Away from the thronged bars, beaches strewn with sunshades, neon orange drinks and revellers on the comedown that define the holiday lifestyle of Mallorca’s legendary western coast, you’ll find a very different side to the island’s character. Mallorca’s northern coast is shaped by the rocky peaks of the Serra de Tramuntana range, rising as high as 1,436 metres. As a result, the coastline is dramatic and the roads even more so as they twist through valleys and foothills in order to traverse the island.
Happily, we’re tackling this route in the Aston Martin DBX S, the enhanced, refined and all-round amplified new flagship model of Aston’s acclaimed sporting SUV. More than ever before, the numbers confirm that the DBX’s description as the ‘supercar of SUVs’ is entirely appropriate. Inside and out, there are myriad changes that signify the arrival of this ‘S’ variant machine.
For drivers, some of the key upgrades lie under the long, sculpted bonnet, resplendent in the Apex Grey paintwork of our press car. The DBX S is a true showcase for Aston Martin’s 4.0-litre Twin-Turbo V8, a tried and tested powerplant that is also at the heart of the Vantage and DB12. To increase power, Aston Martin has delved into the turbo technology developed for the upcoming Valhalla, resulting in an additional 20PS to take the DBX S’s output to 727PS. As a result, 0–60mph takes just 3.1 seconds, and the higher end of the rev limit sounds and feels even more ferocious and urgent. On the road, this translates to an even more effortless sense of power and thrust, ensuring that overtaking on the twisty Mallorcan roads is swift and safe.
En route to a lunch stop at The Lodge, a compact boutique hotel with a spectacular view across the island’s central plain, the steep valley walls and rocky outcrops echo with the sound of the DBX S’s modified exhaust system. Yes, turning this on is strictly optional, but Mallorca provides plenty of natural amphitheatres in which to luxuriate in the sound of all eight screaming cylinders and the crackle and pop of the exhaust. The tunnels that plunge deep into the Serra de Tramuntana offer another ideal acoustic environment.
Concerned neighbours should note at this point that the DBX S offers two start modes, quiet or loud starts, with the former recommended if you’re making an early getaway. Mallorca’s smooth road surfaces are perfectly paired with the DBX S’s adaptive suspension, keeping the car level and stable through quick shifts in camber and direction. Of course, there’s the inevitable fastdescending Lycra-clad peloton or looming local bus to contend with, but the mighty carbon ceramic brakes provide a reassurance that’s matched by the car’s uncanny balance and poise.
The DBX has an undeniable physical presence, and although occasions where all 727PS can be deployed are rare, one is always able to marvel at the handling and – in the case of this drive – enjoy the view. The DBX was always a remarkably poised SUV, with balance and dynamics that belied the car’s scale. Developed at the tail-end of the last decade and debuting in 2020, the DBX was geared towards driving engagement from the outset, a true Aston Martin grand tourer with pace to match the space. DBX S continues this tradition, following in the footsteps of the ultra-high-performance DBX707 to take the platform one step further.
Gaydon’s engineers have not only tightened up the steering – 4 per cent faster than before – but also reduced the turning circle to 12 metres, helping low-speed manoeuvrability and urban driving. This sharper feel is paired with the suspension enhancements that were introduced to the model last year. DBX’s air springs and electronic dampers work in harmony to keep the car flat and stiff in hard cornering, allowing just 1.5 degrees of roll for a natural feel that doesn’t compromise the feel. Naturally, these spring rates are matched with Aston Martin’s four adaptive drive modes, GT, Sport, Sport+, and the customisable Individual setting (in addition to the Terrain off-road mode). Carbon ceramic brakes (420mm front, 390mm rear) scrub off speed rapidly and without drama in the island’s many hairpins.
DBX S is also defined by a new commitment to weight saving. As a full five-seater high-performance SUV, with luggage capacity to match, this is a substantial machine. Nevertheless, buyers now have the option to specify several high-tech weight-saving measures, which taken together can shave an impressive 47kg off the DBX S’s kerb weight. Most significantly, there’s now the option of a carbon fibre roof, a single three square metre single weave item that is the largest carbon element ever fitted to an Aston Martin. By reducing mass at this high point of the car, DBX S has a much lower centre of gravity and hence even more stability five-seater high-performance SUV, with luggage capacity to match, this is a substantial machine. Nevertheless, buyers now have the option to specify several high-tech weight-saving measures, which taken together can shave an impressive 47kg off the DBX S’s kerb weight. Most significantly, there’s now the option of a carbon fibre roof, a single three square metre single weave item that is the largest carbon element ever fitted to an Aston Martin. By reducing mass at this high point of the car, DBX S has a much lower centre of gravity and hence even more stability.
Other lightweight components showcase Aston Martin’s expertise with new materials, including the first magnesium wheels ever fitted to an SUV. When specified, these optional 23” wheels save another 19kg of unsprung mass against the 23” forged aluminium wheels that come as standard. Another area where material science and manufacturing skill comes to the fore is in the bespoke lightweight polycarbonate honeycomb grille. This creates another beneficial redistribution of mass, further enhancing DBX S’s balance, poise and handling. The four-wheel drive system is variable, as in DBX707, with certain situations ensuring that 100 per cent of the torque goes through the rear wheels. The 9-speed ‘wet clutch’ transmission shifts seamlessly in automatic mode, but the fun comes from the instant down and up-shifts afforded by the steering wheel paddles.
Traffic and towns offer a chance to enjoy the DBX S’s more serene side. Refinement and ride are first class, with a dramatic shift in character afforded by simply twisting the drive selector to ‘GT’. It’s a cabin to luxuriate in, enhanced by revised switchgear, beautifully tactile roller selectors and buttons, and a touchscreen featuring Aston Martin’s pioneering collaboration with Apple, Apple CarPlay Ultra. This synthesis of the tech giant’s acclaimed interface design with Aston Martin’s look and feel works across both the 10.25” Touchscreen central display and 12.3” Driver information display, dovetailing seamlessly with your device. Optional Alcantara and leather trim reflects the ‘S’ enhancements, as do standard fittings like the 800w, 14-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Premium Audio system.
It’s only when we’re at a standstill, in the serene surroundings of the island’s Fontsanta Hotel, near Campos on the southern coast, that the little details that make this ‘S’ variant stand out. The subtle badging, revised front grille and rear detailing and the new side strake and sill details, mark the DBX S as one of a distinguished line of ‘S’ badged Aston Martins. It’s a lineage that began in 2004 with the Aston Martin Vanquish S and can be traced all the way back to the 1953 DB3S, Aston Martin’s first successful post-war racing car.
The Aston Martin DBX S provides an expressway into the glorious heart of Mallorca, a machine that adeptly and addictively balances the worlds of blazing performance and refined grand touring. That ‘S’ appellation could stand for so many things other than the obvious ‘sport’ – instead, think of it as a symbol of the endless possibilities that only a true supercar SUV can offer.
