Aston Martin DBX - Performance Walkaround

Overview
With SUV proportions and towing capability, the 2022 Aston Martin DBX differs from its sports-car siblings, but the high-riding Aston's pretty face and entertaining driving manners make it an authentic member of the legendary British brand. Along with an adult-friendly back seat and usable cargo space, the DBX's interior is as practical as it is beautiful, offering an array of cool colors and rich materials from which to choose. Under the hood is a Mercedes-AMG-sourced twin-turbo V-8 that makes 542 horsepower and sexy sounds. It pairs with standard all-wheel drive. Unfortunately, the Aston isn't as quick as some other six-figure utes. It also suffers from a spongy brake pedal and lacks a lot of popular driver assists. Still, the 2022 DBX delivers a true Aston Martin experience–just from a higher vantage point.

What's New for 2022?
Buyers can now order large 23-inch wheels. (Previously, 22-inchers where the biggest rollers available.) Wireless charging joins the equipment list, and a set of newly optional Sports Plus seats provide additional bolstering to better secure passengers during hard cornering. Lastly, Aston offers four new interior trim environments: Accelerate, Create, Impulse, and Inspire.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Aston Martin provides an impressive number of personalization options for the DBX, especially through its Q customization service. The company's online configurator shows several different appearance packages, and we're partial to Accelerate interior theme, with its mix of leather and faux suede and the Sports Plus seats. On the outside, we'd choose the pretty Minotaur Green paint as well as the 22-inch black-and-bronze Ribbon wheels. We'd also opt for the tow package, the power tailgate, and the Sports Exhaust system that lets us better enjoy the engine's music.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The DBX is powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 engine supplied by Mercedes-AMG. The engine makes 542 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque and pairs with a nine-speed automatic transmission, also supplied by Mercedes. While the DBX is fundamentally rear-wheel drive, a center transfer case sends torque to the front axle when slippage is detected at the rear. It also has a limited-slip rear differential and can tow up to 5940 pounds. Adaptive dampers and height-adjustable air springs come standard on the Aston—a boon for off-road adventuring. The DBX we tested rushed to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, which is respectable for a hot SUV, but the Lamborghini Urus and other rivals are notably quicker. The version we drove on England's best roads showcased the engine's lusty soundtrack and the transmission's unobtrusive operation. Thanks to a diverse set of drive modes, its chassis demonstrated a broad range of demeanors, from refined and relaxed to responsive and playful. Despite its short 157-foot stop from 70 mph, the ute suffered from an unresponsive brake pedal.