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.
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