Aston Martin's First SUV Breaks Cover in Manila

For the first time in Aston Martin's century-old history, the brand is introducing an SUV. The luxury carmaker unveiled the DBX in 2019, finally, the model is making its way to Manila via DBPhils Motorsports, Inc., under the Tagle Group of Companies, the distributor of Aston Martin in the country. According to Marc Louie Y. Tagle, chairman and president of Aston Martin Manila, the pandemic that followed the 2019 unveil wasn’t the right environment to introduce such a significant model for the brand.

“We are confident that this move of Aston Martin will be warmly embraced by the Filipino market," he said. "Admittedly, we are an SUV nation. We love to cruise with our adventurous spirit, and bring family, friends, and loved ones along for the ride. Aston Martin captures this passion and adds its trademark luxury and beauty for the ultimate driving experience.”

Photo by Aston Martin Manila.

Ultra exclusive

The Aston Martin ownership is very exclusive, with only around 100 of the ultra luxury supercars here in the country. When asked if the DBX will occupy over half of its sales volume in the coming years, Tagle said that he doesn’t believe so but that it will be a significant part of its lineup. As a sportscar enthusiast, he said he has driven and owned many different brands including high performance SUVs from other luxury brands.

During the virtual launch of the DBX with members of the automotive press ahead of the public launch on Friday (July 2), Tagle sounded enthusiastic about the coming of the DBX. “The DBX feels very planted when you take it fast around the corners! And you will definitely love the exhaust notes, specially if fitted with the optional high performance exhaust system.”

Photo by Aston Martin Manila.

“In Asia Pacific countries that have commenced deliveries, including Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and further afield in USA, UK, China, and New Zealand, the DBX has already built strong market share amongst the luxury SUVs," Patrik Nilsson, director of operations for Asia Pacific, said in the video launch. "We’re proud to have particularly strong market share right here in Asia Pacific.”

“The DBX drives like no other SUV, it drives like a sports car,” added Fiel Tan, marketing head of Aston Martin Manila, and said that the new model would live up to the expectations of every Aston Martin owner or enthusiast. “Aston Martin owners are those who love cars that are not just jaw-dropping to look at, but also thrilling to drive, and the DBX lives up to these qualities. This is a pivotal moment for the brand, and we could not have been more excited to showcase this to the Philippine Market.”

Cost of ownership

There are two units of the Aston Martin DBX that arrived and have been added with some options that comes with a tag price of P24.5million. Aston Martin Manila was quick to mention that there is a “base spec” variant that comes with a much lower cost but with almost all the essential goodies. The added options would certainly appeal much better to the taste of the local affluent market who values a more bespoke feel.

Photo by Aston Martin Manila.

Tagle also was asked if it is true that the pandemic has encouraged “revenge spending” for his brand. He said that business is “okay” but perhaps not to the level of pre-pandemic times but definitely the affluent market’s appetite for luxury cars has not waned that much. This was likewise confirmed earlier this summer by Ramon Ang, the big boss of San Miguel Corporation and chairman of BMW Philippines, who said that luxury cars have done well despite the times.

The DBX uses bonded aluminum, a construction method that Aston Martin has refined through the development of its sports cars, that makes the body structure both very light and incredibly stiff, assisting in the delivery of an overall kerbweight of 2,245 kg. The vehicle is also laid out and designed to allow maximum room in the cabin, with class-leading spaciousness for even for both front and rear tall occupants.

As can be expected in a high performance SUV, the DBX's adaptive triple volume air suspension has been combined with the latest 48v electric anti-roll control system (eARC) and electronic adaptive dampers to provide the new SUV with a huge breadth of ability. With its capacity to raise the ride height by 45mm or lower it by 50mm the air suspension gives any driver the confidence to tackle a wide range of terrain. The eARC system limits the DBX’s body roll for handling that is much more akin to that of a sports car than an SUV. This sophisticated system of adaptive air suspension, dampers and eARC allows for maximum ride comfort when transporting up to five occupants and their luggage, while maintaining a highly responsive and engaging dynamic capability.

Photo by Aston Martin Manila.

Under the hood

Powering the DBX is a new version of its 4-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 engine found in the DB11 and Vantage sportscars, that is rated at 550PS of power and 700NM of torque. The exhaust notes is best enjoyed with its active exhaust system that has the flexibility of refined sound in one moment and exhilarated driving in the next. The smart turbocharged V8 has a cylinder deactivation feature as well to enhance fuel economy, but at full power it can also propel DBX from zero to 100kph in 4.5 seconds, and a top speed of 181mph.

The DBX is Aston Martin’s first-ever full-size five-seat SUV that has an exceptionally versatile platform that can tackle rough terrains and yet is also extremely adaptable to a wide variety of lifestyle needs and types of owners. With 632 liters of boot space and 40:20:40 split folding rear seats, the DBX allows a flexible load capacity that’s expected of an SUV with class-leading interior space. The overall size and package gives it a highly nimble and athletic demeanor, that doesn’t have a lot of excess bulk. Which means, it is probably one of the sexiest high performance luxury SUVs on the road.

With a brand that is synonymous to elegance and luxury, the handcrafted interior of DBX has been designed to provide equal space and comfort whether sitting in the front or rear of the car. It has a full-length glass panoramic roof and frameless door glass to that characterizes its greenhouse and the sports car seat packaging in the front provides the driver with exceptional support and long-distance driving comfort. The brand’s ‘Q by Aston Martin’ personalization service has optional features of its center console which can be machined from a solid piece of wood, such as walnut, for added tactility and bespoke feel. 

Photo by Aston Martin Manila.

Aston Martin also says that it has quite a contemporary range of exquisite wood, composite and metal veneers ensure that the cabin can be tailored to any taste. This includes a range of innovative materials and an industry first application of a fabric made from 80% wool. A new flax composite – derived from the same plant as fine linen – also provides an alternative to carbon fiber and a distinctive design aesthetic.

Interested buyers can visit the Aston Martin Manila Showroom at The W Fifth Building 5th Avenue, 2287 Chino Roces Ave, Makati, Metro cor. 32nd St., BGC Taguig.