Auto Review: 2026 Aston Martin DBX S – Indulgent, Fast, and True Luxury

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There was a period when SUVs and Aston Martin would have been as compatible as Château Lafite and Cheez Whiz. However, times have evolved, and even Aston Martin must adapt to the harsh realities of today's luxury automotive landscape.

But here's the twist: the 2026 Aston Martin DBX S isnotA violation of the brand's values. In reality, it's the most Aston Martin characteristic action they've taken in recent years. After all, Aston Martin has been creating more performance-oriented S versions since the 1953 DB3 S.

That indicates the 2026 Aston Martin DBX S isn't your wife's vehicle for yoga, driving a Range Rover, or hanging out in a Whole-Foods parking lot. This is a 717-horsepower, twin-turbocharged V8 sledgehammer dressed in Savile Row craftsmanship.

It's Aston's response to a question that wasn't asked: What if James Bond had children? Naturally, he'd be driving a 2026 Aston Martin DBX S.

Its core is AMG's well-known 4.0-liter V8 engine equipped with twin turbochargers, delivering 717 horsepower.,664 pound-feet of torque combined with a 9-speed dual-clutch transmission delivers acceleration that was previously only found in Group B rally cars.

It features the turbocharging system from the Aston Martin Valhalla hypercar, while its all-wheel-drive system enables the DBX S to direct 50% of its torque to the front and up to 100% to the rear wheels. This results in a 0-to-60-mph acceleration time of just 3.1 seconds, even though it's a 5,000-pound luxury SUV. Furthermore, the steering has been made more responsive, the suspension has been reinforced, and the body has been adorned with carbon fiber, similar to how truffle shavings are sprinkled over an $80 plate of pasta.

The outcome is a vehicle that handles corners with genuine purpose. It isn't delicate; it's too large for that. However, it is remarkably accurate, calm, and surprisingly nimble. You can truly drive this car quickly along a winding rural road without worrying about the nearby plants.

It's unexpectedly easy, carrying the unstoppable power of a melting glacier. Its engine growls like a bull terrier that's been restrained for too long. It's excessively fast, excessively loud, excessively aggressive, and completely captivating, an SUV that works out and never misses a session.

However, if Mr. Bond aims to reach that level of performance, he needs to select some lightweight options that reduce the weight by 104 pounds compared to a standard DBX, offering a significant weight advantage, albeit at a substantial additional cost. Among the options listed are the Lightweight Mesh Front Grille ($1,400), the Dark Chrome / Carbon Interior Pack ($6,400), Twill Carbon Veneer ($5,700), AMR Lime Mag Brake Calipers ($2,000), Upper Gloss 2x2 Twill Carbon Fiber Pack ($11,200), Lower BX S Carbon Fiber Pack ($20,900), and 23-inch Magnesium Wheels ($22,300). Along with other features, such as the impressive Bowers & Wilkins Audio System, these increased the as-tested price from $270,500 to $397,900.

Inside, you'll find all the expected features of an Aston: hand-stitched leather so soft it might be considered a restricted item, knurled metal knobs that seem to have been crafted in a Swiss watch workshop, and a driving position that is confident without being overbearing. Equally impressive is the inclusion of Apple CarPlay within the DBX's 10.25-inch infotainment display and 12.3-inch driver information screens. It is elegantly seamless, executed with a refined Aston Martin style that makes the current Mercedes-Benz infotainment system appear as if it belongs in a flashy, low-budget casino.

That being said, you may be curious about its rivals. Well, there's the Lamborghini Urus, but it's like a moving party. There's the Bentley Bentayga, which is excellent, yet completely serious. In contrast, the Aston Martin DBX S possesses character. It's noisy, a bit inconvenient, and sometimes ridiculous. However, it's also delightful, stylish, and incredibly vibrant.

The 2026 Aston Martin DBX S is more than just a high-speed SUV. It's exclusive, a reminder that personality still holds value, and that a brand emblem can still carry significance. Even in this era of electric vehicles and computer-driven design, there's still room for something illogical, dramatic, and proudly extravagant. Aston Martin may never create a vehicle as pure as the DB4 GT Zagato or as stunning as the original DBS. However, with the DBX S, they've crafted something that is genuine in its goals and remarkable in its realization. And in a world increasingly focused on efficiency, that feels like a modest yet essential act of defiance.

2026 Aston Martin DBX S

Base price: $270,500

Engine: Twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8

Horsepower/Torque: 717/664 pound-feet

Top speed: 193 mph

0-60 mph: 3.1 seconds

EPA fuel efficiency (combined city and highway): 16 miles per gallon

Fuel required: Premium

Length/Width/Height: 198/79/66 inches

Ground clearance: 7.5 inches

Storage space: 23 cubic feet