2023 Aston Martin DBX Performance

The DBX soldiers forth with AMG's 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, and we're ecstatic about that. Mercedes-AMG is currently dealing with supply-chain issues with this engine, but it hasn't impacted the DBX. As we've said before, the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 will go down in history as one of the finest ICE engines ever made. It's turbocharged, but it loves to be revved, provides a glorious soundtrack, and feels naturally aspirated. It's a win in every possible way.

In the DBX, the AMG engine delivers 542 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Those specs are less than some rivaling SUVs, but plenty for a good time. A nine-speed automatic transmission sends all that power to a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system. Aston claims it will do 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds and will only stop accelerating once it hits a top speed of 181 mph. Not bad, but not class-leading either. The Aston is more about driving enjoyment than raw performance numbers. While the DBX doesn't hurl itself at the horizon as fiercely as the BMW X5 M, it delivers a more rewarding driving experience. If it matters to you, the DBX can manage a towing capacity of up to 5,940 lbs. While this adds to the practicality, it's worth pointing out that the Porsche Cayenne can tow as much as 7,700 lbs.

The DBX uses a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, designed and built by Mercedes-AMG, but "inspected" by Aston Martin in the UK. There is a straight-six mild-hybrid model, but it won't be coming to the USA. There are also rumors of an upcoming V12, but for now, this is it. AMG's V8 has a broad range of talents, though, so you'll rarely be thinking about another engine when driving the DBX V8. It works well in any situation that requires low-down torque, but it's also rev-happy when you want to go fast. The peak 542 horsepower only arrives at 6,500 rpm, but the 516 lb-ft is available from 2,000 rpm to 5,000 rpm, making the DBX eager to accelerate without hesitation.

A nine-speed automatic transmission is standard, and it works well under normal conditions. Shifts are imperceptible, and we'd even call them smoother than many Mercedes cars with the same transmission. If we had one complaint, the DBX doesn't change gears as quickly as a BMW X5 M or Porsche Cayenne Turbo. That's a shame, because the DBX's metal column-mounted paddle shifters are extremely satisfying to use.

A twin-turbo V8 powering 5,000 lbs of SUV was never going to be frugal. According to the EPA, you can expect 14/18/15 city/highway/combined mpg. At least the DBX isn't outrageously thirsty within its segment, as the Porsche Cayenne Turbo is only capable of 14/19/16 mpg. Aston Martin also had the good sense to give the DBX a large 22.5-gallon tank, though we think there is still room for improvement in this department. The 338-mile range is just short of convenient.