Aston Martin DBX

The case for the DBX

The DBX was Aston Martin's most important new model in decades: the company's first SUV, built in a new factory at St Athan in Wales, and aimed squarely at the Porsche Cayenne Turbo and Bentley Bentayga. With a 542 bhp version of AMG's 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 and a genuinely well-sorted chassis, it is one of the best-driving SUVs ever made.

As a used buy, the DBX offers a distinctive alternative to the German and British establishment. It is practical, fast, beautiful by SUV standards and far more exclusive than a Cayenne. Early cars have depreciated hard, which makes them interesting value now.

What it costs to run

The AMG V8 keeps running costs more sensible than a V12 would. Annual servicing at a specialist runs £800 to £1,200. Tyres are expensive (large wheels, performance rubber), and brakes are substantial items. Fuel economy is 18 to 22 mpg. Insurance reflects the value and performance.

Because most DBXs are still young, many are covered by remaining manufacturer warranty or approved-used programmes, which materially reduces risk.

Known weak points

Early DBXs had software and quality teething issues, particularly around the infotainment and electrical systems. Most have been addressed by updates, but verify. The air suspension is complex and will eventually need attention. Brake disc corrosion affects stored cars. There have been recalls and campaigns; check completion by VIN.

As with any premium SUV, check for evidence of off-road use, kerbed wheels and the general wear that family duty inflicts on interiors.

What to check before buying

Full service history, software update status and campaign completion. Check the air suspension operates correctly through its modes and heights. Inspect wheels and tyres, test all electrical and driver-assistance systems, and examine the interior for family wear. Verify the infotainment is updated and functioning properly. A specialist or main-dealer inspection is worthwhile on a car this complex.

Market and depreciation

The DBX has depreciated significantly, with early cars now available from around £85,000 to £110,000 against original list prices above £150,000. This makes it one of the best-value premium SUVs on the used market. Depreciation is likely to continue for a while longer, but the DBX's rarity and driving quality give it a solid floor.

Who it suits

The buyer who needs an SUV's practicality but refuses to drive something ordinary. The DBX is the enthusiast's choice in the premium SUV class and now represents genuine value.

Alternatives

Porsche Cayenne Turbo, Bentley Bentayga, Lamborghini Urus, or the DBX707 for maximum performance.

The DBX, launched in 2020, is Aston Martin's first SUV, built at the dedicated St Athan facility in Wales. The AMG-sourced 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 produces 542hp, delivered through all four wheels and a nine-speed automatic. It drives with considerably more agility than most large SUVs, and the interior quality and ride comfort are genuinely strong. For buyers needing practicality without abandoning the marque, it delivers.

Early cars experienced the quality-control teething issues common to a new factory and model line, so inspection of panel fit, interior trim integrity and software state matters. Verify all infotainment and driver-assistance functions work, check for rectification work under warranty, and review the service history carefully. Air suspension, brakes and tyres are significant consumables on a heavy, powerful SUV.

Values have depreciated as expected for a luxury SUV, making early cars look tempting. The buying priorities are a full dealer service history, evidence of software updates, and careful inspection of wheels, tyres and brakes. A warranty or approved-used cover is worth having on a car of this complexity. The DBX suits the buyer who wants Aston character with genuine family usability; it is not a sports car, but it is a convincingly sporting SUV.

The interior is genuinely practical: five seats, a useful boot, and the kind of space that makes the DBX a realistic daily car. The materials and build quality are to a high standard, and the driving position offers the commanding view SUV buyers expect. Check all interior functions, the powered tailgate, and the condition of the leather and trim. Family use means interior wear should be assessed honestly.

A 2022 model-year update brought improvements to the infotainment and detail changes, so later cars are worth seeking. The DBX has established itself as a credible luxury SUV with genuine Aston character, and depreciation has made early cars attractive. For the buyer who needs SUV practicality but wants something with more character than the obvious German choices, the DBX delivers. Buy a documented car with remaining warranty, maintain it properly, and it will provide a thoroughly usable and enjoyable ownership experience.

Early cars experienced the build-quality teething issues common to a new factory and model line, so inspect panel fit, interior trim and software state carefully. The 2022 model-year update brought improvements, so later cars are worth seeking. Verify the service history is complete and the car has received all applicable updates and recalls. The DBX's values have depreciated as expected for a luxury SUV, making early cars attractive. For the buyer seeking Aston Martin character with genuine family usability, the DBX is a convincing and well-executed choice.

For a first Aston Martin SUV, the DBX has been a genuine success, and the specialist network has developed good knowledge of the car. Independent specialists now offer servicing at meaningful savings over the dealer, and the community has documented the car's behaviour thoroughly. A well-maintained DBX with a full history and remaining warranty represents a compelling used buy: a genuinely sporting SUV with real character, practical enough for daily use and special enough to feel like an occasion every time you drive it.

How this review was compiled

Research-based ownership review using Aston Martin specifications, independent buying guides and owner reports. We have not driven this car. Verify condition, service history and campaign completion for any individual car before purchase.