The Aston Martin DBX 707 is the most exclusive SUV and also the most powerful in the world while having just made its India debut a few days back. Priced at Rs 4.6 crore, the DBX 707 goes to the extreme end towards more performance over the standard DBX SUV.
The DBX is the first SUV from Aston Martin while the DBX 707 is a more performance-focused version and that makes us like it instantly since more power is always welcome. The name 707 also holds meaning beyond close ties to James Bond since it is the horsepower on offer at 707 PS. Yes, an SUV that has 707 PS which is frankly insane but in the DBX 707, it is just incredible.
However, our test drive of the DBX 707 on Indian roads started in the usual traffic and that is where I got to appreciate the fact that the DBX is an SUV and not some low-slung supercar. I did not have to crawl over speed breakers and the driving position afforded me great visibility too. However, you do sit more like a supercar in the DBX 707 and that's intentional.
The car we drove had huge 23-inch wheels and it is remarkable how it handled our bad roads or potholes, but I did drive carefully because driving a near Rs 5-crore car which everyone wants to have a good look at is daunting. The DBX 707 turns heads and that is an understatement with the black detailing and the huge new grille which is even bigger than the standard DBX to the black wheels along with the massive diffuser sticking out.
In traffic, in standard mode, the DBX 707 is pretty quiet and the ride, while firm, is not uncomfortable. You can drive this every day and with endless customisations, you can basically make this SUV as your own. The 707 gets a different centre console with more buttons and added drive modes including the ability to do a race start- in an SUV!
Loads of carbon fibre and sports seats are standard in this car. Practicality-wise, the rear seats are roomy and there is a big boot too- this is an SUV remember!
Having been surprised at how well it tackled the lack of roads here, I stumbled upon a back door full of empty roads and that seemed perfect to try out a bit of that 707 ps! The 4-litre twin-turbo V8 gets a larger turbocharger and makes 707 PS along with 900Nm. Out goes the standard DBX gearbox and replaced by a 9-speed new wet clutch automatic. Carbon ceramic brakes, revised steering and stiffer suspension are some of the other upgrades.
Performance for the want of a better word is shocking but not in the boring EV way as instead the V8 noise that you are drowned in, makes it all the more special thanks to quad exhausts. With launch control, you will do 0-100 km/h in 3.3 seconds and go on to top 300 km/h. Just to remind you, it beats every other SUV in terms of horsepower count and the sense of acceleration is similar to a supercar.
You have to be careful with the throttle as to how quickly it reaches big speeds and what is surprising is the handling as you forget this is a tall, heavy SUV and instead drive it like a supercar. The heavier steering is direct and you soon drive it hard with confidence but you don't have to worry about bad roads too. Having driven the standard DBX, the new gearbox is much faster in shifts too and it is remarkable how much speed you carry into a corner.
The DBX 707 looks better than its performance SUV rivals, sounds better, has more power and it is an Aston Martin that you can drive on our roads and enjoy it to the fullest. For the select few who will buy it, it is indeed a special car.
What we like - Looks, performance, sound, handling, useability.
What we do not - Price.
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