The 2021 Aston Martin DBX is the automaker's first-ever SUV, and one of just a few exotic-branded SUVs on the market. Its styling might be an acquired taste — to my eyes, the traditional Aston Martin grille and ducktail spoiler that look so elegant on Aston's sports cars look ungainly here — but a stint behind the wheel reveals this is nothing if not a driver's SUV. For shoppers looking for an exotic with a balanced blend of performance and usability, I can't think of a better vehicle.
2021 Aston Martin DBX





Total MSRP | $179,986 |
---|---|
Edmunds suggests you pay | $179,986 |
- 2023
- 2021
2021 Aston Martin DBX Review

- Gutsy 542-hp engine
- Sharp steering and handling
- Plenty of standard interior luxuries
- Infotainment system can be distracting to use
- Uncomfortable ride on rutted roads
- Operation of advanced driver aids lacks refinement
- First SUV from Aston Martin
- Standard turbocharged V8
- Seating for five
- Kicks off the first DBX generation for 2021
Porsche long ago proved that performance and SUVs need not be mutually exclusive. Now it's Aston Martin's turn to show how it can be done. The 2021 Aston Martin DBX is the automaker's first-ever SUV, and one of just a few exotic-branded SUVs on the market. As a midsize five-seat SUV priced above $175,000, it's a rival to the likes of the Lamborghini Urus and Bentley Bentayga.
As you'd expect from Aston, performance is a key attribute. Power comes from an updated version of the Mercedes-sourced turbocharged V8 that's in the Vantage and DB11 sports cars. The engine produces 542 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Mat the gas pedal and the resulting acceleration is explosive. The DBX loves to pull away quickly from a stop; you'll have to be judicious with the accelerator if you want to build speed without pinning your passengers to their seatbacks.
All the right materials are present inside the DBX, with wood, metal, leather and available faux suede trim throughout the cabin. As is typical of ultra-luxury cars, the DBX is pretty much loaded with features out of the gate. A configurable 12.3-inch digital instrument panel sits behind the steering wheel, though the true focal point is the 10-inch display screen in the center stack. As with the engine, the infotainment system is sourced from Mercedes. Unfortunately, it's an older design and is not as easy to use as Mercedes' more modern MBUX system.
On the whole, however, Aston Martin has done right with its first SUV. With effortlessly quick acceleration, stupefying handling and a top-notch interior, the DBX earns its place among the most impressive exotic SUVs on the market.
Performance
With its turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 thrumming under the hood, our DBX test vehicle sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and cleared the quarter-mile in 12.5 seconds at 112 mph. That's ample speed for a performance SUV. The DBX also has a quick-shifting gearbox, communicative steering, and strong and smooth braking performance. Our only real complaints pertain to a slightly unrefined engine stop-start system and mildly overbearing stability control.
Comfort
The DBX has tri-zone climate (some competitors offer four-zone systems) and the system is able to warm or cool the cabin quickly. The heated and ventilated seats also work quickly. But we don't like the way the climate controls are laid out. Some functions are toggles or capacitive buttons, while other functions are accessed through the digital display.
2021 Aston Martin DBX pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Interior
The rest of the DBX interior is quite good. The cabin is spacious, especially in the back seat. There's a generous amount of legroom and enough headroom to accommodate someone as tall as 6-foot-5. Despite the unintuitive seat controls, we eventually found a comfortable driving position as well. Visibility out of the cockpit is good, especially to the front.
Technology
It's mostly downhill from there. Everything from using the navigation system to changing the climate controls is a small chore. The infotainment system is supposed to have Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, but we were unable to get it to work during our DBX test. There are four USB ports for charging devices but no wireless charger, which we think is an oversight at this price.
Though the DBX had most of the modern advanced driving aids, their functionality left much to be desired. Adaptive cruise stopped abruptly on a few occasions and the lane keeping system seemed far too sensitive in detecting lane markings yet was useless for actually staying in the lane.
Storage
Inside there are various places, all modestly sized, for storing personal items. A leather-lined bonus area beneath the center console looks to be a perfect spot for a wireless charger, but we didn't find one there. Most luxury SUVs don't do a great job of offering ample interior storage, so the DBX is not an outlier. Should you want to use your exotic SUV as a school bus, you'll be pleased to know that the child safety seat anchors are easily accessible, and there's a helpful amount of space for installing even a bulky rear-facing model.
Fuel Economy
Value
For better and for worse, Astons also have a hand-built quality and feel to them. Some gaps and seams, though, aren't quite lined up tightly, and while some may find this charming, others might find it frustrating at this price point. But objectively speaking, the DBX offers nothing that its less expensive peers provide other than the Aston Martin badge. For some, the brand alone is a compelling enough argument.
The DBX offers similar warranty coverage to other brands of this ilk, with three years of comprehensive warranty coverage and roadside assistance and a 10-year corrosion warranty, all without mileage limits.
Wildcard
And when it comes to design, we think Aston Martin nailed the look of the DBX. The brand's design DNA translates surprisingly well, with muscular lines that also manage to look graceful. It looks like an Aston Martin but also like nothing else on the road.
Which DBX does Edmunds recommend?
Aston Martin DBX models
The Aston Martin DBX doesn't have any trim levels; instead it offers a multitude of stand-alone options as well as traditional and lifestyle-based option packages. If the seemingly endless list of options and interior combinations is overwhelming, Aston Martin offers ready-made, curated builds, even down to the paint color. All DBXs have a turbocharged 4.0-liter turbocharged V8 engine (542 horsepower, 516 lb-ft) and a nine-speed automatic transmission to route power to all four wheels.
DBX
Even without options, the Aston is luxuriously equipped with:
- 22-inch wheels
- Adjustable air suspension with adaptive dampers
- Electronic limited-slip differential for the rear axle
- LED headlights
- Full leather upholstery
- Heated, 12-way power-adjustable front seats with memory
- Power-operated tailgate
- 10-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation
- Apple CarPlay compatibility
- Keyless entry with push-button start
- Heated rear seats
- Panoramic sunroof
The DBX also comes with:
- Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
- Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Aston Martin and the car in front)
- Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the DBX and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
- Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
- Lane keeping assist (steers the DBX back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
- Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
Highlights of some of the DBX's many available option packages include:
- Convenience package
- Hands-free power tailgate
- Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)
- Touchpad with control for garage door opener
- Indulgence package
- 16-way power-adjustable front seats with memory settings
- Heated and ventilated front and rear seats
- Tinted rear side windows with added sound insulation
- DB Elegance package
- Quilted and perforated leather seating surfaces
- Upgraded leatherwork with embroidery
- Events package
- Rear-facing, trunk-mounted seats
- Food and dining storage, including a chilled compartment
- Picnic blanket
- Umbrella strap
- Snow package
- Roof-mounted ski rack
- Warmer for ski boots
- Bags for ski storage
- Snow chains
- Mud flaps
- Unique doorsill plates




Consumer reviews
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2021 Aston Martin DBX video
Lamborghini Urus vs. Aston Martin DBX | Exotic SUV Showdown & Drag Race
Features & Specs
- Total MSRP
- $179,986
- MPG & Fuel
- 14 City / 18 Hwy / 15 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 22.5 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: all wheel drive
- Transmission: 9-speed shiftable automatic
- Engine
- V8 cylinder
- Horsepower: 542 hp @ 6500 rpm
- Torque: 516 lb-ft @ 2200 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 3 yr./ unlimited mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 198.4 in. / Height: 66.1 in.
- Overall Width with Mirrors: 87.4 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 78.7 in.
- Curb Weight: 4940 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 22.3 cu.ft.

Safety
Our experts’ favorite DBX safety features:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time.
- Blind-spot monitor
- Alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot.
- Lane keeping assist
- Steers the DBX back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker.
Aston Martin DBX vs. the competition

2021 Aston Martin DBX

2020 Bentley Bentayga
Aston Martin DBX vs. Bentley Bentayga
The Bentayga mixes bold and brash with bespoke and British to luxurious effect. Upgrades for 2021 include an improved tech interface, more rear legroom and refreshed exterior styling. Both the DBX and the Bentayga can be had in nearly any specification you can think of but the Bentley has the better infotainment system.
Aston Martin DBX vs. Porsche Cayenne Coupe
To properly do battle with the lighter and more nimble DBX, might we suggest the Cayenne Coupe in the devastatingly fast 670-hp Turbo S E-Hybrid? They offer similar elevated price tags, but the Porsche counters the Aston's hand-built interior and exclusivity with a similar amount of nearly endless customization options as well as better tech.
Aston Martin DBX vs. Lamborghini Urus
If you want everyone to know you've arrived, there's almost no better vehicle than the Urus. Available in some truly wild colors, the Urus also packs the performance to back up its looks. But the Urus is just as wild on the inside and runs counter to the Aston''s subdued but luxurious interior. Your personality will likely make the decision for you.
2021 Aston Martin DBX First Impressions
The DBX is powered by an updated version of the Mercedes-sourced turbocharged V8 that's in the Vantage and DB11 supercars. The engine produces 542 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque and can blast the DBX from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.3 seconds. A nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard.
As you might expect of any vehicle with more than 500 hp, acceleration is explosive. Even in the standard GT mode, the DBX loves to pull away quickly from a stop; you'll have to be judicious with the gas pedal if you want to build speed without pinning your passengers to their seatbacks. Overtaking slower vehicles requires no planning ahead — simply goose the throttle and enjoy the aural bliss of the exhaust barking and cracking as you effortlessly rocket to extralegal speeds.
Though it has a claimed weight of nearly 5,000 pounds, the DBX feels extraordinarily sharp in turns. The combination of an adaptive air suspension, active stabilizer bars and grippy summer tires allows it to corner flat at high speeds. Aston clearly put in the work to extract a sports car-like driving experience for this luxury SUV.
That adaptive air suspension works wonders to filter out road imperfections too. That's true even with the big 22-inch wheels and low-profile tires that would potentially spell ruin on a lesser ute. On most surfaces, the DBX feels just as comfortable as any normal luxury SUV — an impressive feat given the Aston's awesome performance potential.
The DBX is not without fault, however. Ruts and washboard roads introduce a fair amount of vibration into the cabin. And hitting a moderate-size midcorner bump produces a forceful impact, though it must be said the steering wheel doesn't jolt, and the rear and front don't try to swap ends.
All the right materials are present inside the DBX, with wood, metal, leather and available faux suede trim throughout the cabin. As is typical of ultra-luxury cars, the DBX is pretty much loaded with features out of the gate. Its optional extras come in the form of a deep customization program that allows buyers to tailor this Aston to their exact specification.
My test DBX had a handsome-looking gloss flax veneer on the center console ($2,300) and doors ($4,600). I also liked the faux suede headliner ($2,300) color-matched to the Oxford Tan interior ($3,400). That's more than $12,000 in options, and that's before any matching carpet or contrast-color stitching. It all looks and feels appropriately luxurious, indicating the price these options command could be considered well spent.
Once you get over the stunning impression the DBX's cabin makes, you start to appreciate how usable and livable it is. At 6-foot-4, I had plenty of legroom and headroom up front, and the driver's seat remained comfortable after hours of driving. The back seat is equally as enticing, and even though the backrest angle isn't adjustable, it's set in an enjoyable position. I was able to sit behind the front seat set to my preferred position and still had space to stretch. Unlike some other high-performance SUVs (I'm looking at you, Lamborghini Urus), the greenhouse is expansive and easy to see out of.
All that said, the DBX does have a few interior quirks. The toggle switch on the driver's seat allows you to switch between lumbar, thigh bolster and side bolster adjustment. However, there's no menu on the instrument panel or central display screen to let you know what you're actually toggling between. You just move the toggle up or down, hope you selected the correct seat adjustment, and start futzing with the four-way button controller to see how it all pans out. I'm also not a fan of the infotainment controller setup, which I'll cover below. Overall, however, the DBX's cabin is thoughtfully designed and beautifully executed.
A configurable 12.3-inch digital instrument panel sits behind the steering wheel, though the true focal point in the front is the 10.25-inch display screen in the center stack. As with the engine, the infotainment system is sourced from Daimler AG, but it isn't the MBUX interface that you'll find in the latest Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
As evidenced by the combination wheel/touchpad controller, this is actually Mercedes' previous-generation COMAND system, albeit with an MBUX-like user interface overlaid on top. The system is a little dated and slow, and navigating through the menus requires a lot of concentration. Certain menus — such as audio level adjustment — were difficult to find. It's better than Aston's previous infotainment system, but that's not saying much.
When it comes to advanced driving aids, the DBX comes standard with pretty much everything. Forward collision mitigation, lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise control are all included, with an automated parking system the only notable driving aid on the options list. You won't find any cutting-edge tech like a night vision display or hands-free steering, but the DBX prioritizes driver engagement and involvement over electronic wizardry.
With effortlessly quick acceleration, stupefying handling and a top-notch interior, the DBX earns its Aston Martin badge. Though not without its faults, overall the DBX is one of the most impressive exotic SUVs on the market.
FAQ
Is the Aston Martin DBX a good car?
What's new in the 2021 Aston Martin DBX?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Aston Martin DBX:
- First SUV from Aston Martin
- Standard turbocharged V8
- Seating for five
- Kicks off the first DBX generation for 2021
Is the Aston Martin DBX reliable?
Is the 2021 Aston Martin DBX a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2021 Aston Martin DBX?
The least-expensive 2021 Aston Martin DBX is the 2021 Aston Martin DBX 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $176,900.
Other versions include:
- 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $176,900
What are the different models of Aston Martin DBX?
2021 Aston Martin DBX Overview
The 2021 Aston Martin DBX is offered in the following submodels: DBX SUV. Available styles include 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A). The 2021 Aston Martin DBX comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 9-speed shiftable automatic. The 2021 Aston Martin DBX comes with a 3 yr./ unlimited mi. basic warranty, a 3 yr./ unlimited mi. roadside warranty, and a 3 yr./ unlimited mi. powertrain warranty.
What do people think of the 2021 Aston Martin DBX?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2021 Aston Martin DBX and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2021 DBX 3.7 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2021 DBX.
Pros
- Gutsy 542-hp engine
- Sharp steering and handling
- Plenty of standard interior luxuries
Cons
- Infotainment system can be distracting to use
- Uncomfortable ride on rutted roads
- Operation of advanced driver aids lacks refinement
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2021 Aston Martin DBX and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2021 DBX featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2021 Aston Martin DBX?
2021 Aston Martin DBX 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A)
Which 2021 Aston Martin DBXS are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2021 Aston Martin DBX for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2021 Aston Martin DBX.
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Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
What is the MPG of a 2021 Aston Martin DBX?
2021 Aston Martin DBX 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A), 9-speed shiftable automatic, premium unleaded (recommended)
15 MPG compined MPG,
14 city MPG/18 highway MPG
EPA Est. MPG | 15 |
Transmission | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
Drive Train | all wheel drive |
Displacement | 4.0 L |
Passenger Volume | N/A |
Wheelbase | 120.5 in. |
Length | 198.4 in. |
Width | N/A |
Height | 66.1 in. |
Curb Weight | 4940 lbs. |
Should I lease or buy a 2021 Aston Martin DBX?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Aston Martin lease specials
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