Aston Martin DBX GT revealed

Aston Martin DBX GT: comfort-focused SuperSUV

Meet the new Aston Martin DBX GT: a large, potent SUV created to deliver the full wham-bam-thank-you-ma’am excitement of the similarly muscular DBX S, albeit with a more refined and comfortable character.

You might argue that a 2.2-tonne SUV ought to prioritise comfort over outright hardcore excitement, however impressive and entertaining the DBX S may be. Aston Martin has therefore dialled back the visual hostility and softened the SuperSUV’s suspension.

Revised suspension and GT exhaust

Starting with the chassis, the dampers receive revised calibration and a new valve system which, Aston Martin says, “enhances ride compliance over poor surfaces” – something Britain has no shortage of.

This revised arrangement also stops more unwanted disturbance reaching the cabin – vibrations rather than literal rubbish – while the spring rates have been altered too. The throttle has been retuned for greater accuracy, the gearbox has been taught smoother manners, and fresh transmission mounting bushes have been borrowed from the Valhalla.

The wheels and tyres are new as well: 22-inch alloys fitted with Pirelli Scorpion Zero All-Season rubber. Even the exhaust gains a dedicated ‘GT’ mode. Aston Martin explains that “double mixing of gas flow within the rear muffler produces a cleaner, richer tone by eliminating harsh metallic frequencies”.

Naturally, you can disregard the car’s whole purpose and “restore” the DBX’s “full voice” merely by selecting Sport or Sport + mode, apparently – which does rather raise the question of why.

Calmer DBX GT styling, luxurious cabin

On the outside, the Aston Martin DBX GT adopts a slightly more restrained appearance, mainly through its new grille, polished strakes, body-coloured bumpers, sills and diffusers, plus those smart 22-inch wheels. Then four vast tailpipes jutting from the rear rather undo the effect.

In the cabin, the seats gain extra memory foam for improved cushioning and new bolsters. There is also an “individual” rear-seat arrangement with two sculpted seats… despite this remaining a five-seat car. Spare a thought for whoever ends up in the middle.

A panoramic roof is fitted as standard, alongside embroidered trim, deep-pile mats, extra sound insulation and acoustic laminated rear glass. All of which should make it easier to deafen yourself with the Bowers & Wilkins sound system.

DBX S power remains unchanged

Oh, and the powertrain. It is identical to that of the DBX S: a 717bhp 4.0-litre V8 using turbo technology taken from the Valhalla, producing 664lb ft, reaching 0-62mph in 3.3s and topping out at 193mph. Carbon-ceramic brakes and the steering ratio are also carried over from the S. So, although its tune is a touch gentler, it will still hit as hard as a DBX should when called upon.

“DBX GT is aimed at customers who prefer assured elegance over sporting aggression and demand a higher degree of luxury,” said boss Adrian Hallmark. Pricing is expected to begin at roughly £207k.