Aston Martin DBX - my journey

[nathwraith1]

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:

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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

[nathwraith1]

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.

[nathwraith1]

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?

Edited by px1980 on Saturday 23 April 13:51

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.

[nathwraith1]

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;

- 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.

[nathwraith1]

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:

[nathwraith1]

Ooopps apologies if I cut you up! Chester is very local to me so you’ll see me a lot around there.

RE Daytona, that was a gift over 10 years ago so I promise you it’s not a flex.

Yes the NSX has got the Science of Speed gloss carbon deck lid spoiler. Mine sadly did not have the factory carbon spoiler which bizarrely is matte carbon, despite the car having a gloss carbon roof.

Yes the DBX is deceptively large. It doesn’t feel it when driving casually or spiritedly but it is a smidge over 5m long.

In response to the “why not a V8 FFRR”. Never liked the look of those cars and tbh with the amount that get stolen, I’d rather not risk it. I know that sounds stupid with an even more expensive car but they are a target. Also yes not sporty enough a drive for me.

[nathwraith1]

Brett748 said:

How did it feel on Oulton Park? Did it drive like an SUV or is it sporty?

Lovely way to travel around. One car that does it all I guess. You should take it green leaning next!

Genuinely felt great! You do notice the weight under braking simply because of the forward momentum. Under power though, it does not lack. Sure it “could” be sharper but it’s more capable than most people are which says it all really. Probably more capable than me.

Within 10mph of my top speed down the pit straight at Oulton vs my NSX (126mph speedo)if that’s an obscure enough of a thing to go off!

I’d love to take it on again now I’m much better acquainted with it, but honestly I’d rather take the NSX round (which I often do!). Although looking at NSX values, I’m tempted to keep its usage low and maybe get something else Aston shaped for some sophisticated track work.

Honestly I’d love to take it off road. I did an off road course on an Aston DBX event and it did admirably. However I think I’d be laughed out of any green leaning clubs. No more than a track day I guess but at least I have skin in the game there!

Edited by nathwraith1 on Thursday 28th April 22:44

[nathwraith1]

bolidemichael said:

Great intro post and I enjoyed the video. It was quite relaxing and I grew into the sound of the V8 too, so the extra ££££ on the exhaust system was worthwhile. I noticed that you seemed to grow into the track from about 3:20, were you taking it intentionally easy and just enjoying the dynamics of the car? To be clear, I'm not being judgmental or criticising, but notice that you were too aggressive hammering the throttle out of bends.

What are the displays on the centre console and also the yellow light on the dash?

Finally, do you have a thread running on the NSX? I'd be keen to know more, particularly the four wheel steering.

I’ve not made a thread on the NSX(yet) but I will
As I’ve owned that car for nearly 3 years now. If you follow the DBX video on YouTube you’ll see many NSX track videos.


The DBX inspires a lot of confidence out of corners, the 4wd helps with that immensely. I left it it “individual mode” but with everything turned to sport+ mainly because if you select sport+ it turns off the traction control. Which or ally wouldn’t be an issue but at the times I’d only had the car a few weeks and the track was wet, so played it safe. So the yellow flashing is the traction braking the inside wheels “torque vectoring style”. Works well but after more time in the car, its far more engaging with traction off. The main nav screen is showing HP & lb/ft torque but mainly there to show engine oil temp.

The annoying thing I always find with track days days is that by the time you really get into it and smooth, the camera batteries are depleted! So you get plenty of footage of the early morning; wetter, more careful sessions but none of the maximum attack ones!

Yes the rear is not great from directly behind but at an angle, that ducktail really makes the difference. Not full BMW X6 “saloon on stilts” but curvaceous “big” hatch to my eyes.

Edited by nathwraith1 on Thursday 28th April 23:52

[nathwraith1]

BlackWidow13 said:

Quick Q on practicality rather than performance. I remember peering into the back of a DBX and thinking that the floorspace of the boot is huge. Have you tried loading up the back though, and if so how much of a limiter is the rake of the rear windscreen when it comes to really packing stuff in there?

Boot space is incredible. There is space under the floor for a space saver wheel(optional extra) which is handy. If you take the space saver out of the stupid styrofoam thing you can fit spare oil, coolant and more tools down there too.

I’ve run the car without the parcel shelf(actually two pieces) because I’ve used the car for tip runs. A unexpected benefit is that without the parcel shelf in, the exhaust sound is much more noticeable in the cabin. So it’s not made it’s way back into the car.

We’ve done a trip with 4 adults in with luggage for a long weekend no issue. The boot does slope more unlike a Range/Defender etc so do keep that in mind.

Whilst I’m talking about the rear of the car. The rear windscreen doesn’t have a wiper and despite the Aston engineers talking about how it wasn’t required etc, I have to say I was still sceptical at first. Anyway after months of ownership I can safety say a dirty rear window is a non issue. The engineers were right!

[nathwraith1]

BlackWidow13 said:

Thanks - very useful to hear a first hand real life user account.

No problem. That’s the whole point of this thread. It’s the kind of car that can be easily dismissed by PH, so having an actual owner rather than a journo/YouTuber.

[nathwraith1]

No NSX thread yet. When I’ve got more time I’ll knock one together.

To the poster asking about food and beverages, I’m assuming you mean, inside the car?

If so. Sure. I’ve sailed through many a drive thru.

[nathwraith1]

AyBee said:

Looks great. Not your typical track car though. I'd be interested to know what else you considered in your buying process.

I considered the E63S estate but I wanted to scratch that “luxury” itch with the Aston. Coming from a C63 would of made it a natural progression but also kinda samey.

Oh yes I know. I wanted to see how it fared on track. It also puts a lot of more track orientated cars to shame. It’s great to wheel out the pics when other PHers start spouting BS like SUVs are only useful for parking outside Waitrose, etc etc

[nathwraith1]

AyBee said:

Fair enough Plenty around here are mainly used for the Waitrose run - I went for a 5km run the other day (Wilmslow) and saw no less than 3 Urus'

I follow a few car spotter pages on insta and the amount of Urus’ around Wilmslow & Alderly Edge is ridiculous. Not much exclusivity there imo. Another reason why it just wasn’t a contender for me.

[nathwraith1]

Ok so time to update this thread as the car has just ticked over 11k miles, managing an average mpg of 18.4.

I’ve done plenty with this car, trips to Cornwall, the tip, Sunday blasts and shopping runs.

Full disclosure on the issues of this car, there are a lot. Nothing major or mechanical as such but the car has spent around 1 1/2 months time total in the Aston service centre over around 5-6 trips to rectify issues. The list below:


- Washer bottle cracked.
- PDRN buttons need pressing twice sometimes
- Button fell off front passenger and rear grab handle (happened twice)
- Equaliser removes bass/treble after each ignition reset despite being set at “8,9 etc”.
- Front passenger window winds down very slow compared to drivers side. Wouldn’t go up fully in cold weather.
- Steering wheel replacement: premature wear
- Stress crack on windscreen, starts where glass touches scuttle. No stone chips.
- Dash powers on and off whilst driving, also freezes.
- “Cannot change drive mode” error
- random nav unit crashing
- alarm going off when car locks randomly

I’m pleased to say everything above has been replaced/fixed so I can’t complain in that respect. However it has marred the ownership greatly. I was warned that the 1/500 edition cars were alittle “flaky”, I should of listened!

Despite all this ballache, I do love the car. I’ve never had anything that offers such a rewarding & accomplished driving experience whilst being so practical.

I’ve ordered a new DBX 707 so hopefully that will be a far more solid car going off my experience of the newer 22 plate rental DBX’s I had experience in.

Pics to come.

Edited by nathwraith1 on Thursday 28th July 11:49

[nathwraith1]

RC1807 said:

Interesting update, OP.

I must say, I admire your brand loyalty to go back for more.

Well I have had dark thoughts about sacking the DBX and 707 off and going for a defender 110. Totally different style of vehicle but the DBX is just too good of a drive to dismiss.

[nathwraith1]

The standard internet go to slur in real life. “Looks like a Puma”

St Ives




Mousehole


The trip on the way down, about 1 mpg down from when we previously did this journey without the box.

Edited by nathwraith1 on Thursday 28th July 22:07

[nathwraith1]

MrBarry123 said:

The Kuga, not the Puma, is the DBX’s brethren.

Nice car though, the DBX that is.

Hey I’ve had both comparisons made!

[nathwraith1]

707 spec below:

- AMR Racing Green exterior paint
- Gloss black upper & lower packs
- Bronze calipers
- 23” Forged wheels
- Smoked taillights
- Dark grill finish
- Acoustic privacy glass
- Bright badges
- Inspire comfort interior - Sandstorm & black w/mirrored stitching, black brouging, belts & carpets
- Sandstorm leather headlining
- Dark Chrome jewellery
- Carbon fibre inlays
- Electronically deployable tow bar


I was torn between the comfort and sports seats. I ordered back in April so there were no 707’s about to try with the sport seats. So I went with what I knew already. Tbh the comfort seats are great even on track! The main reason I went comfort in the end is that you have more colour options and a better colour split when going for a duo tone interior. The sports option duo tone basically gives you a single colour interior with accents. I wanted a light interior colour but didn’t want a light dashboard or door card tops as these cause horrendous reflections in the windscreen & door glass. The more you know!

Had to option the tow bar, never know when that may come in. Seems they stopped offering the manual detachable tow bar for the 707, so it is the fancy electric one or nothing.

The 23” wheels may sound insane but you still get charged extra for the base 22” wheels! How they get away with tgst I don’t know. Anyway, the 23” are actually lighter than the 22’”s as they are forged, the extra cost was about £2K, which in the grand scheme of things didn’t seem too bad.

I really wanted the carbon fibre upper (mirror caps, bonnet vents & side strakes) and lower(lip, diffusers, lower door garnish) but the price for this is £25K, so no thanks!

Hopefully that gives you alittle more insight into my choices! Pics below:

Edited by nathwraith1 on Friday 29th July 15:28

Edited by nathwraith1 on Friday 29th July 15:59

[nathwraith1]

bolidemichael said:

Good logic and great selection -- particularly the lighter forged alloys.

Thanks! I know it’s hard to justify these cars sometimes as the cost doesn’t really make practical sense but I do feel certain options are mick taking where others are kinda no brainers.

I wouldn’t want to have to replace this lower carbon door garnishes though. They are massive!

Edited by nathwraith1 on Friday 29th July 22:17

[nathwraith1]

Got the DBX 707 demo car for the day. Will post up my review later on. Initial driving impressions are good!