Under the leadership of CEO Andy Palmer, Aston Martin has laid out some ambitious plans to release seven new models within the next seven years. While the prestigious manufacturer is best known for its luxury grand-tourer sports cars like the DB11, Aston Martin wants to cover as many segments as possible, from extreme hypercars like the Valkyrie, to sedans and even SUVs. Back in 2015, Aston Martin surprised everyone with the reveal of the DBX, an all-electric crossover concept nobody asked for.
Just to remind us of its existence, the automaker has released a teaser image of the DBX showing its sleek silhouette. It's the first glimpse we've had of the potential production model since the DBX concept was revealed at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, though the design is likely to have evolved since then. Starting in 2019, the DBX will be built in Aston Martin's new factory in St Athan, a former UK military base which was handed over to CEO Andy Palmer by Secretary of State Sir Michael Fallon of the Ministry of Defense. Aston Martin considered 20 different global sites, including Alabama, for its second manufacturing facility before announcing St Athan as its chosen location last year.
Three super hangars are being redeveloped into a "state-of-the-art manufacturing facility" capable of building 7,000 cars a year. "Due to its sheer size and scale, the St Athan Super Hangars represented an excellent opportunity for us to build our second manufacturing facility, within the envelope of an existing structure," said Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer. "It is perhaps fitting that St Athan is, like our headquarters and sports car factory at Gaydon, a former Royal Air Force base." Featuring an, all-electric powertrain, the all-wheel drive DBX will mark a new direction for the brand in its first foray into the crowded, but lucrative luxury SUV market to rival the likes of the Lamborghini Urus and Bentley Bentayga.
During its surprise reveal at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, Aston Martin described the DBX as family and environmentally "friendly." Conventional powertrain options are also expected to be available. Little else is known at this stage, but the sleek, coupe-style shape of the crossover concept hints at a possible new design language while borrowing elements from the company's DB sports cars. Aston Martin's line-up will continue to expand after the DBX with the release of two new models under the Lagonda sub-brand.