Slimmer, faster and more assertive, the new DBX S flagship elevates Aston Martin’s SUV offering with supercar-derived technology and motorsport-inspired weight reduction
The Relentless Evolution of Excellence
Adrian Hallmark, Aston Martin CEO, has made his intentions crystal clear. The introduction of the DBX S reaffirms the brand’s commitment to producing “the most exciting, rewarding and beautiful cars” while sending “a powerful statement of intent” about their ambitions not just for the DBX, but for the entire Aston Martin range. This comes as part of a broader strategy that has seen the marque introduce an entire core collection of next-generation sports cars alongside a new DBX, all featuring a bespoke infotainment system designed in-house.
Valhalla-Inspired Performance
At the heart of this automotive beast lies an upgraded version of Aston Martin’s acclaimed 4.0-Litre Twin-Turbo V8. The engineering team has employed turbo technology transferred directly from the upcoming Valhalla supercar, including larger compressor wheel diameters and other internal improvements. This thoroughbred transplant of technology raises power by a further 20PS to an eye-watering 727PS, providing even greater urgency at the top of the rev range.
The results speak for themselves: 0-62mph disappears in just 3.3 seconds, with the 0-124mph (200km/h) time slashed by 0.3 seconds over its predecessor. Top speed remains unchanged at a thoroughly unnecessary but entirely welcome 193mph. Further enhancing both performance and perception is a modified exhaust system that amplifies the natural voice of the thunderous V8 engine, exploiting the full opportunity presented by the turbo enhancements.
The DBX S distributes its power between front and rear wheels through an innovative 9-speed ‘wet clutch’ transmission. This setup removes the need for a conventional torque converter, delivering extreme performance on launch from standstill, with the ability to send 50 percent of torque to the front and up to 100 percent to the rear wheels. For the DBX S, the gearbox has been further refined to provide an even more memorable driving experience, with adjusted change-up points reflecting the car’s extended rev range, while downshifts in Sport and Sport+ modes are even more aggressive when operating automatically.
Weight Reduction Programme
What truly sets the DBX S apart, however, isn’t merely adding power – it’s where they’ve taken it away. A series of measures have been implemented to significantly reduce the kerb weight, done so intelligently that weight loss becomes just one of many benefits.
The new optional carbon fibre roof presents a glorious single weave pattern which, at almost three metres square, stands as the largest carbon element ever fitted to an Aston Martin. Specification of this carbon roof sees the removal of roof rails, and as a combination saves 18kg of mass from the highest point of the car, reducing its centre of gravity and enhancing both stability and agility.
Magnesium wheels are available as an option for the first time on any car in the SUV segment. This incredibly lightweight material—75 percent lighter than steel, half the weight of titanium, and a third less even than aluminium—saves a further 19kg of unsprung mass when selected. This delivers improvements in ride quality, steering precision and feel, as well as more immediate reaction to direction input. For those who prefer something more conventional, 23″ forged aluminium wheels come as standard.
Customers can also specify a bespoke lightweight polycarbonate honeycomb grille, intricately designed with over 25,000 individual facets, which helps shift weight distribution rearward, aiding both handling and traction capabilities.
Enhanced Dynamics for the Driving Purist
The steering ratio on the DBX S is faster by only 4 percent, but noticeably improves agility, making the car feel even more sporting and responsive while avoiding any nervousness in handling. This adjustment also reduces the turning circle by almost half a metre to just 12.0 metres, improving urban maneuverability.
DBX S benefits from revised calibration of both air springs and electronic dampers, increasing transient body control to reduce weight transference and therefore improve primary ride quality and overall stability. Even at the limit, standard electronic roll control means the DBX S rolls by no more than 1.5 degrees, keeping the car flatter than many purpose-built, two-seat sports cars. The spring rate changes depending upon selected drive mode, actively moving the roll stiffness balance through a corner to enhance grip and steering response.
Stopping power comes courtesy of mighty carbon ceramic disc brakes at each corner, measuring 420mm at the front and 390mm at the back, providing near inexhaustible braking performance.
Design That Commands Attention
From the front, the new DBX S announces itself with a pure black vaned grille, giving this edition immediate road presence. A new splitter and diffuser further enhance the car’s naturally assertive stance alongside the distinctive wraparound daytime running light design.
The side profile features new sills with highly distinctive up-turned air splitters which serve function as much as form, helping channel and direct airflow along the side of the car. Carbon fibre is available for the wing mirrors, side strakes and lower door sill, while distinctive ‘S’ signature badging on the front fenders marks the true nature of this beast. These badges are manufactured in solid metal, glass enamelled with the ‘S’ infilled in red, echoing previous models such as the V12 Vantage S and Rapide S.
The most dramatic visual changes appear at the rear, dominated by quad exhausts now vertically stacked and available in both gloss and matt finishes. The rear bumper and diffuser have been completely reprofiled and, along with the side sills and wing, can be specified with carbon to reduce overall vehicle mass by a further 7kg. A new lower livery design is available in three colours: Rosso Corsa Red, Trophy Silver and Podium Green.
Bespoke Interior Craftsmanship
Inside, the DBX S displays a bespoke ‘S’ theme, with a distinctive herringbone design standard on the seats and extended to the headlining if the optional Carbon roof is chosen. The herringbone lines widen as they progress up the seat, giving an unmistakeable impression of speed.
The cabin is trimmed as standard in lightweight sporting Alcantara, seen on the seats, headlining, centre console, lower instrument panels and upper trim. In areas of high wear such as seat bolsters, Alcantara seamlessly blends with semi-aniline leather. For those preferring greater luxury, DBX S can be trimmed entirely in semi-aniline leather, with optional red seatbelts for additional ‘S’ identification.
The ‘S’ suffix appears embroidered on the seat, complemented by Aston Martin wings emblazoned on the headrests using an industry-first technique combining embossing and de-bossing with extreme pressure (1.5 tonnes) and heat to sculpt the wings into the leather with sub-millimetre precision.
State-of-the-Art Technology
DBX S adopts Aston Martin’s in-house developed infotainment system with striking new cabin architecture. This enhancement showcases exemplary deployment of craft and innovation, combining design and luxury with connected car technology.
The SUV comes fitted with the Aston Martin Premium Audio 800w 14-speaker system as standard. Audio enthusiasts will appreciate the optional system developed with Bowers & Wilkins, featuring Aluminium Double Dome tweeters and Continuum® midrange speakers. This 23-speaker, double-amplified 1,600W surround sound system delivers a powerful and dynamic sound experience befitting the DBX S itself.
The DBX S is available to order now, with deliveries expected in Q4 2025.