Monday 24th February 2020

Aston Martin DBX gets Q department treatment

Bespoke wing illustrates the customisation possibilities for Aston's SUV

---

Aston Martin’s Q department has wasted no time in putting its mark on the new DBX, producing an all-black demonstrator to illustrate the customisation available in the V8 SUV. Rather than following suit of rivals and producing something brash and garish, Aston has taken the more refreshing approach of creating something a whole lot cooler. See here the DBX on the streets of London, wearing Satin Xenon Grey paintwork and a set of 22-inch black alloys.

To achieve this look, the Q division has replaced the lower exterior trim with carbon fibre bits, which are matched by black anodised tread and sill plaques. The theme continues inside, with Obsidian Black leather used on the seats and wheel, while the centre console is covered in carbon fibre that has been machined from a single piece consisting of 280 individual, hand-laid strips. This part alone requires a 12-hour curing process, before 90-hours of five-axis milling is needed before it’s finished.

The cabin’s shiny bits have also been swapped for Q satin chrome aluminium, machined from solid pieces as well, while the car’s boot uses its own carbon fibre that’s – you guessed it – from a single piece. The expense of materials and handiwork required to make and fit them is really very impressive, and no doubt amounts to a lot of added value to the DBX, which normally starts at £158k.

Buyers don’t have to go the whole hog and customise everything in their car, obviously. Aston chief creative officer Marek Reichman said, “the example shown today is just one sphere of inspiration that can be explored, but with DBX providing the ultimate canvas to bring a vision to life, I fully expect to see a wide and broad variety of creations over the coming months”. Aston will be well aware of the customisation often demanded by premium SUV buyers, so expect its design teams to be ready and waiting.

The DBX by Q will be on show at next month’s Geneva motor show, where the brand will be hoping to snap up a few orders for its first SUV. The new, 550hp AMG V8-powered model is tasked not just with expanding the company’s reach but with also leading its sales recovery, after a stuttered start with the new Vantage in 2019. The launch of the new Vantage Roadster, addition of a manual option and the recent injection of £182 million from the recent Lawrence Stroll deal all point to better times ahead for the company.

---

[Addymk2]

How does the back end look worse in the dark? It's like a ducks bum.

[Gameface]

"Bespoke wing illustrates the customisation possibilities with Aston's SUV".

I was looking for a roof spoiler.

Unfortunate/misleading turn of phrase.

[Nickbrapp]

And it still looks like a fiesta

[crystalmethod]

The front looks OK to good. Just like a Macan though. Slides less slabby than the Porsche, which is great.

But that rear is a complete abomination. What were they thinking?

[C.MW]

I have never been a fan of SUVs and never will, but if I absolutely had to get one, this would be it. To my eyes, the only luxury SUV with some elegance to it although this blacked out version dramatically and negatively affects that.

[oilit]

practical question:

I have always wondered what happens to carbon fibre on when it is impacted - say on a door when the car is hit, does it snap and splinter or is it like plastic and has a level of memory ?

looking on the internet - I hadn't realised the disposal problems of CF ...

https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2...

Edited by oilit on Monday 24th February 10:52

[Sandpit Steve]

I hate all there ugly two-ton monstrosities with a passion, but for some reason there’s massive demand for them - which can only be good news in the long run for those of us who prefer the more traditional sports car offerings from the same manufacturers.

Even Ferrari are rumoured to be getting in on the act. What next, a carbon fibre McLaren SUV?

[Gitwhoismiserable]

Sweet spot spec

[Cold]

Quick, someone say AM are too late to the party with this. Then I can claim a left to right diagonal on my Bingo card.

[Meridius]

Nickbrapp said:

And it still looks like a fiesta

Ford was copying design cues from Aston Martin though, no?

[baconsarney]

I like it.... And the world would be a much sadder place (IMO) if AML had to close its doors......

[saxy]

reminds me of a Juke from the front

[easytiger123]

Any idea when DBX's will start being delivered to customers?

[B10]

The full pimp version.
What is it with these aggressive versions? Why are colour and beauty ignored?

[romac]

Cold said:

Quick, someone say AM are too late to the party with this. Then I can claim a left to right diagonal on my Bingo card.

"AM are too late to the party with this."

There you are mate, hope you win and can buy a DBX with the winnings!

Though I am not a fan of SUVs, I do think the DBX is looking to be the nicest compromise out there. And I hope selling ship loads of them turns out to be a stroll in the park... ...so they have money for the real stuff!

[Molsheim]

I want one with a tow bar and roof box

[Venturist]

Interesting how much they chose to pay homage to that design classic the Kia Sportage:


They masked off the upper outer corners of the rear lamps:

[Tycho]

saxy said:

reminds me of a Juke from the front

Reminds me of the new Puma. Both of them are horrific looking.

[Helicopter123]

Another stunning British made product that the world will lap up.

What a time to be alive!

[Cotty]

Looks like it was photographed outside the leaky cauldron