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Aston Martin DBX S First Drives Confirm Sharper, Louder 717-HP Flagship SUV

First drives report sharper handling from targeted weight savings with chassis tuning, underscoring Aston Martin’s ICE-first, personalization-led flagship strategy.

Overview

  • The 2026 DBX S uses an AMG-sourced 4.0‑liter twin‑turbo V8 rated at 717 hp and 664 lb‑ft, with Aston Martin quoting 0–60 mph in 3.1 seconds and quicker mid‑ to high‑speed sprints than the DBX707.
  • Handling updates include a 5% quicker steering ratio, electronic anti‑roll control, active suspension, and torque‑vectoring AWD capable of sending up to 100% of power rearward or up to 47% to the front.
  • Optional lightweighting features such as a carbon‑fiber roof that removes about 40 lb and forged magnesium wheels saving roughly 10–11 lb per corner can trim around 100 lb in total.
  • The S adopts a louder exhaust with stacked tips and a Sport+ party trick that allows free‑revving to 6,000 rpm at idle, while cabin tech adds a 10.3‑inch touchscreen, a 12.3‑inch driver display, and CarPlay Ultra across 2025 Aston models.
  • Pricing starts at $270,500 with test cars reaching about $350,500, driven by options like a $12,700 23‑speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and $22,300 forged magnesium wheels, with no hybrid system offered unlike several rival SUVs.