Art & Design In Gear
Art & Design In Gear Aston’s Triumph With the DBX, the British carmaker has produced an SUV that can truly do it all, says Will Hersey. A ston Martin isn’t quite the last big-name luxury carmaker to launch an SUV – that accolade goes to Ferrari, whose Purosangue looks likely to arrive next year – but it’s certainly late to the party. And it’s a party that hasn’t slowed down much since Porsche launched the Cayenne: Bentley, Maserati, Lamborghini and even Rolls-Royce have successfully cashed in on demand for these imposing and powerful all-rounders. One thing these SUVs aren’t often described as, however, is beautiful. Or even handsome. And their size and weight tend to put paid to even being much fun behind the wheel. Certainly, it’s been a challenge to find all these things in one package. Which goes to explain why Aston Martin’s DBX quickly became the most anticipated car of this year. If anyone could change the SUV narrative, surely it was this English marque that had been making cars of style and grace since the 1950s, and whose current line-up had set a pretty high bar on how to marry form and function. On first sight of the DBX in the metal, then, the inital reaction is relief that its looks live up to the expectations. The second realisation is that they might even exceed them. Even parked up, its aggressive stance emanates coiled energy and attitude, while the coupé-like silhouette that curves toward the sloping boot instantly places it in the Aston family, a world away from the blockiness of some competitors. Those other Aston hallmarks – lined front grille, exaggerated haunches, pinched rear lights and spoiler – seem to have translated naturally and happily into the SUV’s exaggerated form. Surprisingly, it hasn’t come at the price of interior space. Inside, the car is plush and airy: Aston claims class-leading leg- and headroom, hitting just the right balance between leathery cocoon and future-facing technology hub, affirmed by an infotainment system that has had a welcome overhaul to meet the higher standards of this sector. Around town the ride is hushed and serene, although even short journeys are delivered with directness and purpose from the four-litre twin-turbo V8, supplied by AMG, which carries the car from 0-100kph in 4.3 seconds. But the car’s true character only reveals itself when the road opens up and the traffic becomes scarcer. Through different corners and terrains, the DBX’s agility, control and dynamism would be impressive enough on a sports saloon. Flicking through the drive modes and working the paddles between third and fourth, it’s as involving, engaging and downright enjoyable as anyone dared to expect. Somehow, Aston has pulled off what was previously thought impossible: an SUV that delivers in every category you can think of – yes, that even includes pretty competent offroading. And it achieves this while remaining every inch an Aston Martin. A lot has been made of the role the DBX must now play in restoring Aston’s precarious financial fortunes, but at least the team who put this car together have given them every possible advantage. astonmartin.com • 46 CENTURION-MAGAZINE.COM
CLASSIC MERCEDES G-CLASS The G-Class’s originality is its biggest draw, but it’s much more than a novelty act. Utilitarian PHOTOS FROM TOP: © DAIMLER AG, © BENTLEY, DIEGO VIGARANI; OPPOSITE PAGE: DEAN SMITH NICHE CONTENDERS A trio of super-premium SUVs, each with a different role to play design and indestructible off-roading are a given but now come matched by its luxurious interior and very capable on-road performance, which have turned a design classic into a versatile all-rounder. mercedes-benz.com INDULGENT BENTLEY BENTAYGA Bentley’s steadfast and super-successful Bentayga has had a major overhaul for 2021, including a fully reshaped exterior with larger front grille and rear spoiler. Inside, the cabin now offers new seats, more space in the rear and a brand-new sound and infotainment system to help keep it future-proofed amid an increasingly competitive field. bentleymotors.com FAST LAMBORGHINI URUS When you ask the makers of the most extreme supercars on the planet to design an SUV, it shouldn’t be surprising that they deliver the fastest and most brutal car of its type. Hitting 0-100kph in a ridiculous 3.6 seconds, it over-delivers on dynamism but just about knows how to switch into more relaxed mood when the occasion calls. lamborghini.com CENTURION-MAGAZINE.COM 47
