Aston Martin DBX Shifts to 707 Spec

Aston Martin has updated its DBX SUV and will now only offer it with a 697-horsepower twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine.

Mated to a nine-speed wet clutch automatic transmission the all-wheel-drive DBX707 hurtles to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds and will max out at 193 mph. Suitable stopping power comes from standard-fit carbon ceramic disc brakes with 420 mm (16.5 in) front rotors and 380mm (15 in) units at the rear, sat behind 22-inch alloy wheels, with 23-inch rims on the options list.

The Aston's electronic dampers and air springs feature a new calibration which engineers say improves body control for better response and precision in cornering.

Exterior design tweaks are limited to new flush-fit power door handles which present themselves when the driver approaches, and a new design of door mirror that offers a better rear view and includes integrated cameras to aid with parking. Five new paint hues have been added to the catalog: Epsilon Black, Helios Yellow, Sprint Green, Malachite Green, Aura Green and Podium Green. Copper Bronze is an option for the 23-inch wheels, or you can go traditional silver or a selection of black finishes.

The main effort has gone into the cabin, however. There's a simplified console featuring chrome and veneer detailing, a revised steering wheel, new door handles, and a wider offering of materials such as gloss smoked oak, gloss titanium mesh, zincote wood, and carbon fiber.

Three trim levels are available as standard: Inspire Comfort gets matrix embroidery and quilting, Inspire Sport has vector embroidery, and Accelerate comes in Alcantara. Full personalization is available under the Q by Aston Martin Service. An 800-watt Premium Audio system is included, with the option to upgrade to a Bowers & Wilkins 23-speaker setup with double the power output.

Although there's a multi-screen arrangement, with a 12.3-inch display for the driver and a 10.25-inch touch-screen center unit Aston has, thankfully, kept analogue switches for gear selection, drive modes, suspension, ESP, exhaust, lane keep assist, parking assist and, heating and ventilation.

Expect to pay around $250,000 when the car goes on sale this summer.