Times, they are a changin’ – Aston Martin, makers of lusty, V12 powered (and the occasional V8), mega-fast, land yachts, is one more conservative manufacturer who’s shedding their old-school temperament. The ongoing 85th Geneva International Motor Show saw Aston Martin envision the nature of luxury GT travel in the 21st Century the DBX Concept, the first ever all-electric, all-wheel drive, Aston Martin in history. So much for Bond’s automotive dramatization.
Unveiling the concept, Aston Martin CEO Dr Andy Palmer said: “The DBX Concept is a challenge to the existing status quo in the high luxury GT segment. It envisages a world, perhaps a world not too far away, when luxury GT travel is not only stylish and luxurious but also more practical, more family-friendly and more environmentally responsible.
“I asked my team at Aston Martin to expand their thinking beyond conventions, to explore what the future of luxury GT motoring would look like in years ahead, and the DBX Concept you see before you is the result.”
Dr Palmer added: “This is, clearly, not a production-ready sports GT car, but it is a piece of fresh, bold thinking about what Aston Martin GT customers around the world could request of us in the future.
“The DBX Concept is more than a thought starter for us and for our customers, though. We will, in due course, be entering a car into the new DBX space and I am very much looking forward to seeing how this concept is received not only here today, but also by our legion of existing loyal customers and by those potential customers around the world who have, to this point, yet to consider one of our cars.”
The Aston Martin DBX
The DBX was conceived by Aston Martin’s Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman and his team at the brand’s global headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire. The idea revolves around the capability of accommodating four adults in comfort, and yet offering day-to-day practicality. According to Aston, it offers generous luggage capacity by virtue of the fact that its rear trunk and forward load bay can both accept passengers’ belongings. Draped in an unique shade of Black Pearl Chromium, which has been specially created to mimic the look of a genuine black pearl, the DBX rides higher than usual, giving an indication that Aston Martin, in all probability, is also fetching interest in building a “high bodied car” – Rolls-Royce speak for luxury SUV/Crossover.
Inside, the deliberate use of non-automotive standard materials generates a unique ambiance. The extensive application of velvet-like Nubuck leather contrasts with the concept’s hard, hi-tech equipment. The exposed leather reveals a sandwiched accent layer, more akin to high-end furniture, while the car’s interior bright ware matches that of the exterior with the addition of a gold ‘pin striping’ element on the edging.
All-electric
The DBX Concept is powered by electric, inboard-of-wheel, motors powered by lithium sulphur cells. Drive-by-wire electric steering, toughened glass with an auto-dimming ‘smart glass’ inter-layer, and bespoke driver and passenger head-up displays are further examples of its new age, un-Aston like technology.
Active LED exterior lights, carbon ceramic brakes with a kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) and rear view cameras in place of conventional mirrors also find their way to this luxury GT concept.
Dr Palmer explained: “A concept car such as this should, in my view, challenge conventional thinking and explore the art of the possible. In the DBX Concept, I believe we have created a new type of luxury car that can not only broaden the appeal of Aston Martin to a whole new generation of customers, but sit with pride alongside the rest of our range.”
