Aston Martin DBX - my journey
Discussion
Hi all,
I thought I'd start a thread detailing my journey with my Aston Martin DBX, my first Aston. A controversial car, especially on PH, for not being "proper" but hopefully my experience with it will help you understand this car more than a quick youtube video will.
So a little car history, at the time of purchase (Oct 2021) I had two cars;
- 2016 Honda NSX - my occasional fun/weekend/track car (it used to be my only car at one point!)
- 2018 S205 C63 AMG Estate (pre facelift, non S, used as my daily drive.)
I was keen to get an Aston after lusting after the new Vantage for a while, however I couldn't quite bring myself to get rid of the NSX, being such a unique & special car, the Vantage just didn't cut it in the driving stakes. Then Aston went and released the F1 edition which really did step it up a notch, this seriously tempted me. All this is for another thread really!
However changing life circumstances meant that I probably wouldn't be driving a 2 seater car very often so it didn't make financial sense to put a load of cash into a car that wouldn't get used. So then I started looking at potential C63 replacements.
The C63 was a great car (I also owned the older 6.2 coupe at one point) but my car was a PFL so lacked car play (I did fit an aftermarket unit but it wasn't seamless) and the suspension was on the harsher side for an everyday drive. I began to feel the interior wasn't built too well and other excuses I made to myself to justify looking at bigger and better things.
To summarise the DBX driving experience:
- The V8, everyone knows this engine is incredible but the tune at the top end is incredible! Plenty of grunt all through the rev range. I had this in the C63 but it feels so much freer revving & you can put the power down!
- Handling, one of the main pulls of this car vs the competition, it handles like a big hot hatch
- The interior is just such a nice place to be, I know it gets said a lot but such good quality materials make it so
- Looks, I will agree that the DBX is hard to photograph right and some people will go “omg a kuga etc”, well when you see one in the flesh, you stop thinking like that real quick
- Ride comfort, it really does glide around in GT mode but comes alive in Sport+
- Steering, this surprised me being heavy 4WD & electrically assisted but after driving the Vantage F1 which steering I found very good too, I should not be surprised.
- Bespoke: Now I know the engine(only the block, the turbos cooling, ECU, intake/exhaust manifold are all AM), gearbox & infotainment are Benz derived but im talking about the chassis & suspension. The competition are all VAG rebodies to me, not interested.
Anyway, after making my way through the entire modern Aston Martin range of cars available right now, I had settled on the DBX. Being impatient I didn’t want to wait for a new car, so I spend some time finding the right example to my taste and landed on this:
Car spec
- Used approved "timeless" 2020 model year 1913 spec (different stitching, badging & sills)
- White stone exterior w/gloss black up pack, body coloured lower pack, black badges, red calipers
- Light Argento & wolf grey interior w/carbon inlay, satin silver jewellery
- 1,800 miles
- 22” Sport wheels in Satin black
- Full service package & warranty until 2023
One key option was missing though, the factory Sports exhaust. This is a permanent change to the system which makes the car 5dcb louder (works with the factory valve system too). So I had this done along with a space save wheel (under the boot floor) and the all weather boot mat.
I also picked up a second set of wheels & winter tyres which I had fitted from Dec to Feb. Tbh it hasn't really been cold enough for them to come into their own but its nice to have them as an option.
The dealer experience has been second to none. I have been to several dealer organised events (FOC) and when the car has been in for warranty work or servicing, I have always been given another Aston (F1 edition, DBS SL) which has been a lovely touch. I do have more to add regarding the niggles but I'll save that for a seperate post. Overall reliability has been good but when you spend this much on a car, little niggles than can often be excused become unexcusable.
I have done over 6.9k miles in the car now and one trackday. Which was hilarious but also shockingly impressive.
I've used this car daily and on plenty on long jaunts. In particular one to St Ives (Cornwall & back in a day, I'm in Cheshire). I have found the boot space and passenger space exemplary. We have done long road trips with 4 adults in total comfort. It really is a do all car!
MPG
I have averaged 18.4mpg in my 6.9K miles, with a high of 23.9 & low of 12.8(track).
Car "extras"
- OEM sports exhuast
- Full PPF & ceramic coat
- Refurbished summer wheels in "Smoked Chrome"
- Extra set of Winter wheels/tyre
My old C63
Collection in Oct 2021:
At the track after just one month of ownership:
Video on track:
A pic of my epic Cheshire to Cornwall round trip:
[/url]
NSX & DBX together:
Pics as of last night with recently refurbed wheels in "Smoked chrome", much better to my eyes.
There is so much I haven't posted up yet but if you have any questions about this car do post up!
I thought I'd start a thread detailing my journey with my Aston Martin DBX, my first Aston. A controversial car, especially on PH, for not being "proper" but hopefully my experience with it will help you understand this car more than a quick youtube video will.
So a little car history, at the time of purchase (Oct 2021) I had two cars;
- 2016 Honda NSX - my occasional fun/weekend/track car (it used to be my only car at one point!)
- 2018 S205 C63 AMG Estate (pre facelift, non S, used as my daily drive.)
I was keen to get an Aston after lusting after the new Vantage for a while, however I couldn't quite bring myself to get rid of the NSX, being such a unique & special car, the Vantage just didn't cut it in the driving stakes. Then Aston went and released the F1 edition which really did step it up a notch, this seriously tempted me. All this is for another thread really!
However changing life circumstances meant that I probably wouldn't be driving a 2 seater car very often so it didn't make financial sense to put a load of cash into a car that wouldn't get used. So then I started looking at potential C63 replacements.
The C63 was a great car (I also owned the older 6.2 coupe at one point) but my car was a PFL so lacked car play (I did fit an aftermarket unit but it wasn't seamless) and the suspension was on the harsher side for an everyday drive. I began to feel the interior wasn't built too well and other excuses I made to myself to justify looking at bigger and better things.
To summarise the DBX driving experience:
- The V8, everyone knows this engine is incredible but the tune at the top end is incredible! Plenty of grunt all through the rev range. I had this in the C63 but it feels so much freer revving & you can put the power down!
- Handling, one of the main pulls of this car vs the competition, it handles like a big hot hatch
- The interior is just such a nice place to be, I know it gets said a lot but such good quality materials make it so
- Looks, I will agree that the DBX is hard to photograph right and some people will go “omg a kuga etc”, well when you see one in the flesh, you stop thinking like that real quick
- Ride comfort, it really does glide around in GT mode but comes alive in Sport+
- Steering, this surprised me being heavy 4WD & electrically assisted but after driving the Vantage F1 which steering I found very good too, I should not be surprised.
- Bespoke: Now I know the engine(only the block, the turbos cooling, ECU, intake/exhaust manifold are all AM), gearbox & infotainment are Benz derived but im talking about the chassis & suspension. The competition are all VAG rebodies to me, not interested.
Anyway, after making my way through the entire modern Aston Martin range of cars available right now, I had settled on the DBX. Being impatient I didn’t want to wait for a new car, so I spend some time finding the right example to my taste and landed on this:
Car spec
- Used approved "timeless" 2020 model year 1913 spec (different stitching, badging & sills)
- White stone exterior w/gloss black up pack, body coloured lower pack, black badges, red calipers
- Light Argento & wolf grey interior w/carbon inlay, satin silver jewellery
- 1,800 miles
- 22” Sport wheels in Satin black
- Full service package & warranty until 2023
One key option was missing though, the factory Sports exhaust. This is a permanent change to the system which makes the car 5dcb louder (works with the factory valve system too). So I had this done along with a space save wheel (under the boot floor) and the all weather boot mat.
I also picked up a second set of wheels & winter tyres which I had fitted from Dec to Feb. Tbh it hasn't really been cold enough for them to come into their own but its nice to have them as an option.
The dealer experience has been second to none. I have been to several dealer organised events (FOC) and when the car has been in for warranty work or servicing, I have always been given another Aston (F1 edition, DBS SL) which has been a lovely touch. I do have more to add regarding the niggles but I'll save that for a seperate post. Overall reliability has been good but when you spend this much on a car, little niggles than can often be excused become unexcusable.
I have done over 6.9k miles in the car now and one trackday. Which was hilarious but also shockingly impressive.
I've used this car daily and on plenty on long jaunts. In particular one to St Ives (Cornwall & back in a day, I'm in Cheshire). I have found the boot space and passenger space exemplary. We have done long road trips with 4 adults in total comfort. It really is a do all car!
MPG
I have averaged 18.4mpg in my 6.9K miles, with a high of 23.9 & low of 12.8(track).
Car "extras"
- OEM sports exhuast
- Full PPF & ceramic coat
- Refurbished summer wheels in "Smoked Chrome"
- Extra set of Winter wheels/tyre
My old C63
Collection in Oct 2021:
At the track after just one month of ownership:
Video on track:
A pic of my epic Cheshire to Cornwall round trip:
[/url]NSX & DBX together:
Pics as of last night with recently refurbed wheels in "Smoked chrome", much better to my eyes.
There is so much I haven't posted up yet but if you have any questions about this car do post up!
Edited by nathwraith1 on Saturday 23 April 11:03
Edited by nathwraith1 on Saturday 23 April 11:04
Edited by nathwraith1 on Saturday 23 April 11:41
Northbrook said:
Nice choice on the wheel colour - it really changes the look of the car. Enjoy!
I don't hate black wheels as much as others but you do lose the design of the wheel more so than lighter colours. Thanks, agreed they do suit it. I've still got set of black ones for winter, so best of both worlds.
Lovely looking car, great write-up and I’m glad you’ve had such a positive experience so far. This is one of fee cars that I would consider changing my 2018 Macan Turbo for.
How’s the interior build quality? No rattles/loose bits etc?
And what about all the driver “assistance” systems: lane keep assist, automatic speed sign recognition (?), etc. Asking as this is quite a new car. Do they interfere a lot, and are they easy to turn off?
How’s the interior build quality? No rattles/loose bits etc?
And what about all the driver “assistance” systems: lane keep assist, automatic speed sign recognition (?), etc. Asking as this is quite a new car. Do they interfere a lot, and are they easy to turn off?
Edited by px1980 on Saturday 23 April 13:51
px1980 said:
Lovely looking car, great write-up and I’m glad you’ve had such a positive experience so far. This is one of fee cars that I would consider changing my 2018 Macan Turbo for.
How’s the interior build quality? No rattles/loose bits etc?
And what about all the driver “assistance” systems: lane keep assist, automatic speed sign recognition (?), etc. Asking as this is quite a new car. Do they interfere a lot, and are they easy to turn off?
Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Interior fit and finish is excellent. So untoward noises or rattles which I’m glad to report.How’s the interior build quality? No rattles/loose bits etc?
And what about all the driver “assistance” systems: lane keep assist, automatic speed sign recognition (?), etc. Asking as this is quite a new car. Do they interfere a lot, and are they easy to turn off?
Edited by px1980 on Saturday 23 April 13:51
RE the assistance.
Lane assist is good in a long jaunt but you can set the sensitivity and also turn it off. It stays off too.
Blind spot monitoring is painless as always, just a light in your wing mirror and flashes of it thinks somethings there.
The collision avoidance I’ve not had the pleasure of experiencing but I’ve set it to “late” as on the default setting it does warn you constantly when you are 2 car length or further behind someone.
Traffic sign recognition is good, you can turn off the speed warning or the feature all together.
Stopp start can be turned off but it re-enables every time you get in. Unless you are in sport+ at which point none of the assistance features or cruise control can be operated.
Finally, adaptive cruise. Incredibly easy to use and seriously effective too. Normal cruise control feels Stone Age in comparison and is sorely missed from the rest of the current Aston range.
nathwraith1 said:
Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Interior fit and finish is excellent. So untoward noises or rattles which I’m glad to report.
RE the assistance.
Lane assist is good in a long jaunt but you can set the sensitivity and also turn it off. It stays off too.
Blind spot monitoring is painless as always, just a light in your wing mirror and flashes of it thinks somethings there.
The collision avoidance I’ve not had the pleasure of experiencing but I’ve set it to “late” as on the default setting it does warn you constantly when you are 2 car length or further behind someone.
Traffic sign recognition is good, you can turn off the speed warning or the feature all together.
Stopp start can be turned off but it re-enables every time you get in. Unless you are in sport+ at which point none of the assistance features or cruise control can be operated.
Finally, adaptive cruise. Incredibly easy to use and seriously effective too. Normal cruise control feels Stone Age in comparison and is sorely missed from the rest of the current Aston range.
Thanks for the reply. DBX is now firmly on my short list. Over the past 18 months I came close to pulling the trigger on a number of cars (E63, RS6, 750, Bentayga) but in the end I kept the Macan. This may finally change now, DBX ticks so many boxes.RE the assistance.
Lane assist is good in a long jaunt but you can set the sensitivity and also turn it off. It stays off too.
Blind spot monitoring is painless as always, just a light in your wing mirror and flashes of it thinks somethings there.
The collision avoidance I’ve not had the pleasure of experiencing but I’ve set it to “late” as on the default setting it does warn you constantly when you are 2 car length or further behind someone.
Traffic sign recognition is good, you can turn off the speed warning or the feature all together.
Stopp start can be turned off but it re-enables every time you get in. Unless you are in sport+ at which point none of the assistance features or cruise control can be operated.
Finally, adaptive cruise. Incredibly easy to use and seriously effective too. Normal cruise control feels Stone Age in comparison and is sorely missed from the rest of the current Aston range.
What other cars did you consider - was it a close decision between DBX and something else?
px1980 said:
Thanks for the reply. DBX is now firmly on my short list. Over the past 18 months I came close to pulling the trigger on a number of cars (E63, RS6, 750, Bentayga) but in the end I kept the Macan. This may finally change now, DBX ticks so many boxes.
What other cars did you consider - was it a close decision between DBX and something else?
I'm not into VAG cars at all, so the usual competition summarised by me;What other cars did you consider - was it a close decision between DBX and something else?
- Urus: Usual type owners (showy lambo, celeb, tasteless etc), rebodied Audi, not for me
- Bentayga: more luxury than sport
- Cayenne: Nice blend of lux & sport but again VAG and I'm not into porsches
- Mercedes options: G wagon, similar to Urus but a worse road car, the other AMGs just don't handle like the DBX
- BMW: Not into BMWs, although I've heard good things about the X3M comp
I looked at an E63S estate but it felt just more of the same with having the C63 prior. I'm not fan of it's looks either. I'm not an SUV guy, this is my first and have to say the DBX won me over fairly quickly.
idealstandard said:
Great write up. Apologies if I missed but what dealer are you using? I've had average experiences with HR Owen / Pangbourne Aston Martin.
Strastone Aston Martin Wilmslow Macron said:
NSX looks awesome, I saw an Aston like yours the other day, it’s not a Kuga at all being so much bigger, rear lights looked fantastic too. More interior shots though please.
Thanks, yeah the comparison is way off. The Kuga is tiny! If anything the DBX more like a Cayenne than anything else. More interior pics as requested:
That’s a properly beautiful thing and I have never got the kuga comparison, I think they are a really classy looking thing and you hardly see any of them on the road either. The light colour and light interior looks really modern somehow, I bet it surprised a few people on track!
Would also be interested to see some info on the NSX as well as they are another rare car.
Would also be interested to see some info on the NSX as well as they are another rare car.
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff