Elevating Luxury: Is Aston Martin DBX Reliable?
I’ve spent enough miles in the Aston Martin DBX to know this: it’s the kind of luxury SUV that makes even a dull grocery run feel like a red-carpet arrival. The shape turns heads in the school queue; the V8 turns roads into opportunities. But good looks and fireworks are easy. Reliability? That takes time, miles, and a few imperfect mornings. So let’s talk honestly about what it’s like to live with the Aston Martin DBX, not just lust after it.
The Aston Martin DBX: First Impressions and Everyday Life
From the moment you spot it, the Aston Martin DBX has that classic Astons-shouldn’t-be-this-tall aura. Wide haunches, a grille that could moonlight as architecture, and a stance that says “ski weekend in Gstaad” but also “late dinner in Miami.” Inside, it’s all rich leathers and meticulous stitching—hand-crafted, but not fussy. I noticed right away how the seating position feels grand without being truck-ish; you sit high, but still connected, like you’re wearing the car rather than perched on it.
- Space: Proper adult room front and rear; the roofline looks swoopy but headroom’s fine for six-footers.
- Cargo: Enough for a family road trip plus the dog’s suitcase. Yes, the dog has a suitcase—this is that kind of SUV.
- Noise: Quiet enough to hear your kids debate who gets the rear USB. At motorway speed, wind noise is a hush.
Aston Martin DBX Performance: Numbers Meet Nuance
Under the hood lives AMG’s twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, tuned by Aston Martin to feel creamy and a bit naughty. In the DBX707 it’s rated at 697 hp (707 PS) and feels every bit the figure—quick, effortless, beautifully elastic. Even the standard DBX with 542 hp is brisk. My favorite part, though, is the way it flows down a B-road. The 48-volt active anti-roll system keeps the body flat, and the triple-chamber air suspension can be cosseting one minute, convincingly sporty the next. Steering? Light but accurate, with that “let’s go for a drive just because” vibe.
- 0–60 mph: Around 3.1–3.3 seconds (DBX707); mid-4s for the standard V8.
- Transmission: Smooth 9-speed automatic; responsive paddles when you want to play.
- Brakes: Strong and consistent; carbon-ceramics on the 707 resist fade on fast Alpine descents.
Tech and Comfort Inside the Aston Martin DBX
The cabin tech is a mix. The good: a clean instrument display, properly padded seats for long days, and driver aids that ease the slog—adaptive cruise, lane stuff, and useful camera views. The less good: earlier cars used a Mercedes-sourced infotainment interface without a touchscreen; the dial-based controls feel a bit last decade. Apple CarPlay is there, and it works, but the UI can be fiddly until muscle memory kicks in.
Is the Aston Martin DBX Reliable?
Short answer: broadly solid so far, with caveats. The DBX uses a dedicated Aston platform paired with the proven Mercedes-AMG M177 V8 and a 9-speed auto—both well-regarded when maintained properly. That’s a good foundation. Over the past few years, a few owners mentioned to me the usual early-production grumbles: occasional infotainment freezes (addressed by software updates), a rare sensor throwing a warning light, and the odd interior squeak that a dealer can chase down. Nothing dramatic in my test car, and nothing systemic I’ve seen across multiple vehicles.
What to watch and ask your dealer about:
- Software updates: Make sure the infotainment and driver-assistance suites are on the latest version.
- 48V active anti-roll system: Listen for clunks over speed bumps; it should be silent and taut.
- Routine maintenance: Annual service or ~10k miles is the rhythm; keep up with oil and fluid schedules.
- V8 heat management: After spirited drives, gentle cooldowns help. Fresh, high-quality oil is your friend.
Warranty coverage on new cars is competitive, and many buyers opt for extended plans. If you’re shopping used, a pre-purchase inspection from an Aston specialist is worth its weight in stress relief—check tires (these SUVs eat expensive rubber if driven hard), brake life, and any evidence of curb rash from those glamorous 22–23 inch wheels.
Aston Martin DBX vs. Rivals: Power, Price, Personality
| Model | Power (hp) | 0–60 mph | Starting Price (approx, new) | Character |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aston Martin DBX707 | 697 | ~3.1–3.3 s | $235k+ | Glamour and grip; grand-touring soul with real pace |
| Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT | 650 | ~3.0 s | $200k+ | Track rat in hiking boots; benchmark dynamics |
| Lamborghini Urus S | 657 | ~3.3 s | $230k+ | Bold, loud, extroverted; drama all day |
| Bentley Bentayga S | 542 (V8) | ~4.4 s | $200k+ | Sumptuous, serene; the cruiser of the bunch |
Living With an Aston Martin DBX: The Practical Bits
- Fuel economy: Expect mid-teens combined; I saw 14–18 mpg depending on enthusiasm and wheel size.
- Towing: Respectable—great for a classic car trailer or a pair of jet skis.
- Family duty: ISOFIX anchors, wide-opening doors, plenty of rear legroom; kids fit fine behind tall drivers.
- Road trips: Excellent seats, grown-up ride, and a boot that swallows weekend luggage plus the “just in case” bags.
Elevating Interior Luxury with AutoWin Floor Mats
Keeping the DBX’s cabin fresh is half the battle. I threw a set of AutoWin mats in for a winter test—mud, salt, spilled coffee (my fault)—and they shrugged it off. The fit is tight against the sills, and the edges don’t curl, which matters when you’re stepping in from slushy kerbs.
- Custom fit: Designed specifically for the DBX floor plan.
- Materials: Durable and easy to wipe clean; they handle grit and winter grime.
- Look: Doesn’t fight the Aston’s aesthetic—just quietly protects it.
Verdict: The Aston Martin DBX, Reliability Included
Is the Aston Martin DBX reliable? In my experience and from the owners I’ve chatted with, yes—especially if you keep up with maintenance and software updates. It’s a proper luxury SUV with a sports-car streak, and it feels special every single time you drive it. Not flawless—the older infotainment interface can frustrate, tire costs are real, and the 707’s firmest settings are best saved for smooth roads—but the highs are addictive. If you want the SUV that still feels unmistakably Aston, this is it.
Aston Martin DBX FAQ
How much does an Aston Martin DBX cost?
Pricing varies widely by model year and spec. Early DBX models launched around the high-$170k range in the U.S., while the DBX707 typically stickers north of $235k. Options and personalization can add significantly.
Where is the Aston Martin DBX made?
St Athan, Wales, United Kingdom.
What engine is in the Aston Martin DBX?
A twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 sourced from Mercedes-AMG, tuned by Aston Martin. Output ranges from about 542 hp (standard DBX) to 697 hp in the DBX707.
Is the Aston Martin DBX reliable?
Overall, it’s been solid, with the robust AMG V8 and 9-speed auto at its core. Keep software up to date and follow annual service intervals for best results.
When did the Aston Martin DBX launch?
Aston Martin unveiled the DBX in November 2019, with deliveries beginning shortly thereafter.
