Aston Martin DBX S Sharpens the Edge with Extra Energy and Elective Weight Cuts : Automotive Addicts

Aston Martin

Aston Martin isn’t letting the ultra-luxury efficiency SUV recreation slip previous its grasp. Enter the brand new 2026 DBX S—a sharper, barely extra aggressive evolution of the already formidable DBX707. Whereas it doesn’t fully rewrite the SUV’s method, it brings sufficient firepower and perspective to maintain Aston’s flagship SUV punching within the heavyweight class, proper alongside the Lamborghini Urus SE.

Let’s begin with the headline: energy. The acquainted twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, sourced from Mercedes-AMG, has been retuned to ship 717 horsepower—a modest however significant 20-hp enhance over the DBX707. This bump comes courtesy of turbocharger upgrades borrowed from the upcoming Valhalla supercar, exhibiting how Aston continues to trickle down its high-performance tech. Whereas the 0–60 mph time stays unchanged at 3.1 seconds, the DBX S is a contact faster to 124 mph, and nonetheless tops out at a wild 193 mph—simply 1 mph shy of the Urus SE’s peak.

Aston Martin didn’t cease with uncooked numbers. The DBX S will get tweaked shift mapping for its nine-speed automated, particularly in Sport and Sport+ modes. Gear adjustments are snappier, and revised steering geometry makes for a faster rack and extra speedy really feel behind the wheel. The clever AWD system from the DBX707 stays, able to shifting all torque rearward or as much as 50 % to the entrance, relying on circumstances. The air suspension and carbon-ceramic brakes (16.5 inches entrance, 15.3 rear) additionally carry over from final 12 months’s refresh.

However essentially the most talked-about adjustments are visible and, apparently, principally optionally available. Aston revised the DBX S’s entrance and rear fascias, with a bolder entrance splitter and a cleaner, extra outlined rear diffuser. Nonetheless, the eye-catching spotlight is a stacked, vertically oriented quad-exhaust system—two ideas per facet—that evoke recollections of the Lexus IS F and assist visually anchor the rear.

Right here’s the place issues get a bit extra sophisticated. Aston Martin talks up the DBX S’s food plan, but it surely’s solely on supply for those who’re prepared to open your pockets extensive. The brand new 23-inch magnesium wheels, carbon fiber roof, light-weight grille, and different carbon particulars trim over 100 kilos from the SUV’s curb weight, bringing it to 4,846 kilos. Whereas that’s nonetheless hefty, each bit helps when making an attempt to wring supercar efficiency from a household hauler. Nonetheless, none of those weight-saving measures are customary. Which means except you tick the appropriate (and sure costly) containers, your DBX S could be all bark and never a lot much less chunk than the DBX707.

That raises a philosophical query: Why introduce a brand new trim stage the place a lot of the advance is à la carte? Maybe Aston Martin is betting its patrons worth exclusivity and customization over base-level spec sheets. However with the 2025 DBX707 already beginning close to $260,000, the totally optioned DBX S may simply surpass the $300,000 mark—placing it nicely into Bentley Bentayga Velocity and Urus Performante territory.

Inside updates are minimal—principally restricted to new trim decisions and a few “S” badging—as a result of the cabin was already overhauled within the final refresh with improved screens and up to date tech. For a automobile aimed on the one-percenters, the adjustments could also be refined, however Aston has clearly prioritized really feel and fine-tuning over flashy gimmicks.

Deliveries of the 2026 Aston Martin DBX S are scheduled to start in fall 2025, with full pricing anticipated to be introduced within the coming months. Within the meantime, it holds its place as one of many few ultra-luxury SUVs that hasn’t forgotten the which means of “sport” in “sport utility automobile.”