A new yardstick
There is an old saying: “Absolute power corrupts absolutely.” This does not apply to the new Aston Martin DBX707.
Like the regular DBX, the 707 has a 4.0L twin scroll turbo V8. However, the 707 gets a reworked onboard ECU and those twin turbos are much bigger. As a result, total power output is a gargantuan 520kW, or 707HP, hence the name, and 900Nm of torque.
This is sent to all four wheels via a new 9-speed automatic box.
The 707 sports a new statement of a front grill and radiators which increase cooling by around 80 percent.
Front to rear, you have carbon fibre sills, spoilers, scoops and other additives to help with downforce and to keep the 707 as slippery through the air as possible.
Plus, those optional 23-inch forged alloys housing carbon brakes, in my view, look epic.
That carbon fest continues inside with the floating centre console, seat backs, and inner door panels featuring some degree of carbon fibre.
There is a considerable list of on-board kit, but I do wish the infotainment system was of the touchscreen variety.
Push start and that gargantuan turbo V8 makes itself known but doesn’t shout like other Astons on start-up, though you can tweak this by turning on the new active sports exhaust.
The 707 is amazingly docile if you simply decide to pootle around town. The ride is supple and comfortable, even when in Sport Plus, thanks to Aston Martin’s new adaptive dampers which provide a good mix between comfort and performance.
There is another advantage of being in Sport Plus. A few flicks down on the carbon shift paddle, hit the throttle and that vented bonnet rises as you are pushed into the new 16-way leather clad sports seat.
With that twin-turbo V8 well into its stride, you quickly back off to a cacophony of V8 crackle when it dawns that you are rapidly venturing north of a socially acceptable speed.
I can genuinely believe you should be able to reach 100km/h in a claimed 3.3 seconds and go on to a top whack of 310km/h. Staggering for a car which weighs 2248kg.
Snaking my way past Birdlings Flat towards Little River, the 707 is just as happy to be sauntering around corners as well as having its neck wrung.
Get on the power and it is a sensation. It can eat up corners on full noise while staying nearly completely flat and true.
Its price tag certainly puts it out of reach of mere mortals, and it does like to drink, but the DBX707 is a revelation and very probably the new yardstick for the ever-growing segment that is the “Super SUV.”
Fact file:
BASE Price: $390,000 + ORC and Tax
Engine: 4.0L Twin Scroll Turbocharged V8
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Power: 520kW
Torque: 900Nm
Drivetrain: All Wheel Drive
ZERO to 100 KM/H: 3.3 sec
TOP SPEED: 310 km/h
WEIGHT: 2248kg
