Aston Martin DBX review: Welsh made £158k SUV has performance of a sports car

WHEN the DBX was first flaunted at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, it was an all-electric affair.

But thank God it isn’t. Not yet, at least.

4

With a fire-breathing, world-burning V8 under the air-scooped bonnet, the first truly Welsh car since the Gilbern Invader in the Seventies is not just a beast­ . . . it’s a dragon.

Made in Aston Martin’s all-new manufacturing stronghold in St Athan, South Wales, the workforce building it are 95 per cent Welsh too.

The fact this factory will also be the brand’s “home of electrification” is particularly telling. In nine years’ time, 90 per cent of Aston Martins will be electrified.

But for now, let’s enjoy the last throws of the glorious petrol-glugging V8 – an engine borrowed from Mercedes-AMG.

Blend the cosseting feel of a luxury SUV with the brute performance and steering precision of a sports car and you have the DBX.

With a long wheelbase and bonnet, muscular haunches, sculpted flanks and a flicked-up rear end gilded with LEDs, it screams Aston Martin.

The spacious interior will host five lucky folk in supreme comfort with triple-zone air-con and 632 litres of luggage space, while boasting some clever hidden storage solutions to boot.

The Mercedes link is not just under the bonnet but in here too, with some familiar previous-generation Merc switchgear in the buttons and indicator stalks – and, sadly, the annoying dial/trackpad to control the 10in infotainment display.

Remarkably, having forked out £160k for this state-of-the-art car, you don’t get a touchscreen. Infuriating

Plus, Andriod Auto is not supported

There is an argument you won’t need much music

Shift it into the sportiest of six drive modes and the bellowing sound from the twin exhaust pipes will stir any soul.

Choosing your 4WD Aston is simple, as there is only one spec.

It comes with 22in alloys, powered tailgate, leather heated seats, 360-degree camera, panoramic sunroof, double glazing, a phat 800w 14-speaker sound system plus a “Made In Great Britain” plaque

It also makes other road users smile.

“We thought you’d be James Bond,” a mum called out as she cycled past with her family while I was parking.

And that’s one unique Aston bonus you just can’t put a price on.

4

4

4