Scrutinising the new Aston Martin DBX under its silk cover, I try to discern details of the imposing shape sitting next to the cutaway of a low and sleek 602bhp Rapide E.
The backdrop is a glass curtain wall at Aston’s new St Athan factory where pilot production of DBX kicks off in spring next year.
UPDATE: The Aston Martin DBX has been revealed - full story here
As the silk is drawn off by two Aston PR staffers my first impression is of an SUV with a very curvaceous body – seemingly every panel has a sinuous curve — while the proportion is long and relatively low for a car with a raised driving position.
Similarly the bonnet, which leaves the clear impression of room for an Aston V8 or V12.
There is also a steeply-raked rear hatch with a relatively narrow rear glass and topped by a hefty spoiler.
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No. The Aston badge and
No. The Aston badge and grille should not be on an SUV. Yes, I'm a purist. Yes, I understand the business case. But here's the thing: Aston had the PERFECT opportunity to leave the Aston Martin name unsullied by an SUV, while still getting into the SUV business -- LAGONDA. They're bringing that name back anyway, and Lagonda can carry an SUV far more appropriately than Aston can. Lagonda would be sedans and SUVs, Aston Martin would remain sports cars, GTs and supercars. This thing could've, and should've, played an intrumental role in the revival of Lagonda. Instead, it's a stain on Aston Martin.
They had a change of heart
They had a change of heart and decided Lagonda should be an all electric brand. From a business point of view this is understandable. Doesn’t change the fact that all these SUVs are pretty stupid things. I agree that the concept of an Aston Martin as a high rise hatchback is pretty hard to take.