Aston Martin's CEO may be living on borrowed time, but such rumors can't get in the way of progress. The Aston Martin DBX, although not a traditional Aston sports car, is certainly a sign of financial progress for the company. Without the luxury SUV, the company may not even have made it to 2022, and now Aston Martin is looking to build on its success with this, its all-new DBX707.

Originally rumored to be named the DBX S, this high-performance SUV has been teased as the world's most powerful luxury SUV. But before you scroll to the bottom of this article to type your comment about how that's a false claim, bear in mind that Aston Martin is being very specific; this is about luxury just as much as it is about power.

It's an Aston, so its luxury credentials are never in question, but what kind of power are we talking about here? Well, Aston Martin says that it has developed a "unique" 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that has increased output to 697 horsepower (707 PS) and 663 lb-ft of torque. Of course, reining in that power would be quite a challenge without some assistance, so the British marque has fitted a new nine-speed wet-clutch gearbox and 16.5-inch carbon-ceramic brakes up front with 15.4-inch rotors at the rear, both with six-piston calipers. These save 89 pounds in unsprung weight.

As a result, the automaker is promising a "unique combination of blistering performance, supreme dynamics, unmistakable style, and absolute luxury." Aston wants this to be seen as "the ultimate SUV in every respect."

Aston says that it always wanted this to be the fastest, most powerful, and best-handling SUV around. To get there, the engine now boasts ball-bearing turbochargers and bespoke engine calibration while that new transmission helps handle the additional 155 hp and 147 lb-ft gained over the regular V8 DBX.

This new gearbox also offers faster gear changes compared to the torque converter and "the feel of the shift is more immediate and direct." While the DBX can manage 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds, this new one slashes the time to just 3.1 seconds. Not bad for a machine of this size, especially one without electric assistance.

The increase in torque also required a new electronic limited-slip rear differential. It's stronger and has a shorter final drive ratio of 3.27 compared to 3.07 in the regular DBX. As before, 100% of the torque can be sent to the rear axle, while the air suspension system has been revised with new damper valving and recalibration of dynamic spring volume switching. This improves body control and steering response. Speaking of, the electronic power steering has been readjusted for improved feel too. Dynamic drive modes have been looked at as well, so this is certainly far more than just an ECU tune and some cool wheels.

As standard, those wheels are 22-inch units in a choice of Sport and Ribbon designs, while optional 23-inch wheels can be had at an added cost, either in textured black or satin black with diamond-turned highlights. Aston says that the bigger wheel is the one you want as this larger diameter tire improves steering response, primary body control, and even lap times. Other aesthetic changes include a larger front grille, a new design for the daytime running lights with new intakes and brake cooling ducts, and a new front splitter profile. The satin chrome grille is double vaned with six horizontal bars to make it clear to everyone that you're in the range-topping DBX.

From the profile, you'll see dark satin chrome window trim, new louvered hood blades, and gloss black side sills with a "deeper and more heavily sculpted profile." At the rear, a new lip spoiler has been added atop the roof wing for reduced lift and increased stability at high speed. At the same time, the twin rear diffuser has been enlarged to accommodate larger quad exhaust finishers. The exhaust has been retuned for a unique sound too, while quarter panel vents in the rear bumper will leave a lasting impression on those you put in your rearview mirror. No distinctive badges necessary - that sexy rear end has enough of an effect.

Open the soft-close doors (a new upgrade for the DBX) and you'll find Sport Plus seats as standard with Comfort seats available as a no-cost option. Either way, buyers get 16-way electric adjustments and heating in both rows. Three interior themes are available to choose from, starting with standard-fit Accelerate, a mix of Alcantara and leather. Inspire Comfort and Inspire Sport are optional, with the latter boasting semi-aniline leather with embroidered Aston Martin wings on the headrests and a contrast stripe down the center of each perforated leather seat.

All the switchgear is finished in dark chrome, but bright chrome or carbon fiber effects are optional. Carbon fiber or bronze metal mesh designs for the veneers are also optional, with Piano Black your standard trim finish. Of course, Q by Aston Martin can take things beyond your wildest fantasies if you have enough bank.

As for pricing, this beauty starts at $232,000 in the US, excluding destination and delivery. Production will begin this quarter, with the first deliveries scheduled for early in the second. That's a lot of money, but is it worth it?

Well, the Aston Martin DBX707 is clearly the most powerful luxury SUV around, comfortably beating the 670-hp Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid and the 631-hp Cayenne Turbo GT. What about the Hellcat Durango, you may ask? Sorry, but that doesn't quite qualify for the level of luxury that we're talking about here, despite its Nappa leather.

As for Aston's claim of building the fastest SUV in the world, the Audi RS Q8, Bentley Bentayga Speed, and Lamborghini Urus all top out at 190 mph, while the DBX707 manages 193 mph. Coincidentally, the Urus shares the DBX 707's 3.1-second 0-60 mph time, so they're tied at the top of that leaderboard.

The last claim is that Aston has made the best-handling SUV in the world. We await a Nurburgring lap time and a first drive to confirm.