Aston Martin’s new DBX SUV breaks cover in Wales

A camouflaged prototype of Aston Martin’s much-anticipated new SUV, the DBX, has tackled a stage of the gruelling Welsh Rally as part of its testing programme.

The location is a nod to Aston Martin’s new St Athan production facility in the Vale of Glamorgan.

This first prototype drive in Wales signifies the start of a series of punishing tests in which the SUV will tackle some of the world’s harshest environments, from the frozen Arctic and scorching deserts of the Middle East to high Alpine passes, plus the high-speed demands of the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

“Seeing a DBX development prototype in action is a momentous chapter in the story of our first SUV, for it is the moment it really comes alive,” said Aston Martin Lagonda President and Group Chief Executive Officer, Andy Palmer.

“DBX is so much more than ‘just’ an SUV; it will be the first model built at our brand-new facility in St Athan. As such, it is very much the start of a bold new era in the company’s long history.”

Aston Martin Chief Engineer, Matt Becker, added: “It’s always a big day when you get to put the first actual miles on an early prototype and I’m delighted with the near perfect correlation between the simulator and this prototype.

“As an engineer, it’s genuinely exciting to get a feel for the car you’re working to create.

“DBX is a very different kind of Aston Martin, but we will be testing it in all conditions and across all terrains to ensure it delivers a driving experience worthy of the wings badge.”

DBX is scheduled to be unveiled in the last quarter of 2019.