The Aston Martin DBX roars onto Indian roads, a luxurious SUV with a legendary racing pedigree. But can this high-performance beast navigate the realities of Indian driving and justify its astronomical price tag? Buckle up as we explore its features, performance, and cost to see if the DBX deserves a place in your (very spacious) garage.

Fuel Efficiency & Reality:

• Forget fuel efficiency concerns if you’re considering the DBX. This beast boasts a powerful 4.0L twin-turbo V8 engine, offering a claimed fuel efficiency of 11.4 kmpl (ARAI combined). Real-world figures settle around 7-8 kmpl in city driving, with highways offering a slight improvement to 9-10 kmpl. Owning a DBX is about power and performance, not fuel frugality.

Safety First:

• Rest assured, safety isn’t compromised in the pursuit of speed. The DBX comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, traction control, stability control, and a 360-degree surround-view camera. Advanced driver-assistance systems like lane departure warning and blind-spot monitoring are also available as options.

Price & Trims:

• Prepare to break the bank. The DBX starts at a staggering ₹3.82 crore (ex-showroom) and can easily reach beyond ₹4.63 crore with optional features and customizations. It comes in two variants: the base DBX and the even more powerful DBX 707. While customization options exist, they come at a premium price.

Space & Comfort:

• The DBX offers a luxurious and spacious cabin, comfortably seating five adults. The leather-upholstered seats are heated and ventilated, and ample legroom and headroom ensure a comfortable journey even for tall passengers. Cargo space is decent at 632 liters, making it suitable for weekend getaways or carrying luggage for all passengers.

Tech & Infotainment System:

• A 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system takes center stage, offering navigation, audio control, smartphone connectivity, and a premium sound system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. The system is user-friendly with clear menus and intuitive controls, befitting its luxurious surroundings.

Performance & Handling:

• This is where the DBX truly shines. The powerful V8 engine delivers a thrilling 697hp (707hp in the DBX 707) and 900Nm torque, propelling the car from 0-100 kmph in a breathtaking 4.5 seconds (3.1 seconds for the DBX 707). Its advanced suspension and all-wheel drive system ensure excellent handling on both tarmac and light off-road trails. However, its large size and hefty weight might make it cumbersome in tight city maneuvers.

Reliability & Maintenance Costs:

• While Aston Martin enjoys a reputation for handcrafted luxury, data on long-term reliability in India might be limited. Owning a car with such high-performance parts and limited service centers will undoubtedly translate to high maintenance costs.

Warranty & Parts:

• Standard warranty is 3 years/unlimited km, with extended warranty options available. Parts availability might be limited outside major cities due to the exclusive nature of the brand.

Competition:

• The DBX faces competition from established luxury SUVs like the Bentley Bentayga, Lamborghini Urus, and Rolls-Royce Cullinan. The choice ultimately boils down to personal preferences, brand legacy, and the specific features and performance each car offers.

Acceleration Figures & Top Speed:

• As mentioned earlier, the DBX sprints from 0-100 kmph in 4.5 seconds, with the DBX 707 achieving the feat in a mind-blowing 3.1 seconds. Both variants have an electronically limited top speed of 291 kmph, but exceeding safe driving limits is never recommended.

Pros:

• Breathtaking performance and exhilarating driving experience
• Luxurious and spacious interior with premium materials
• Advanced safety features and driver-assistance systems
• Distinctive design and exclusivity associated with the Aston Martin brand

Cons:

• Exorbitant starting price and high maintenance costs
• Limited fuel efficiency and impractical for everyday driving
• Limited service network and potential for parts availability issues
• Large size and weight might hinder city maneuverability

Conclusion:

The Aston Martin DBX is a statement piece, a symbol of automotive opulence and unparalleled performance. Owning it goes beyond mere transportation; it’s an experience reserved for a select few. However, the exorbitant price tag, high running costs, and impracticality for everyday use make it a niche proposition. If you prioritize absolute performance, luxury

and exclusivity, and budget is no constraint, the DBX might be your automotive dream come true. But for those seeking a balance between luxury, practicality, and value, exploring alternatives within the high-performance SUV segment might be more prudent.

Ultimately, the decision to embark on this exhilarating journey rests on your individual priorities, budget, and definition of automotive passion. Remember, owning an Aston Martin DBX is not just about driving a car; it’s about embracing the thrill of unleashing the beast within, both on the road and in your own spirit.