Aston Martin is trying to redefine the luxury GT segment with this, the all-electric, all-wheel driven DBX Concept. Not a bad way to join the 21st century.
If you’re into sophisticated design, the DBX Concept is a gorgeous sight to behold. And even though we’re not sure this thing is ever going into production, the technology behind it is what we’re most interested in.
After unveiling the concept, Aston Martin CEO Dr Andy Palmer said “The DBX Concept is a challenge to the existing status quo in the high luxury GT segment. It envisages a world, perhaps a world not too far away, when luxury GT travel is not only stylish and luxurious but also more practical, more family-friendly and more environmentally responsible.”
This notion isn’t really all that futuristic as one could argue that other car manufacturers have already started exploring the premium crossover segment, for example there’s the Range Rover Evoque Coupe, which is obviously a less luxurious option than a production form DBX, but two-door, all-wheel driven, decent ground clearance-cars already exist.
“I asked my team at Aston Martin to expand their thinking beyond conventions, to explore what the future of luxury GT motoring would look like in years ahead, and the DBX Concept you see before you is the result.” added Dr Palmer.
The DBX Concept does challenge the boundaries of what a luxury GT car truly, and depending on how it’s going to be received by both loyal Aston Martin customers as well as potential customers, will determine if their future production model DBX will look like this or if it will be redesigned completely.
The good news is Aston Martin is indeed planing on exploring this segment so we’ve at least got that to look forward to.
The exterior of the DBX Concept is both sporty as well as elegant. It’s also wearing a unique paint finish called Black Pearl Chromium which sounds like something out of a Marvel movie. The color has been specifically created to mimic the look of a genuine black pearl and comprises a micro-fine layer of chrome to deliver more reflectivity that you’d normally obtain through normal paint finishes.
Tech-wise, the DBX Concept doesn’t need an engine compartment thanks to its use of electric, inboard-of-wheel motors, powered by lithium sulfur cells.
Other cutting edge technology includes drive-by-wire electric steering, toughened glass with an auto-dimming ‘smart glass’ inter-layer, and bespoke driver and passenger head-up displays. Outside you’ve got active LED lights, carbon ceramic brakes with a KERS system and rear view cameras in place of conventional mirrors.
With the DBX Concept, Aston Martin has in many ways, created a new type of luxury car, one that can, as Dr Palmer says, “broaden the appeal of Aston Martin to a whole new generation of customers, but sit with pride alongside the rest of our range.”
We couldn’t agree more.
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