With the auto industry continuing to focus on SUVs, many sports car buyers have seen their options decline over the last few years. Well the good news is that there are a few SUVs that try to have a sports car at the heart, while also providing the versatility of an SUV. The 2023 Aston Martin DBX707 is easily one of the best options, if you’re looking for the performance of a truly special sports car, but want the versatility and space that an SUV provides.
You may wonder what the “707” part of the name means and what it adds compared to the standard DBX. The name 707 refers to the amount of metric horsepower that the engine sends to all four wheels. Since the U.S. doesn’t use the metric system, the actual horsepower rating here is 697 horsepower, which is 155 more horsepower than the DBX. It also has 147 more pound-feet of torque at 663 lb-ft. Those specs mean that the DBX707 is more powerful than rivals, like the Bentley Bentayga W12 Speed.
The DBX707 is powered by a tweaked version of the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 from Mercedes-AMG. The engine has been tweaked and massaged to create more power than you will find under the hood of a Mercedes-AMG model. The 707 adds a new engine control unit, turbochargers, and exhaust and induction systems. The drive shaft is also made of carbon fiber and the final drive ratio is 7 percent shorter. The V8 is also mated to an AMG nine-speed wet-clutch transmission, which shifts gears faster than the transmission in the standard DBX.
With a 0-62 mph time of 3.3 seconds, the DBX707 easily outguns its rivals and even traditional sports cars. The engine turns the DBX707 into quite the beast with it pushing you back into your seat when you punch the throttle. The all-wheel drive system sends the power to the wheels – providing the ultimate amount of grip when you throw the 707 hard into a corner.
To keep all that power under control, the 707 comes standard with carbon ceramic brakes. Buyers can also choose either 22- or 23-inch wheels that are wrapped in Pirelli tires. The special quad exhaust system features an active system with two sound settings, which can be activated by a button on the center console. Push the start button on the center of the dashboard and you’re greeted with an excellent soundtrack. You can wake up the neighbors by pushing the start button and pulling the one of the shift paddles at the same time to make the exhaust even louder.
The DBX707 upgrades don’t end with what’s under the hood. Its chassis has also been improved with tweaks to the power steering system to provide improved its feedback. The 48-volt active roll bars have also been adjusted and the suspension has been modified to reduce body roll. The good news is that even with all those changes, the 707’s ride quality still provides a comfortable ride without the harsh ride that you’d expect from a sportier model. Body roll is kept to a minimum and the DBX707 hunkers down when you’re encountering the twisties.
On the outside the DBX707 stands out from the standard DBX with its bigger grille, new air intakes and brake cooling ducts. The details are finished in gloss black or carbon fiber. At the rear there’s a larger spoiler, but the bigger updates are the rear with the a protruding diffuser and rear quarter vents. The quad exhausts add a finishing touch.
Inside the 707 gets new sport seats and a revised center console. The bad news is that the DBX doesn’t have a touchscreen, which means you have to use the knob/ touchpad on the center console to operate it. The system is also borrowed from Mercedes, but it’s not the brand’s latest system. As you would expect, it’s frustrating to use, especially since the infotainment screen is easily within reach, so you’ll find yourself touching the screen without it responding. The screen also isn’t divided, so you can only see one system at a time, like the audio or navigation. But at the end of the day, the infotainment system is easy to ignore since the DBX707 is so fun to drive.
The pricing for the 2023 Aston Martin DBX707 starts at $239,086, including the destination fee. But with several options that price can easily get closer to $300k.
We were already impressed with the standard DBX, but with the arrival of the DBX707, Aston Martin has created the ultimate SUV for buyers that want the best of both worlds.
