2023 Aston Martin DBX Reviews, Pricing & Specs

The 2023 Aston Martin DBX is a high-performance exotic SUV, representing the first from the storied sports car manufacturer. It's about the same size as a BMW X5 but bears similar styling as other Aston Martins. The oversized signature grille immediately establishes its family ties, along with the sculpted hood and simple headlights. The profile is dominated by a large air outlet carved into the side that continues through the bottom of the doors and a tapering rear hatch. Flush-mount door handles add to the sleek appearance.

In the back, the DBX has a prominent rear spoiler integrated into the liftgate, tying it to a similar flip-up found on the Vantage sports car. To our eyes, it's a bit too pronounced and we're not convinced it actually serves to create high-speed downforce for stability. We would have preferred something more subtle, perhaps in line with the DB11 coupe, but then again that could make the DBX a little less extroverted.

On the inside, the DBX features a modern design that has a distinct bias toward sporty styling rather than refined luxury. The digital instrument panel and 10-inch infotainment display add a modern touch, but upon closer inspection, eagle-eyed observers will notice it is based on an older Mercedes-Benz infotainment system.

The Aston Martin DBX SUV is available in two forms. The base model is powered by a 4.0-liter turbocharged V8 engine that produces 542 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. It's paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels. The new DBX 707 adds a second turbocharger and increases output to 697 horsepower and 663 lb-ft of torque. The 707 receives several other performance upgrades related to the gearbox, all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, and adaptive air suspension. Aston Martin estimates the DBX will accelerate to 60 mph in a quick 4.4 seconds while the 707 chops that time down to only 3.1 seconds.

In our time with a DBX 707, it proved itself worthy of being compared against any other high-performance SUV. The burly V8 sounds fierce when driven hard, with subtle pops and crackles out the exhaust when you lift your foot off the throttle. Off the line, the DBX launches hard with no detectable wheel spin or drama. Handling is impressive, especially for a 5,000-pound SUV. There's an abundance of grip from the thick performance tires and the powerful carbon ceramic brakes add even more assurance. Body roll when cornering is well managed with the adaptive air suspension, allowing you to hustle through curves at sports car speeds.

The firm suspension does make for a rather stiff ride, though. You'll feel every imperfection in the road surface, including paint lines. Thankfully, the initial impacts from potholes and bumps are rounded over to a reasonable degree when you consider the DBX's sporty potential. Undulations in the road can cause some sizable jostling inside, too. Road noise is noticeable on any surface but is kept from being intrusive on coarse asphalt. We also noticed the occasional high-pitched squeal from the carbon ceramic brake rotors when slowing to a stop.

The DBX is about the same size as a BMW X5, but it is nowhere as maneuverable. It takes a lot of space to perform a U-turn and, in tight parking spots, it can require a lot of effort. Expect a lot of multiple-point turns and constant switching between reverse and drive to squeeze the DBX into tight confines. Adding the available semi-automated parking system is certainly justified here.

On a twisting mountain pass, the Aston Martin DBX 707 is as entertaining and engaging as the Porsche Cayenne Coupe Turbo GT and Lamborghini Urus, but we're confident the stiffer ride quality will be objectionable to many passengers and drivers. The regular DBX is already a stout performer and should exceed most drivers' expectations while delivering a more comfortable ride. That said, the 707 does seem more in line with Aston Martin's racing and sports car heritage.

Were it not for the DBX's taller ride height, you could easily think you were sitting in one of Aston Martin's sport coupes instead of an SUV. There's adequate space up front for larger passengers, yet there's still a snug sporty feel thanks to the deep side bolstering. There's also plenty of space in the rear seats for taller-than-average adults and they'll have enough room to stretch out on a long road trip.

Up front, you have some rather small cupholders and moderately sized door pockets and a center armrest bin. Underneath the center console is a rubberized tray that keeps your phone in place when you're having fun on a winding road, and there's also additional space for other personal items.

Behind the rear seats, the cargo area can hold up to 22.3 cubic feet. That's a solid figure for an exotic high-performance SUV, beating the Porsche Cayenne Coupe Turbo GT by about 3 cubic feet and the Lamborghini Urus by half a cube. By comparison, the more accessible BMW X5M is rated at almost 34 cubic feet. The DBX should still provide enough space for most users and the rear seats fold flat to the cargo floor for easier loading of bulky objects.

The DBX uses Mercedes-Benz' last-generation Comand infotainment system with some Aston Martin branding to mask its origins. The system works as advertised, but it’s behind the times when compared to the competition. The older touchpad-like controller and dial underneath are the primary interfaces since the 10-inch infotainment display is not a touchscreen. That's too bad because the screen is placed within easy reach of the driver.

The infotainment system is fairly easy to use once you're acclimated to the control interfaces and the menus are simple and logical. Unlike many other luxury SUVs, the DBX does not offer a Wi-Fi hotspot, remote monitoring or control, or any built-in streaming entertainment options. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, but not wireless.

The 14-speaker audio system delivers reasonably powerful bass and clarity, but premium systems in other luxury SUVs will have a better chance to impress audiophiles. Considering how loud the DBX's road and engine noise is, it may not make much sense to include a premium audio option.

The rather disappointing technology features could split opinions. On one hand, the DBX is a high-performance SUV, and enthusiast drivers will focus more on power and dynamics. On the other hand, this is a luxury SUV that flirts with a quarter-million-dollar starting price and savvy shoppers should expect the best of the best in every category.

Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have published crash tests of the Aston Martin DBX. This is common among high-end exotic and luxury vehicles with limited production numbers and exorbitant prices.

The DBX comes standard with a good amount of advanced safety features and driver assistants–far more than what you'd get in one of Aston Martin's sport coupes. You get forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, a surround-view camera system, parking proximity sensors, and passenger safe-exit alerts.

On the highway, the adaptive cruise control does an admirable job of maintaining a consistent following distance and is bolstered by smooth throttle and brake inputs. Most of the other systems function as they should, but we experienced several false alarms from the parking sensors when there were no obstructions or vehicles in the way.

With a starting price just under $190,000, the 2023 Aston Martin DBX is far from economical. Considering its thirsty fuel consumption estimates of 14 mpg city, 20 mpg highway, and 16 mpg in combined driving, it's not very efficient either. The twin-turbocharged DBX 707 is even more so with a starting price tag that's closer to $240,000 and fuel economy estimates of 15 mpg city, 20 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined. This puts them well out of reach of the vast majority of shoppers, enhancing the vehicle's aura of exclusivity.

That puts the DBX in league with other super SUVs such as the 641-horsepower Lamborghini Urus, while the forthcoming Ferrari Purosangue may cost almost twice as much. The spoiler of the bunch is the upcoming 2024 Porsche Cayenne Coupe Turbo GT with 650 horsepower and a price just under $200,000. It's nearly impossible to consider that price affordable except in the context of the competition. It's just as exciting and engaging to drive as the DBX but gains big advantages in regard to comfort, technology, and build quality.

Of course, the Porsche doesn't have the exclusivity or novelty that the Aston Martin DBX enjoys and for shoppers looking to make an impression, that alone can seal the deal. Within the lineup, we're certain that most drivers will be overjoyed with the standard DBX. We recommend the DBX 707 with its twin-turbo V8 for the few drivers seeking an absurd amount of performance since the sacrifices in comfort may be too much for others. In the end, the DBX turns heads with its styling and rarity while delivering a sports car experience with the practicality of an SUV. Its technology shortcomings are a big letdown, but likely not a deal breaker for those wealthy enough to afford one.