Aston Martin

Aston Martin DBX 2020

2020

Unveiled in late 2019 and introduced in 2020, the Aston Martin DBX became the British marque’s first SUV. This launch specification combines a five-door body with a dedicated platform, all-wheel drive and a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8. Five seats, adaptive air suspension and a spacious cabin broaden its everyday and long-distance usability while retaining the brand’s emphasis on luxury and performance. The body structure uses bonded aluminium, and Aston Martin’s official specifications list 550 PS for the initial V8 model. The DBX was therefore more than a new body style: it marked Aston Martin’s entry into a major luxury-SUV market and created a foundation for later derivatives. In 2020, it stood apart from the company’s traditional sports cars through its size, versatility and elevated driving position.

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History

The DBX project grew from Aston Martin’s decision to enter the global luxury-SUV market. The company says virtual development began in 2015, followed by physical testing in Wales and a broad programme covering different climates, road surfaces and driving environments. In 2016, Aston Martin selected St Athan in South Wales as the manufacturing site for its first SUV. The former Royal Air Force facility was converted into a modern vehicle plant and officially opened in December 2019. The DBX was revealed late that year, using a dedicated SUV platform rather than a straightforward adaptation of an existing sports car. Development prototypes were evaluated in snow and ice, on public roads, at the Nürburgring and on demanding rally-stage terrain. Full production began at St Athan in 2020, making the Welsh facility closely identified with the DBX programme and its subsequent derivatives.

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Technical data

DBX is presented here with its key technical data: 542 ch, 700 Nm, 4.5 s, 291 km/h. The recorded setup is Automatique, 9 rapports.

Power

542 ch

Torque

700 Nm

0-100 km/h

4.5 s

Top speed

291 km/h

Displacement

3982 cm3

Weight

2245 kg

Dimensions

5039 x 1999 x 1679 mm

Consumption

14.3 L/100 km

Fuel types

Essence

Gearboxes

Automatique, 9 rapports

Matched engine options
Version	Power	Torque	Gearbox	Drivetrain
4.0L V8 9AT (550 HP)	542 ch	700 Nm	Automatique, 9 rapports	-

4.0L V8 9AT (550 HP)

Power: 542 ch
Torque: 700 Nm
Gearbox: Automatique, 9 rapports
Drivetrain: -

Source: CarData.wiki

Anecdotes

DBX prototypes were tested in markedly different environments, including winter conditions near the Arctic Circle and high-speed development work at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Aston Martin also used Walters Arena, a Welsh rally stage, to assess the SUV’s behaviour on demanding surfaces. The company stated that prototypes completed an additional 8,000-kilometre enthusiastic-driver test programme before production, reflecting the effort made to give the new model both road refinement and broader terrain capability.

Production

DBX production was established at St Athan in South Wales, a facility developed specifically to support Aston Martin’s expansion. Pre-production vehicles were assembled there in 2019, followed by full production during the first half of 2020. Aston Martin said the plant would employ up to around 600 people when production began and could reach approximately 750 jobs at peak operation. The company also expected the majority of DBX output to be exported. No exact production figure for the 2020 Base specification is stated here because the public documents consulted do not clearly separate that configuration from other versions, option combinations or regional markets. A precise Base-only total would therefore be speculative.

Press reception

Early coverage of the DBX was broadly positive, particularly regarding its strategic importance and road manners. GQ named it Best Luxury SUV in its 2020 car awards. Reviews from evo and Motor Sport Magazine praised the model’s unusual agility, performance and ability to combine long-distance comfort with engaging handling. Critics also noted reservations associated with a first-generation vehicle in a new category, including its weight, infotainment ergonomics and some interior details. The overall response did not treat the DBX as merely a raised sports car. Instead, it was generally regarded as a credible and distinctive Aston Martin interpretation of the luxury-SUV formula, with enough practicality to support daily use while preserving a strong performance identity.

Evolution

The 2020 DBX established the family’s original formula. Its initial mechanical package combined a 550 PS twin-turbocharged V8 with a nine-speed automatic transmission and an active all-wheel-drive system. Aston Martin later expanded the range with the DBX707, unveiled in February 2022. That derivative introduced more aggressive chassis calibration, a strengthened rear differential and an output of 707 PS. It added a high-performance focus rather than replacing the character of the original model, which was positioned as a luxurious and versatile SUV. Equipment, wheel choices, emissions systems and driver-assistance features may vary by market and model year, so a 2020 base vehicle should not automatically be described using specifications from later DBX derivatives.

Variants

The 2020 Base specification represents the launch DBX V8. Compared with later derivatives, it uses the original power output and a less extreme chassis calibration than the DBX707. The first catalogue specification centered on a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8, a nine-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive with an active centre differential and an electronic rear limited-slip differential. Aston Martin also offered multiple wheel, tyre, trim and accessory combinations, including equipment packages aimed at touring, skiing, golf and other outdoor activities. Exact commercial names and standard equipment could differ between markets, so the Base designation should be treated as a launch configuration rather than a universal description of every 2020 DBX sold worldwide.

References

Aston Martin unveils DBX: an SUV with the soul of a sports carAston Martin
Supports the launch specification, body style, engine, power, performance, transmission, drivetrain, platform and equipment details.
Aston Martin produces first cars at St AthanAston Martin Media
Supports pre-production activity at St Athan in 2019, the plant’s role and the planned 2020 production start.
Aston Martin Lagonda opens manufacturing plant in St Athan, WalesAston Martin Media
Supports the December 2019 opening of the Welsh facility, employment expectations and the DBX manufacturing location.
Aston Martin DBX tested to the extreme in SwedenAston Martin
Supports the development testing in extreme winter conditions and the 2020 production plan.
Introducing the Aston Martin DBX707Aston Martin
Supports the later DBX707 derivative and its mechanical and chassis evolution.
Aston Martin DBX wins Best Luxury SUV at GQ Car AwardsAston Martin / GQ Car Awards
Supports the 2020 award and early market reception.
2020 Aston Martin DBX review: The saviour has arrivedMotor Sport Magazine
Supports contemporary critical context and the importance of the DBX to Aston Martin.
Aston Martin DBX review: the first performance SUV to deliver on its promiseevo
Supports contemporary press assessment of the DBX’s handling and performance.