The Aston Martin DBX S brings in a more assertive and athletic visual identity than ever before. The refreshed front fascia includes a sharper front splitter that not only enhances aerodynamics but also gives the SUV a track-ready presence. Around the rear, the less pronounced diffuser allows the bold new exhaust setup to shine — featuring dual vertical stacked tailpipes at each end, a distinctive departure from typical horizontal layouts.

Beyond performance, the DBX S takes a deeper engineering approach toward optimising weight balance. With the carmaker’s strong emphasis on lightweight components, the vehicle becomes more agile and poised in both cornering and high-speed cruising.

The available lightweight parts include the optional carbon-fibre roof, which is not just aesthetic but highly functional, being the largest single-piece carbon fibre component ever used by Aston Martin. Complementing this are 23-inch magnesium alloy wheels, which reduce unsprung mass by 18.5 kg, significantly improving ride quality and agility. Even the new grille, inspired by the limited-run DBS 770 Ultimate, is designed to remove front-end weight, thereby improving weight distribution and steering response. However, these design and weight-saving components are optional and not part of the base configuration.

Under the hood lies a recalibrated 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8, now tuned to deliver 717 bhp, a modest yet meaningful bump over the DBX707. The improvement comes via turbocharging technology derived from Aston Martin's Valhalla supercar, allowing more efficient boost delivery and higher peak output.

As a result, the SUV is plunged from 0 to 100 kmph in just 3.1 seconds and 0 to 200 kmph is also quicker than before, however, the exact figures have not been disclosed. The SUV reaches a top speed of 307 kmph. This performance SUV maintains its explosive straight-line speed while gaining better thermal and mechanical efficiency, thanks to its enhanced forced induction system.

While power is important, how that power is delivered matters even more and the DBX S doesn’t disappoint. Aston Martin engineers have re-tuned the 9-speed automatic transmission for faster gear changes, especially when the vehicle is in Sport or Sport+ mode. This translates to crisper throttle response and better driver engagement.

The steering setup has also been recalibrated, now offering sharper inputs and improved feedback, making the large SUV feel lighter and more connected. The DBX S feels significantly more responsive during spirited driving. To back up its explosive power, the SUV comes with massive carbon-ceramic brakes. The front discs measure 16.5 inches whereas the rear discs are sized 15.3 inches. These ensure confident and fade-free braking performance, even under extreme stress.