When hotels are rated, critics take many things into consideration, such as the comfort of the bed, the cleanliness of the room, the general ambiance of the property, and other metrics that helps promote customer confidence. If the same lens is utilized when looking at the new Aston Martin DBX GT, it would rank highly due to its performance drivetrain, sleek exterior, and interior stocked with luxurious amenities.
“Aston Martin is uniquely placed to combine ultra-luxury and performance. All our cars combine both, but each car finds a different balance, both visually and dynamically,” says Marek Reichman, Aston Martin EVP and chief creative officer. “With DBX GT we have taken a more discreet approach. One which downplays its outright performance and instead exudes a quiet charisma. Elegantly understated, yet safe in the knowledge it possesses the same performance and class-leading dynamics expected of a DBX.”
Every aspect of this SUV (literally and figuratively) revolves around the supercharged 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8. This direct-injected engine is rated at 717 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque, giving a 0-60 mph time of 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 193 mph. All of that performance is kept cool by twin-charge air-water coolers and all-alloy construction. The powerplant is connected to a nine-speed automatic transmission featuring a multi-plate wet clutch, electronic shift-by-wire control system, and five adaptive drive modes (GT, Sport, Sport+, Individual, and Terrain for off-roading adventures).
Aston Martin designed the DBX GT’s exterior to exude elegance, from the “signature detail” of the double-vane grille to the horizontally oriented quad exhaust finishers meant to emphasize the width of the lower body; every component has been carefully crafted to create a high level of curb appeal. On the front fenders, there is a two-piece metal side strake that was crafted with contrasting polished and satin finishes in the same manner one would find on a high-dollar watch. The color-matched lower front bumper, sills, and rear diffuser pair well with the 22-inch Satin Titanium diamond-turned finished forged wheels wrapped in all-season tires. Other exterior sophistication includes a panoramic glass sunroof, automatic-presenting door handles, vented rear wheel arches, and a clamshell hood with twin vents.
Sure, we can talk about the interior components like the semi-aniline leather seats that Aston Martin claims takes four and a half hours each to construct by hand thanks to approximately 755 yards of thread and 3,297 perforation holes. We can also mention the standard Piano Black veneer, new individual seat layout, or the Bowers & Wilkins audio system; however, there is a part of the interior that might be more important: the silence. Aston Martin designed the cabin to be quiet which, for an average buyer of luxury vehicles, is at the top of the list. After insulating the door panels, front and rear arch zones, and rear load space, and installing deep pile carpet that supports acoustic isolation, the interior becomes a place where telephone calls and conversations can be had in true privacy while enjoying other amenities.
Underneath the DBX GT chassis is a cast aluminum suspension with subframe technology that showcases a wide-spaced, double-wishbone front suspension system pairied with a multi-link rear suspension setup. This provides an even-keeled, smooth ride for urban areas; for off-road applications, there is an adaptive triple-chamber air suspension, variable ride height, and electronic active anti-roll control system.
Pricing is expected to start at around $262,000, which is about the price of a single-family home. With luxurious furnishings, awe-inspiring curb appeal, and mortgage-like MSRP, something tells me this SUV would be better parked at a five-star hotel than acting as one.
