Beyond carbon: the J.Laverack Aston Martin .1R
16 August 2024
Destinations: two luxury Namibian safari lodges
20 August 2024A wonder conundrum
Gaydon’s latest offering blurs the lines of both practicality and performance.
Words: Tim Griffiths
B ig, heavy, thirsty. No, not a description of me, despite all evidence to the contrary. Rather this is the mantra commonly associated with SUVs. Of course, there are nuances in this world and I have been fortunate enough to drive some of them.
Lamborghini’s Urus, for example, transported me a thousand miles through France, Germany and the ever-stunning Swiss Alps to the factory in Bologna with air-conditioned ease. I marvelled at its defiance of physics and luxuriated in its power and comfort before I, sadly, had to fly home on a budget airline.
On a somewhat larger scale I have driven Range Rover’s supercharged V8 SVR, Rolls-Royce’s Cullinan and the first iteration of the Bentayga from Bentley. All of them have been great in their own way (well, if you’re spending north of £150,000 and, in the case of the Cullinan, around £400,000, you would expect that). However, all of them have been noticeably and notably, big SUVs.
Which brings me onto today’s offering. Aston Martin’s DBX707, a vehicle that has confused and thrilled me in equal measure. Yes, it’s an SUV with its high clearance and four-wheel drive capability. But this SUV really doesn’t drive like an SUV – it’s really a high-sided grand tourer. And this, at its heart, is where the conundrum lies. What’s its real identity?
In the world of automotive excellence, Aston Martin stands as a beacon of luxury, performance and timeless design. With the introduction of the DBX707, the British marque has ventured into the realm of SUVs without compromising its core values. This masterpiece combines the elegance and grace expected of an Aston Martin with the raw power and versatility of a high-performance SUV. From the quality of its craftsmanship to the exhilarating experience of driving it, living with the DBX707 is nothing short of extraordinary.
This SUV really doesn’t drive like an SUV – it’s really a high-sided grand tourer
Quality is the hallmark of every Aston Martin and the DBX707 is no exception. Approaching the vehicle, the first thing to grab you is the flawless paintwork, reflecting light in a way that only the finest automotive finishes can. My test car came in an eye-meltingly vivid shade (Cosmos Orange apparently) that turned heads even at night and caused small children to whimper. Each panel is meticulously crafted, with precise lines and curves that exude sophistication. The Aston Martin grille sits proudly at the front, flanked by sleek LED headlights to illuminate the road ahead with crystal clarity.
Step inside, and you are enveloped in a world of luxury and refinement. The interior of the DBX707 is a symphony of premium materials, from the supple leather upholstery to the handcrafted wood and metal accents. Every surface is soft to the touch, with attention paid to even the smallest details. The seats are sculpted for both comfort and support, whether you're embarking on a cross-country journey or navigating city streets. With ample space for passengers and luggage, this SUV is as practical as it is opulent.
Fire up the engine, and the DBX707 comes to life with a roar that sends shivers down your spine. Beneath the hood lies a mighty 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, capable of unleashing 707 horsepower. This is not just any SUV; it's a performance beast in disguise. The acceleration is exhilarating, propelling you from 0-60mph in, apparently, a mere 3.1 seconds, a figure I didn’t have the gumption or guts to test. The symphony of the engine note is music to the ears of any driving enthusiast and the exhaust emits a satisfying growl with each press of the pedal.
Despite its impressive power, the DBX707 is remarkably easy to drive. The nine-speed automatic transmission shifts seamlessly, delivering power to all four wheels with precision. Whether you're cruising along the highway or tackling the winding North Pennine roads that I use as my personal test track, the DBX707 handles with the agility and poise expected of an Aston Martin. The adaptive air suspension ensures a smooth ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road surface.
The acceleration is exhilarating, propelling you from 0-60mph in, apparently, a mere 3.1 seconds, a figure I didn’t have the gumption or guts to test
Living with the Aston Martin DBX707 is a privilege that few will experience, but for those fortunate enough to own one, it's a daily reminder of how near to automotive perfection a manufacturer can get when they have a mind to. The convenience of modern technology is seamlessly integrated into the driving experience, with an intuitive infotainment system that keeps you connected on the go. The sound system, developed in partnership with a renowned audio brand, delivers concert-quality sound that turns every journey into a performance.
But it's not just about the thrill of driving; the DBX707 is also a practical companion for everyday life. The spacious interior accommodates five adults comfortably, with plenty of legroom and headroom. Fold down the rear seats and you have a cavernous cargo space that swallows luggage, groceries, Labradors or whatever else you need to transport. Whether it's a weekend getaway or a trip to the hardware store, the DBX707 is ready for any adventure.
Safety is paramount in any vehicle and Aston Martin has equipped the DBX707 with the latest in driver-assistance technology. From adaptive cruise control to lane-keeping assist, the SUV is designed to help you stay safe on the road. Should the unexpected happen, a suite of airbags and advanced braking systems provides added peace of mind.
My only real grumble with the DBX707 was the aforementioned confusion about its identity. There’s no denying its quality simply as a vehicle. Nor, indeed, is there an issue with its capabilities as an SUV, certainly on tarmac. No, my confusion lies in its performance which, I repeat, is indisputably magnificent. However, I’m afraid I just don’t get the reason for throwing over 700 horses into an SUV. SUVs should be, in my mind, slightly staid and yet practical workhorses. Being able to accelerate to 60mph faster than the DB12, this car’s stablemate, is just daft. If nothing else, the poor Labrador in the back won’t thank you and it’ll be you who’s clearing up the mess.
Fold down the rear seats and you have a cavernous cargo space that swallows luggage, groceries, Labradors or whatever else you need to transport
Of course, you can hang glittery jewellery on an SUV and make the trip from a Chelsea townhouse to Soho House comfortable because, after all, that’s the sort of arduous journey this vehicle is likely to undertake. But there are better SUVs out there and, if you want a grand tourer (which this essentially is, albeit with high road clearance), then there are better GTs too.
If push came to shove – and if I had the disposable income to be able to play on this field – then I’d opt for the regular old DBX which generates ‘only’ 542bhp from essentially the same AMG engine. It is also nearly £40,000 cheaper (before you gulp heavily, hold your breath and wade warily into the deep pool that is the options catalogue).
All that being said, I did enjoy driving the DBX707. Very much. It is a masterpiece of automotive engineering that combines quality, power and everyday usability in a way that only Aston Martin can. It's a vehicle that transcends mere transportation, offering an experience that is both exhilarating and luxurious.
Whether you're behind the wheel or simply admiring its beauty, the DBX707 is a symbol of automotive excellence that will leave a lasting impression on all who encounter it.
