I find the main trouble with sports and GT cars is finding opportunities to use them enough.
Although I identify as a ‘petrolhead’ I think I equally enjoy cruising at the national speed limit in a comfortable and well appointed cabin, especially when driving on UK roads instills one with a natural paranoia that a speed trap can be around any corner.
There can be no doubt that Aston Martin, despite limited resources at their disposal, have been masterful in creating genuinely handsome cars since the inception of the VH platform around 20 years ago. However, having owned a few iterations, the cars were charming though slightly flawed, making use as a daily driver challenging at times.
I found myself in a position where the DB9 volante seldom left the garage. Although a wonderful car, the limited visibility, less than ideal seat comfort and dated technology always provide an owner with an excuse not to use the vehicle as often as one would like.
In our household, we also find a two seater coupled with limited storage space can further limit the usage and with other cars available to use, sadly the Aston would often be relegated to a garage queen.
If one desires a hand built vehicle with sporting pretensions, practicality and a dash of luxury, choices are at best limited, even before pressing issues like depreciation are accounted for.
In an increasingly environmentally and socially conscious world, SUVs are regarded by some as a selfish and inefficient choice of vehicle, however they do provide a pleasant experience for passengers and in roads that are filled with large goods vehicles and other high-sided vehicles, driving a low sports car or sports saloon can often limit visibility.
In my opinion, there are only two real alternatives to the DBX. The most comparable in terms of price and luxury focus would be the Bentley Bentayga. Undoubtedly a very prestigious and imposing vehicle which in pre-facelift form, even represents relatively good value. The main concern is the rather upright appearance and lack of load space considering the size of the vehicle. The image aspect is also a consideration, something about the Bentley brand does smack of a certain arrogance especially when applied to such an imposing vehicle.
The Lamborghini Urus is the second competitor, however when considering used examples, it quickly becomes apparent that these are in a different league price wise, with a starting price of almost £60,000 more than an equivalent vintage of DBX. I confess to knowing very little about Lamborghinis in general, but I am sure from reading other reviews it is a technically capable vehicle with reliable VAG underpinnings.
So amongst its peers, the DBX appears something of a bargain when analysing the classifieds, with early Approved Used examples in the UK starting from 105,000 for a three year old vehicle with average mileage (correct at the time of writing)
When shopping for a used Aston Martin, one should however let go of any assumptions associated with previous experience of higher end, yet mass produced cars. The condition of each individual car must be thoroughly checked as anomalies in panel fit, paint and interior finish can exist even on low mileage vehicles, recent experience has shown me that this also applies the DBX. This was apparent on recently viewing a low mileage 1/500 DBX where I could see evidence of door misalignment and marks where the boot lid had rubber the rear bumper paint. A common AM trait, but not the best impression for a car in this price range.
Many journalists have suggested that the DBX is unnecessary as the Range Rover exists, however I would urge those who say this to drive one. In my experience, from the first turn of the wheel, the cars steering exhibits a most un-SUV like ability to turn in with fluidity and control. I actually thought it was the best handling Aston I had so far tried, coupled with the excellent visibility which provides a significant chunk of confidence when placing the (admittedly fairly wide) car on the road.
I would say the DBX is perhaps the perfect weekend car for an Aston enthusiast with a need to carry extra passengers or luggage. A very flexible car with an easy to live with demeanour when pootling around in GT mode. Sports driving modes unveil a fast and competent sports car lurking beneath.
Downsides –
Fragility – the interior is very bespoke, but also the leather surfaces are not hard wearing
Aston steering wheels offer poor durability – ‘Comfort’ wheel much better but a rare option on earlier cars
Black Gloss trim is underwhelming – looks like it was lifted from a £20,000 C Class – Carbon or Wood far superior but seemingly rare
1/500 – !913 Edition – From the cars I have seen, although the equipment levels are often generous, these cars as with the first examples of any new vehicle, can suffer from glitches which were ironed out later in the production run. I have observed panel alignment issues, peeling PPF, electrical faults
Potential for accidental boot opening – can apparently be re-coded by AM dealers for 2 key clicks
Issues due to frameless glass/ice
What to buy –
With the DBX, there are an array of wonderful interior/exterior colour combinations on the market. So unlike more regular cars, it is very possible to see an example which is almost one of a kind. This presents a difficulty as you have to both be wary that the vehicle is a good example, but face the disappointment of losing the ‘perfect’ specification if the car turns out to be less than perfect cosmetically.
From my research, Aston performed a mild, yet unofficial facelift for the 2022 model year cars. These vehicles are identifiable by two characteristics
- Lack of leather ‘flaps’ bordering the central console
- Matt plastic steering wheel controls instead of gloss black on 2021 MY and earlier cars
2022 MY apparently brings suspension and reliability revisions over the earlier cars.
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