'Sports Car DNA'... Aston Martin's First SUV DBX, First Unveiling in Korea (Comprehensive)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] British supercar brand Aston Martin has unveiled its first sports utility vehicle (SUV), the ‘DBX’, for the first time in Korea. Aston Martin emphasized the DBX’s 'sports car DNA' while also incorporating versatile features that enhance customer satisfaction in everyday life. Earlier this year, Genesis launched the GV80, and European premium brands have been consecutively introducing new models, making the luxury SUV market competition even fiercer.

Lee Tae-heung, CEO of Aston Martin Seoul, the official importer of Aston Martin, said at a media unveiling held on the 5th at Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul, "The DBX is a strategic model that will lead Aston Martin’s future by combining the dignity of a luxury SUV with the dynamism of a sports car, and we expect it to become a new turning point in the domestic luxury SUV competition." He added, "The DBX unveiling will serve as a starting line for Aston Martin to launch aggressive marketing and services across the brand in Korea."

The DBX is Aston Martin’s first SUV and was planned as a core element of the future strategy program named the 'Second Century Plan.' Development began with a virtual model in 2015 and was born through extensive ergonomic and demographic research.

In particular, the sports car DNA was implanted in various ways befitting the reputation of the Aston Martin brand. The body applies the adhesive aluminum technology, which Aston Martin leads in development, in the same way as sports cars. Through a sturdy yet lightweight body, the DBX’s fastback design is realized, featuring a sleek silhouette that visually completes the weight distribution of a sports car.

It also features a long wheelbase of 3060mm suitable for an SUV and a seat position befitting the sports car DNA. To determine the seat position, extensive ergonomic, statistical, and advisory group research was conducted over six months, showing the meticulous effort invested.

The DBX is equipped with the latest upgraded version of the 4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine applied in the Vantage and DB11. It delivers powerful performance with a maximum output of 550 horsepower and a maximum torque of 700Nm, reaching a top speed of 291 km/h.

The DBX is a 5-seater daily SUV highly suitable for various lifestyles. CEO Lee explained, "As Aston Martin’s first SUV, versatile functionality was necessary, so we focused on making it a comfortable vehicle to drive," adding, "We plan to develop into a popular and family-oriented brand going forward."

In fact, the DBX offers best-in-class interior and cargo space with 632 liters of storage and a 40:20:40 split-folding rear seat. It maximizes practicality by accommodating various luggage such as travel bags, golf bags, and ski equipment. The air suspension can raise the ground clearance by up to 45mm or lower it by up to 50mm, allowing adjustments for on- and off-road conditions, boarding and unloading, and cargo loading in various environments.

Aston Martin plans to strengthen its service sector in line with the DBX’s domestic launch. It has already enhanced domestic service training and announced plans to expand services.

The domestic selling price of the DBX is 248 million KRW including VAT, and all units are produced at the DBX-dedicated facility of Aston Martin’s second plant in St Athan, Wales, UK. Customer delivery is scheduled for June and will proceed in line with the global schedule.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.