The Aston Martin DBX GT has the same V8, same performance, but far less drama

The Aston Martin DBX GT has the same V8, same performance, but far less drama

The Aston Martin DBX S is a brilliant SUV. It ticks pretty much every box you’d want from a fast, flashy family transporter. But what if you don’t want flash? What if you want discreet(ish) luxury, proper comfort and refinement, with almost all the same performance?

Most people would look at a Range Rover V8. Or an AMG GLS 63. Or maybe a BMW X7 M60i. Those are all fair choices, but what if you want to stay within the Aston family?

That’s where the DBX GT comes in. Think of it as the calmer, softer-around-the-edges and far more relaxed version of the DBX S. In fact, Aston calls it the more luxurious, comfort-focused DBX, and it gives up none of the performance you’d get with the S. I totally understand Aston’s objective with the GT, it’s less intimidating, and I reckon it might be the one most buyers actually want to buy. 

Visually, it gains a new double-vane grille to make the front end appear wider and more substantial, a new two-piece metal side strake, lower bumper sills, and a diffuser finished in body colour. For a more understated look, it rides on a set of 22-inch forged wheels as standard, while bigger 23-inch wheels can be fitted optionally. There are also quad exhaust tips that would be a simple giveaway as to its underlying performance credentials.

Inside, the front and rear seats sport a new design with more cushioning and revised bolstering, as well as individual rear seats. The good thing, though, is that Aston says you can still have the DBX GT in a 5-seat configuration. Also, it features what Aston says are more expensive-feeling materials, including semi-aniline leather, quilting, perforation and embroidery. 

The marque says it has also worked on reducing NVH levels, and it claims a 13% improvement in the Articulation Index, which essentially means that it’s easier to hold a conversation inside the car while it’s moving. 

Under the bonnet, the DBX GT retains the same AMG-sourced 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, like the S, with 535kW and an earth-shaking 900Nm. The performance is the same. A 0-100km/h sprint is dispatched in 3.3 seconds before hitting the vmax at 311km/h. Comfort, though, remains top priority here.

There’s a lot that happens underneath the DBX GT to suit its calibre. For instance, the chassis has been revamped, thanks to revised damper calibration and a unique damper valve system designed to absorb bad road surfaces and rumble strips. Aston Martin has also refined the 9-speed automatic transmission for a more precise and progressive throttle response to make acceleration effortless rather than aggressive. 

Lastly, the exhaust has been tuned to suit the GT’s personality. In GT mode, it’s more discreet, while Sport and Sport+ bring back the more prominent soundtrack. 

The DBX GT slots into a gap I didn’t know existed, and now that it’s here, it makes perfect sense. Not everyone wants a car that shouts every time they touch the throttle. And for a daily, isn’t refinement with underlying performance the way to go? I sure think so…

Aston Martin says first customer deliveries should start before the end of the year.