The shapely Aston Martin DBX is one of the most successful attempts to combine supercar-level performance and presence with SUV practicality. The DBX707, especially, delivers primo power, sound, and driving excitement, while its 2025 update improved usability and comfort. The platform’s compromises—weight, dynamic finesse, and past tech quirks—are outweighed by the fun, drama, and sense that the DBX is more than just a luxury ute that’s fast.
This year, the DBX lineup gains a new crown jewel: the DBX S. The “S” badge signals something special, and this flagship delivers with sharper performance and true exclusivity. Just 3,000 will be built worldwide, and only 1,000 are coming to the U.S. Given that Aston Martin’s lone SUV is already its hottest seller, the 2026 DBX S is bound to sell out fast.
The new variant boosts power over the DBX707, with its Aston Martin–engineered Mercedes-AMG 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 now producing 717 hp (10 more than the 707), while torque stays at 664 lb-ft. It also benefits from lighter components—most notably an optional carbon-fiber roof (Aston’s largest ever panel made from the stuff), available 23-inch magnesium wheels, and other carbon options that can together shed more than 100 pounds.
The DBX S adds sharper steering (the rack is 4 percent quicker), retains the 707’s upgraded air springs and dampers for better body control, and adopts revised tuning for the nine-speed transmission, including more aggressive downshifts in Sport and Sport+ modes.
More Serious Fascia
Visually, the DBX S distinguishes itself with model-specific details. Up front, it wears a gloss-black vaned grille, or buyers can opt for a lightweight honeycomb mesh design inspired by the DBS 770 Ultimate. A reshaped front bumper with larger functional corner vents and a new splitter further sharpens looks while improving airflow.
At the rear, the DBX S pairs function with flair. Vertically stacked quad exhaust outlets are pushed to the corners, framing a wider multi-element diffuser. The diffuser, side sills, and rear wing can all be optioned in carbon-fiber, trimming roughly 15 pounds.
Other details underscore the DBX S’ high-end pedigree. Available 23-inch magnesium wheels—the first OEM application of their kind—cut another 42 pounds, although they’ll set you back more than $5,000 a pop (next-level curbing anxiety unlocked).
Handmade S badges add to the exclusivity, being crafted from solid metal, finished in glass enamel with a red “S,” and plated in bright or dark chrome to match the chosen Aston wings. Specify a color like Chimera Blue, and the paint’s metal flakes vanish into a rich, inky finish until direct light brings it alive.
Luxe Inside
Inside, the DBX S strikes the right balance between sport and luxury. Alcantara trim and optional carbon-fiber accents set the tone, while semi-aniline leather, red seat belts, and a new herringbone pattern on the seats—and even the headliner if you spec the carbon roof—drive home the S’ exclusivity.
The atmosphere is rich and inviting, with top-notch materials and build quality throughout. Still, the 10.3-inch touchscreen feels undersized in such a lavish cabin, and the piano-black trim proves both overly reflective and a magnet for fingerprints.
Greatness Plus Behind the Wheel
The easiest way to forget about the fingerprints is to bury the throttle. True to Aston Martin form, the DBX S surges forward with authority. Its size dulls some of the seat-pinning sensation, but the added power and reduced weight should see it eclipse the 3.1-second sprint to 60 mph we measured for the 707. That puts it squarely among segment elites like the Lamborghini Urus and Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, both capable of sub-three-second runs.
The soundtrack is equally compelling. The revised exhaust ditches the crossover pipe, sending each bank’s flow straight out for a higher-pitched growl. Lift off the throttle and sharp crackles punctuate the note, while the snappier transmission calibration heightens the drama. Even in a straight line, the DBX S channels supercar energy.
Through the corners, the DBX S shrinks around you. The lighter roof and wheels, quicker steering, and recalibrated suspension make it feel more alert than its size suggests. Grip is tenacious, the steering direct, and the chassis eager, with torque vectoring, active anti-roll bars, and adaptive air springs working seamlessly in the background. It’s a blast in the canyons.
The setup strikes a careful balance between control and comfort, though the ride is still firm and tire noise intrudes on rougher surfaces. Braking performance is equally impressive, as massive carbon-ceramic rotors and six-piston calipers provide smooth, confidence-inspiring stopping power.
The DBX S makes speed effortless. On an open stretch of highway, 90 mph arrives almost before you realize it—so best to tread lightly on the throttle in tighter confines. Despite its size, it’s impressive that engineers trimmed the curb weight to less than 5,000 pounds. For those who want fewer electronic interventions, Aston includes a driver assist shutoff to let the SUV run with fewer nannies.
Supercar in SUV Form
The DBX S elevates the brand’s already impressive SUV into rarefied territory. With more power, meaningful weight reductions, and sharper steering and suspension tuning, it delivers performance that brushes shoulders with the best in the class while retaining everyday comfort. Unique design cues, exclusive details, and a richly appointed cabin further cement its flagship status.
Behind the wheel, the DBX S feels every bit the supercar in SUV form. Explosive acceleration, a more dramatic acoustic experience, and agile handling make it as thrilling in a canyon blast as it is on the autobahn. The ride is firm, and some cabin tech feels a bit dated, but the DBX S obliterates those small drawbacks with character, speed, and theater. Exotic, exclusive, and exhilarating, the DBX S is pure Aston Martin at full volume.
