2020 Aston Martin DBX: Looks, Engines And Everything Else We Know About The SUV

Cast your minds back to the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. Under starry lights, Aston Martin revealed an all-wheel drive concept car with the revered Lagonda moniker, and no, it wasn’t a sedan, but a rather ungainly-looking crossover. Whilst the concept never made it to production, the crossover seed had been planted at Aston Martin.

Fast forward to today, and the British manufacturer has been putting the finishing touches on its first crossover model – called the DBX, for now, though, the company recently trademarked the Varekai name as well. Will it look as polarizing as its conceptual forebearer? Let’s take an illustrated preview.

Rugged, Yet Sensual

There’s no doubt about it, the look of this thing will split opinions among from Aston purists. But remember, Porsche had the same dilemma upon the launch of the Cayenne – and now it’s printing money.

Aston Martin’s 2009 Lagonda SUV Concept

Frontal styling is dominated by Aston’s signature grille; similar in shape to that found on the latest Vantage, it looks ready to hoover pedestrians up with a Dolmio grin. Slim headlights, pumped fenders and bulging hood complete the aggressive looks.

Viewing it from the side reveals deeply sculptured door panels and a chiseled shoulder line. The glasshouse is rather upright and airy compared to its two-door siblings. Muscular rear haunches, elegant led taillights and dual exhausts compliment the rear look.

Pulling Power Courtesy Of AMG

At launch, expect the AMG-sourced, twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 as found under the hood of the Vantage and DB11. This engine pumps out a staunch 503 hp and 505 lb-ft (685 Nm) of torque coupled with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. At a later date, Aston’s twin-turbo V-12 will also be offered too.

Entry-level variants could use six-cylinder units from Mercedes-Benz, coupled with a 48-volt, mild hybrid system. A fully electric model may also come on stream with a new electric drive system.

Under The Curves

Power will be put to the terrain via a rear-biased, all-wheel drive system. Coupled with air suspension and active roll mitigation, the DBX should be able traverse over a variety of terrain without raising a sweat (although don’t expect this to be a trail-rated Jeep rival).

There has been much conjecture around what platform it will use, as some sources say Mercedes underpinnings, but it’s more likely to be a new architecture utilizing bonded aluminum.

Rivals & Reveal

Aston’s foray into the luxury SUV market will see it compete against Maserati’s Levante, Porsche Cayenne, Bentley Bentayga, Ferrari Purosange, Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Jaguar F-Pace and Lamborghini Urus.

Expect an official reveal in 2019 with sales starting in Europe later the same year and from early 2020 in North America.

What do you think of Aston Matin’s crossover ambitions? Share your thoughts in the comments below.