And since the movie contained the armed-up, vintage Aston Martin DB5 from the original Goldfinger film along with Aston Martin’s DBS Superleggera and Valhalla sports cars, I’d suggest that all three, plus the Land Rover could be replaced with our DBX707. This nearly 700HP utility can launch to 60 MPH in just 3.2-seconds, the same alacrity as the 12-cylinder DBS model although not as crazy quick as the $1,000,000 Valhalla’s 2.5-seconds. And although it won’t top the rivals 211 and 217MPH top speeds, the DBX’s 193MPH is fast enough for the average Bond chase scene. Moreover, the sports cars can’t accommodate four people, or go off road, or tow 5,940-pounds if that’s what the movie script called for.

​

I’m pretty sure that few owners, if any, will press Aston Martin’s new sports utility into off-road or towing duty, despite the claimed capability. But it’s fair game for a Hollywood screen writer to script. Meantime, I found that our DBX was willing to deliver all the excitement and performance we expect from this legendary brand while sharing the fun with family and friends. For instance, I found myself at a stoplight in the left lane of a three-lane road with a right turn required just a few blocks ahead. No need for launch control, just half-throttle delivered 350 horses to make quick work of the merge.

​

While a sprint from a stoplight has merit, we know that many of today’s electric vehicles are quick and a reasonable assumption is that a nearly 5,000-pound SUV is unlikely to be athletic on twisty roads. But Aston Martin’s chassis team was up to the challenge and incorporated new damper valving and recalibrated the dynamic spring volume switching to improve body control and steering response. Chief Engineer Drummond Jacoby added “With DBX707 our objective was to match immense performance with impeccable control and precision, combined with an authentic sporting character essential in every Aston Martin model.” My experience confirmed the design efforts - the DBX707 feels remarkably light and athletic.

​

Since the price of admission for our Aston Martin was a princely $352,800, one should expect more than just grin-inducing performance. The DBX delivered, beginning with curb appeal that brought thumbs-up signaling in neighborhoods where exotic cars are not uncommon. The design team did a masterful job of capturing Aston Martin’s style while visually reducing the scale of this 198-inch long, 66-inch tall SUV. The 120.5-inch wheelbase helped the effort with short overhangs and artful sculpturing creates a true coupe silhouette.

​

Inside, the hand finishing is in the ultra-luxury category with embroidered Aston Martin wings on semi-aniline leather, black chrome switchgear with piano black and carbon fiber accompaniment. Our option list included a $12,300 Bowers & Wilkins audio system in case the wonderful exhaust melodies aren’t quite enough entertainment. The engine intake and exhaust pipe melodies were enough for me. And the infotainment worked just fine until it seemed reluctant to reconnect with my iPhone. Since I needed navigation, I switched from CarPlay to Aston Martin’s system and was rewarded with a very British lady delivering motoring directions. It was so proper that I stayed with the mum.

​

Unlike some of its rivals, Aston Martin did not have an SUV platform to build on so they constructed a new facility in St Athan, Wales for the DBX. That’s the kind of commitment that produces a vehicle as unique as our DBX707 and helps keep it reasonably exclusive. Rivals include the Lamborghini Urus, Maserati Levante Trofeo and Ferrari’s Purosangue. All will make a fine appearance at the next Cars & Coffee gathering.