Elite Traveler Summer 2020

elite traveler SUMMER 2020 83

AstonMartin 2021 DBX The enormity of the task at hand cannot be understated. Aston Martin, arguably the creator of the most beautiful street-legal cars in the business, necessitates long-term salvation. As many luxury brands have discovered, redemption may come in SUV form. Beginning with a clean sheet of paper — as close to carte blanche as possible for a 107-year-old manufacturer —DBX is Aston Martin’s first-ever SUV. Everything under DBX’s hood impresses, starting with the Mercedes-AMG-built 4.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 engine that yields 542 hp. Its aluminum body structure and cast aluminum suspension mountings allow the double wishbone, split-link front and multi-link rear suspension to thrive across any terrain. But it’s in the design details that Aston Martin beguiles. The hidden side glass seals on the

frameless doors finished with glass B-pillars create an uninterrupted line, freeing the eye to glide across the SUV. Cutaway sills narrow the car’s entry points, one less obstacle to worry about when wearing one’s Sunday best. Gliding into the Bridge of Weir leather interior, or, an industry-first fabric made from 80%wool, the sense of airiness continues via DBX’s full panoramic glass sunroof. Options abound, from a snow package complete with boot warmers to a pet package that includes a portable washer. Although proficient in daily drivers, establishing a presence in the utilitarian and adventure markets maps uncharted

territory for Aston Martin. Until now. From $190,000, astonmartin.com

DBX’s mellifluous active exhaust notes surprise; while maintaining a familiar sound, the twin- turbocharged V8 features cylinder deactivation technology to enhance fuel economy