The SUV is due to start production in Q1 of 2022, with first deliveries scheduled to begin in early Q2.
The British car maker claims DBX707 was built to become the "fastest, most powerful and best handling" SUV of its kind. It was unveiled a year after the standard DBX was launched.
Taking the V8 DBX’s widely acclaimed design, dynamics and driver-pleasing character as its starting point, DBX707 builds on those sporting attributes. As you might have guessed, the number in the name refers to the total output from the engine in PS.
According to Aston Martin, every part of the SUV has been enhanced to boost performance, intensify driving pleasure and amplify its on-road presence.
Starting with the powertrain, Aston Martin’s engineering team set about realising the full potential of the DBX’s 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8.
Led by Aston Martin’s head of powertrain engineering Ralph Illenberger, the DBX707’s engine now features ball bearing turbochargers and a bespoke engine calibration to free up more power and torque.
Also new to Aston Martin’s flagship high performance SUV is a 9-speed wet clutch automatic transmission. Capable of managing much increased torque loadings compared with a regular torque converter automatic, this high-performance transmission allows output of the V8 to be lifted to an immense 697hp (707 PS) and 900Nm, increases of 157PS and 200Nm over the DBX (V8).
The adoption of the new wet clutch transmission brings further benefits. Most noticeably much faster gear changes compared to the torque converter transmission.
The feel of the shift is more immediate and direct, which gives the driver an increased sense of control and responsiveness, and a dramatic character change from the DBX (V8).
Launch capability is also improved, which contributes towards the DBX707’s 0-100kph time of 3.3 seconds.
“With this exceptional new model we have truly unlocked the performance potential within the DBX to create a world beating high-performance SUV," said Illenberger.
Integral to the DBX707’s suite of performance enhancements is the standard fitment of Carbon Ceramic Brakes. Measuring 420mm front and 390mm rear, these CCB discs are gripped by 6-piston calipers and result in a 40.5kg reduction in unsprung weight.
Revisions to the braking system’s hydraulic sizing and booster tune improve pedal feel and braking response for greater precision and driver confidence.
Improved brake cooling has been achieved by taking air from both the main cooling intake and the underfloor, with high performance brake pads delivering excellent friction consistency across a wide temperature range.
Wheels and tyres are 22in as standard (in a choice of Sport and Ribbon designs), with an optional 23in alloy wheel offered in a choice of textured black or satin black with diamond turned highlights. The adoption of a 23in wheel also brings dynamic benefits, with the larger diameter tyre offering improved steering response, better primary body control and improved lap times.
DBX707 also features a new version of the electronic limited slip rear differential (e-diff). Strengthened to handle the full 900Nm of torque, it features a revised (shorter) final drive ratio of 3.27 compared to 3.07 for the DBX V8.
This aids the DBX707’s sprinting ability through the lower gears and enhances in-gear response, while retaining the efficiency and cruising refinement offered by the 9-speed transmission.
Torque distribution front-to-rear remains fully automatic, with the ability to send up to 100% of the torque to the rear axle on demand.
Key to the DBX707’s improved handling is its air suspension system. Retaining the basic architecture and triple volume air chambers of the DBX V8 - already regarded as the best-handling SUV in the market - DBX707 features a dedicated chassis tune to its high demands.
Starting with the suspension, DBX707 features new damper valving and recalibration of dynamic spring volume switching to improve body control and steering response. The electronic power steering system has also been adjusted to improve steering feel, with greater effort build-up off centre to help the driver build a clearer picture of increasing cornering loads and available grip.
Combined with tighter management of heave (vertical movement over bumps and crests or in compressions), pitch (when the car dives under braking or squats under acceleration) and body roll, DBX707 gives the driver easier ability to adjust the yaw of the car with natural pedal or steering inputs.
Further detail changes have been made to the eARC (Electronic Active Roll Control) system, with revised parameters that heighten the sense of agility and improve the dynamic balance of the car.
To underline the DBX707’s driver-focussed credentials there have also been some changes and enhancements to the Dynamic Drive modes.
“Race Start” is available in GT Sport and Sport+ modes to maximise off-the-line acceleration and showcase the enhanced performance.
In the spirit of placing the driver in control DBX707 introduces a revised lower console containing new drive mode selection switches.
Now, rather than having to enter a sub-menu within the infotainment system, the driver has immediate fingertip control of key dynamic modes and setting.
These include dedicated buttons for suspension mode, ESP, manual gear selection mode - which now holds manual like a sports car, rather than defaulting back to auto - and active exhaust switch, which opens the valves of new quad tailpipe sports exhaust system without needing to be in Sport drive mode.
In keeping with its extensive engineering upgrades the exterior and interior of the DBX707 have received a thorough makeover.
New front-end treatment sees the DBX receive a larger front grille and all-new design of DRL complete with new air intakes and brake cooling ducts, plus a new front splitter profile.
The satin chrome grille - enlarged to significantly increase cooling airflow to both the ultra-high performance V8 and new 9-speed transmission - features double vanes, the six horizontal bars now split to create more visual interest and make this range-topping model immediately identifiable.
Dark satin chrome window surrounds and new louvred bonnet blades co-ordinate perfectly with the front grille and gloss black splitter, continuing along the flanks with gloss black side sills, which now feature a deeper and more heavily sculpted profile to give the DBX707 a ground-hugging stance. DBX707 also welcomes the addition of soft-close doors, further enhancing the SUV’s luxury credentials.
Rear-end treatment is just as dramatic. Enhancing both aesthetic form and aerodynamic function a new lip spoiler has been added to the roof wing to reduce lift and increase high speed stability, with a significantly enlarged twin rear diffuser rising to meet the new large diameter quad exhaust system.
Finished in satin black to compliment the gloss black treatment of the diffuser this new exhaust has been tuned to deliver a unique sound signature. Completing the rear-end changes a new rear bumper complete with integrated quarter panel vents accentuate the DBX707’s muscular physique.
The sporting theme continues inside with Sport seats fitted as standard (Comfort seats are available as a no-cost option).
All seat options come with 16-way electric adjustment plus heating in front and rear as standard.
There are three choices of interior environments - standard-fit Accelerate, which features a mix of leather and Alcantara, as well as the optional Inspire – Comfort and Inspire Sport, which features full Semi-Aniline leather complete with embroidered Aston Martin wings on the headrest, a contrast stripe down the centre of the seat and perforation pattern in the seat back and base cushion.
As on the exterior, the DBX707’s interior features a dark chrome finish to switchgear as standard. Bright chrome and carbon fibre can be specified as an option. Piano Black veneer is standard with carbon fibre or bronze metal mesh veneer finishes available as an option.
For customers looking to enhance the exclusive nature of DBX707, Q by Aston Martin, the brands bespoke service delivers the ultimate in personalisation.
Q offers an extensive palette of options, from unique graphics through to tinted carbons and bespoke materials on both the interior and exterior.
“Right from its first introduction the DBX has represented Aston Martin’s dynamic and design values in a way that proves not all SUVs have to conform to the same compromises," said Aston Martin chief executive officer Tobias Moers.
"With the DBX707, we have pushed the boundaries in every area to create a car which sets new standards of performance and desirability. The fastest, most powerful, best handling and most engaging car of its kind, it propels Aston Martin to the pinnacle of SUV performance.”
