Jetgala - MAR-MAY 2023

70 W delivered yet.The slew of executive resignations and replacements that followed didn’t help matters either. The one shining success for the 110-year-old British company has been the DBX, which started its initial production in 2020. It successfully delivered over 3,000 DBXs in 2021, with 2022 seeing even better sales. It’s safe to say that the DBX has been a lifesaver for Aston Martin. The DBX 707’s Base Price is a jaw- dropping S$999,000 (before COE and options) and is a much-improved version of the original car.The 707 boasts more horsepower (nearly 700), updated styling with quicker shifting and acceleration. The 707 has to be one of the best-looking SUVs on the road today. It has styling that breaks away from the traditional SUV boxy set up. A real head-turner, it’s easy to see why this stunning vehicle has helped change Aston Martin’s fortunes for the better. On the outside, the new 707 has had its air intakes redone with horizontal lighting, fresh carbon fibre on the front lip, new rocker panels and air deflectors over the wheels. It also has a larger rear diffuser and spoiler, and (optional) carbon fibre mirror caps that match the hood vents and roof rails.The car comes stocked with 22-inch alloy wheels, which help make the 707’s stance to seem that much more aggressive. Even though this car is an SUV, it still rips up the road.The acceleration is phenomenal.The twin-turboV8 engine is sourced from Mercedes-AMG. It has 155hp more than the standard DBX and significantly more horses than engines found in the Lamborghini, Porsche or Mercedes SUVs. The car has stunning good looks outside and inside. One thing we didn’t like were the four selector buttons on the dash for park, reverse, neutral, and drive that looked out of place. Like most cars today, the 707 has an LCD screen.The 10- inch panel comes with a navigation system, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity. Unfortunately, it is not a touchscreen but one that relies on buttons, knobs and an old- fashioned looking rotary controller to work your way through the systems, features, and options. Still, aside from the dodgy controller, there is plenty that is right about the interior and the carbon-fibre accents set amidst acres of leather look truly amazing. The one thing that really sets the DBX 707 off from the competition is its magnificent glass panoramic sunroof. Under the sunroof, the cabin is spacious and well laid out.The firm, supportive sport seats have a stitching pattern unique to the 707 and have contrasting-color shoulder cushions.The car comes with all the luxury bells and whistles you’d expect fromAston Martin, like fully adjustable electric seats, 360-degree cameras, rain- sensing wipers, dual-zone climate control, and the usual list of automotive luxuries. The 310-km/h top speed zooms ahead of the Urus and Cayenne Turbo GT.The car catapults from zero to 100km/h in a blazing 3.3-seconds. That’s nearly as fast as some of today’s new high torque EVs.The DBX 707 has a nine-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifting, which we never tried.We always wonder why carmakers offer paddle shifts with an automatic, computer-controlled transmission. Shifting is more of a chore than fun and when you can let the car do it for you, so much the better.You can select Sport and Sport+ modes; the default is set in the GT mode.The car has a grace and drive that is very surprising. It has a good balance and wonderful stability on the road, something not normally found on SUVs. Take this car out for a test drive—it will amaze you with its presence and drivability.And in hurling the beast down the highway, you’ll experience for yourself why this beautiful, elegant, and powerful SUV helped keep Aston Martin in business. If you do plan on purchasing one, the order will take three to six months to fulfill.Why so long? Simple: Every Aston Martin is built by hand.