OPENING THE DOOR TO THE DBX Aston Martin introduced the world to its first SUV this past November with events in Beijing and Los Angeles Written by Andre James / Photos courtesy of Aston Martin Following an extensive research and development process that commenced in 2015, Aston Martin roared into the realm of SUVs, a segment previously unexplored by the 106-year-old luxury auto manufacturer. The main launch event for DBX took place in Beijing, China, with a secondary reveal staged during the Los Angeles Auto Show. "I can't emphasize enough how incredibly exciting and significant DBX is for Aston Martin," said Dr. Andy Palmer, Aston Martin Lagonda's President & Group CEO, at the Beijing launch. "Through its development alone, this beautiful SUV has already taken the company into new territories and in inspiring directions. We have both delivered this model through our expertise, but also by garnering invaluable experience and knowledge from external counsel, including our Female Advisory Board. This is a real landmark for this great British brand, and I promise that DBX will reward all who experience it in their everyday lives."
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A bespoke chassis allowed Aston Martin's design team to tailor the vehicle size and proportions to suit the specific aims of DBX. A long wheelbase permits optimization of interior space while keeping a distinctively sleek, low roofline. Designers devoted more than six months to defining the position of the driver within the vehicle. The result is a cabin with superior visibility that gives the driver relaxed confidence backed by dynamic performance. "We've successfully managed to achieve a package with the proportions and mechanical layout that allows sports car styling to be applied to a versatile, five-seat vehicle in a beautiful way," said Marek Reichman, Aston Martin's Chief Creative Officer. Noteworthy is the involvement of a Female Advisory Board and numerous customer clinics, both of which the company says were crucial in the design and placement of each screen, button, and dial. As a result, Aston Martin says that the DBX can accommodate the world's 99th percentile male and 5th percentile female. One of the most distinguishing architectural features of