Stars of The British Motor Show 2023 – Aston Martin DBX707

For all their popularity, the concept of a high-performance SUV remains something of an oxymoron for many car enthusiasts – like a relaxing rollercoaster or a lightweight aircraft carrier.  

However, no one can dispute how impressive these machines have become. 

Take the Aston Martin DBX707, for example. This is a two ton 4×4 that accelerates from 0-60 mph in just 3.1 seconds. That’s ludicrously fast. 

To put it in perspective, a Ferrari F8 Tributo (by anyone’s measure a chuffing quick supercar) is two tenths of a second slower. It doesn’t just make a mockery of the automotive hierarchy, it’s a poke in the eye for the laws of physics. 

So what is the DBX707, and why is Aston making such an unhinged machine in the first place? 

Well, unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll know that the British brand released its first SUV – the DBX – to rave reviews in 2020. However since then, Lamborghini, Porsche and Ferrari have hit back with the Urus Performante, Cayenne GT and Purosangue respectively, leaving Aston outgunned in the horsepower stakes. 

Enter the DB707 which, as the name suggests, has a whopping 707 PS (697bhp) and 664 lb ft of torque. This power hike comes courtesy of the immense turbos from the AMG GT Black Series. Given how manic the Merc is, that is some upgrade. 

These ‘hot V’ twin turbos are quicker to spool, improving power delivery and giving the 707 a savage burst of power.  

To cope with the increased punch, Aston has equipped the DBX707 with an improved electronic diff at the back, a reinforced propshaft and the nine-speed ‘wet-clutch’ gearbox from the AMG GT 63, which improves the shift times and throttle response. 

Alongside the headline 0-60 mph figure, all this work adds up to a 193 mph top speed, which is around ten miles per hour faster than the standard DBX. 

Of course, you don’t have to drive the DBX707 to know it’s special. You just need to look at the thing. 

This is not some shrinking violet you can use to waft up to Blenheim Palace. It’s rippling with muscle, the stretched grille giving the 707 an evil grin – like the shark out of Finding Nemo. 

Quite aside from making the car look cool, these cosmetic changes keep it cool, too.  

Everything from the front winglets which direct air at the carbon brake discs, to the bulging air intakes sucking air into that monstrous engine, this is an SUV with serious presence.  

The aesthetic changes don’t end there, either. You’ll also notice the insane front splitter and rear diffuser which wouldn’t have looked out of place on the Le Mans starting grid this year, and fat quad pipes spitting out the DBX707’s muscle car soundtrack. 

That all adds up to around 30% of additional intake area, which translates as 80% more airflow than the standard car. 

If you’re interested in picking up a DBX707 to spice up the school run, then you’ll need a cool £189,000, before options. Considering its rivals, though, this actually looks like pretty good value. 

Get up close and personal with this incredible SUV on the Cambria Automobiles stand at The British Motor Show, between 17-20 August.