the manufacturing home of the Lagonda brand. This resulted in an extra £50m investment into the new facility.
When the facility has the Rapide E – the first all electric Aston Martin – and the Lagonda brand rolling off the production in 2021, the number of employees will be around the 1,000 mark.