2026 Aston Martin DBX S First Drive Review: Exceptional, and Not Only for an SUV

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      I've been writing online about cars for some time, but I hadn't gotten behind the wheel of an Aston Martin until last week. Some may argue that the DBX S isn't a true Aston, but I beg to differ. It certainly has the Aston Martin appearance from the front and boasts an impressive 717 horsepower from its 4.0-liter twin-turbo AMG V8. There is much to appreciate about this vehicle. In fact, I had difficulty pinpointing any negatives—and it outshines the Bentley Bentayga, which leans more towards luxury than sportiness.

      If you're like most people, that comparison might not resonate with you. Just keep in mind that most of my experience with a Bentayga involved towing something behind it for… research purposes. What I’m trying to convey is this: I’m not some pretentious supercar enthusiast explaining the subtle nuances between aniline and semi-aniline leather. I'm just an average car enthusiast who got the opportunity to drive a $350,000 SUV because the rest of the team was occupied.

      With that said, I hope you find my insights at least half as enjoyable as I found driving the DBX S—it’s truly an impressive vehicle.

      **The Fundamentals**

      Aston Martin launched the first DBX five years ago. What you're seeing now is the inaugural DBX S, which features characteristics familiar from other Aston models, such as the Vanquish S and V12 Vantage S. This model is more performance-oriented, providing a sharper focus than the standard Aston SUV without compromising on luxury comfort.

      There are several distinguishing features that will help observant car enthusiasts recognize a DBX S on the road. The optional honeycomb grille is a clear giveaway, enhancing airflow and reducing weight by seven pounds compared to the standard slatted grille. There's also an optional carbon fiber rear diffuser, which cuts an additional 15 pounds. Finally, some models are equipped with a red-lined splitter, which is a noticeable marker.

      I can't list every interior option Aston offers for the DBX S, but the one I drove had a theme called "All Dark Knight." This stunning blue is perfectly balanced—neither too dull nor overly flashy—and though luxury design isn't my specialty, the layout is both aesthetically pleasing and practical. Many car manufacturers struggle with screen integration, but the 10.25-inch center display is the best I've seen. It operates Apple CarPlay Ultra alongside the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and generally performs well.

      The DBX S also impresses under the hood. It starts with the previously mentioned AMG V8, delivering a remarkable 717 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque, enhanced by turbochargers from the Aston Martin Valhalla that are 4mm larger than those in the typical DBX. A nine-speed automatic transmission distributes power to all four wheels, allowing nearly all of the torque to be sent to the rear if needed. Its 0-62 mph acceleration matches that of the regular DBX, but it reaches 124 mph a second faster, capping out at a top speed of 193 mph, making it one of the fastest SUVs available today.

      **Driving the 2026 Aston Martin DBX S**

      As I've mentioned, I'm neither a fashionista nor particularly performance-focused; I'm 6'5" and weigh 290 pounds, which serves as a reference for my fit in the interior. The seat bolsters are a bit snug but not uncomfortable. Initially, I had issues with the rearview mirror's position, believing it obstructed my forward view, but I soon appreciated how easy it was to check behind me after passing a couple of California Highway Patrol vehicles.

      Upon starting the vehicle, my first interaction was with Apple CarPlay Ultra. I won’t delve too deeply into that, as this is a car review—not an infotainment review—but I found it pleasantly surprising, despite a few issues. The gauge displays switch seamlessly, and the display I used most featured attractive Aston Martin themes, including the signature green hue and a message in the corner saying “HANDBUILT IN GREAT BRITAIN.” However, the center screen has noticeable lag, and the Siri voice functionality can be a bit awkward at times.

      None of this technology hindered the overall driving experience, which was excellent—not just for an SUV but in general. It is essential to remember that the DBX S weighs 4,835 pounds. While far from light, it’s still 555 pounds lighter than a new BMW M5, which produces the same horsepower. The center of gravity is higher, and while that does impact driving dynamics, the DBX S should not be dismissed due to its body style. It's impressively quick.

      Aston recognizes that the DBX S isn't a Vantage or DB12