Aston Martin DBX S revealed with 717bhp

The new Aston Martin DBX S takes the already formidable DBX707’s 4.0-litre biturbo V8 and makes it so much more potent that you would happily buy a ticket to watch it trade blows before a packed Wembley crowd.

It knocks the 707 aside to claim the title of the most powerful DBX currently available. Aston also says this is the sharpest version yet of its Gaydon super-tank, though more on that in a moment. First, the powertrain.

Aston Martin DBX S power and performance

The AMG-derived 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 receives lessons from the forthcoming mid-engined Valhalla super-hyper-car, including larger compressor-wheel diameters and “other internal improvements”.

That extra work on the heavy bag has pushed the DBX S – a suffix Aston clearly rather likes – into a higher weight class. It now produces 717bhp, compared with the DBX707’s… 697bhp. Torque remains unchanged at 663lb ft. Aston says the additional output – supposedly the last thing a heavyweight boxer loses – “provides even greater urgency at the very top of the rev range”.

The big machine reaches 0-62mph in 3.3s, an astonishing effort for something of this size. Its 0-124mph time is 0.3s faster than before, while the top speed stays at 193mph. It is safe to say there is plenty of engine here.

There is plenty of vocal presence, too. Aston says the revised exhaust system intensifies and gives added character to the “natural voice of the thunderous V8 engine”. The DBX S growls, feints and moves around its ring with a more aggressive shift strategy from its revised nine-speed ‘wet clutch’ automatic gearbox and four-wheel-drive system.

Weight saving and chassis upgrades

It has not neglected its roadwork either. The DBX S trims some weight with a carbon-fibre roof – the largest carbon component ever installed on an Aston Martin – which removes the roof rails and saves 18kg alone. As that weight comes from high up, the centre of gravity is lowered as well.

Buyers can specify huge lightweight 23in magnesium wheels, cutting a further 19kg. Aston says these bring “improvements in ride quality, steering precision and feel”.

In total, the DBX S loses a rather substantial 47kg compared with the DBX707. With every lightweight option selected, it tips the scales – perhaps while taunting the crowd – at 2,198kg.

The steering ratio is now four per cent quicker and the turning circle is reduced to 12m. The DBX S retains the suspension changes introduced last year, including revised spring and damper settings, as well as the brakes: 420mm/390mm carbon-ceramic discs at the front and rear.

DBX S design and interior

The DBX S exterior leaves little doubt that it is competing for the biggest belt. It features a grille with black vanes, a new front splitter and diffuser arrangement, fresh side sills with air splitters, a reshaped rear bumper and diffuser, plus newly stacked exhaust outlets.

While the exterior is all noise and V8 anger, the cabin brings plentiful S branding, Alcantara – or leather, if preferred – Aston’s newest infotainment system and a huge 800w sound system.

“The introduction of DBX S not only reaffirms our commitment to producing the most exciting, rewarding and beautiful cars, it also sends a powerful statement of intent about our ambitions not just for DBX, but for the Aston Martin brand,” said Aston boss Adrian Hallmark.

The asking price for this knockout contest? £210,000.