Aston Martin has finally confirmed that its first SUV will be called the DBX, while also giving us our first look at a (camouflaged) development prototype. The DBX is scheduled to be unveiled in the final quarter of 2019 and will be built at the firm’s new St Athan facility in Wales.
The first “real-world” test for the DBX? Being put through its paces along a Welsh Rally stage, with the company’s chief engineer Matt Becker behind the wheel.
The Gaydon-based automaker says its new SUV will now start a “punishing [testing] regime” that will include “some of the world’s harshest environments”, from the Arctic and the Middle East to Alpine passes and the Nürburgring Nordschleife.
Aston Martin promises the new model will deliver “impressive multi-terrain and towing capabilities”.
“We have already developed and tuned DBX in the driving simulator, which has enabled us to make excellent progress in advance of the first physical prototype cars being available,” said Becker after his drive.
“Still, it’s always a big day when you get to put the first actual miles on an early prototype and I’m delighted with the near perfect correlation between the simulator and this prototype.
“As an engineer, it’s genuinely exciting to get a feel for the car you’re working to create. DBX is a very different kind of Aston Martin, but we will be testing it in all conditions and across all terrains to ensure it delivers a driving experience worthy of the wings badge,” Becker said.
Aston Martin chief Andy Palmer added that the testing of the prototype was “a momentous chapter in the story of our first SUV”.
“DBX is so much more than just an SUV; it will be the first model built at our brand new facility in St Athan. As such, it is very much the start of a bold new era in the company’s long history,” said Palmer.
