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Since its release in 2021 the Aston Martin DBX has been around to prove that the British automaker still knows how to shake things up.

Aston Martin, a brand synonymous with luxurious sports cars and handsome design, continues its foray into the crossover SUV category with the 2023 Aston Martin DBX. This time, they're offering up a few new features and a striking new high performance trim level they've dubbed the DBX 707.

It doesn't really matter if you love it, or you hate it, we're in the era of high performance crossover SUVs, and it doesn't seem like the trend is going away any time soon. The fine folks at Aston Martin are also keenly aware of this phenomenon. Just a few years ago, they released their own contender in the segment, the Aston Martin DBX. If the iconic James Bond car brand getting into crossovers hasn't convinced you that they're a real category, maybe you'll pay attention now that Ferrari has their own SUV on the horizon?

Back to the Aston. The new 2023 DBX is a refresh of the outgoing 2022 model. It remains largely unchanged from last year's car. Most notably, the new DBX has a more powerful sibling to share the spotlight with, the DBX 707. Beyond the changes that are specific to the 707 that we'll go over later, the DBX lineup gains a few new customization options and color options.

Related:10 Reasons Why You Should Buy The Aston Martin DBX707

The Aston Martin DBX comes equipped with a 4.0 liter twin-turbocharged V8 in standard form. It makes 542 hp and 516 lb-ft. of torque which is then routed through its Mercedes sourced 9-speed automatic transmission. These numbers are nothing to scoff at. Although, some have criticized that the DBX doesn't quite have the performance to keep up with some of its competition. The Cayenne Turbo GT, for example, starts at a similar base price and has a whopping 631 hp.

If you're comparing the two, the standard DBX needs 3.9 seconds to reach 60 mph, while the Cayenne Turbo GT takes just 3.1 seconds to reach the same speed. Comparing these cars is not an apples to apples comparison though. The Cayenne Turbo GT, even with a base price in line with the DBX, is the highest performing trim of the Cayenne lineup. Something that should compete with the high performance DBX, the 707.

Related:Why We Would Buy The 2022 BMW X6 M Over The More Powerful Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT

It seems only fair to dedicate a few paragraphs specifically to the DBX 707. There's quote a bit of change from the standard DBX, even if they're very similar looking from the exterior. The two largest changes are in the power and drivetrain department. Aston Martin bumps power up on the 707 to a much more impressive number, 697 hp to be specific. They get the job done with help from Ralph Illenberger, Aston Martins Head of Powertrain Engineering. As well as a new pair of ball bearing turbos designed to cram maximum boost into the 4.0 liter V8.

No surprise there, more boost + engine tuning = more power. They could have left it there, maybe still add in the standard carbon ceramic brakes as an upgrade from the standard DBX. Instead, Aston decided that the 707 should get more power than the standard DBX, 420mm carbon ceramic brakes, AND a completely different transmission. That's right, the torque converter equipped 9-speed is out on the DBX 707 and in its place is an upgrade that's arguably more dramatic than the additional power. They've swapped in another Mercedes based transmission, this time swiping the highly efficient wet-clutch 9-speed transmission from the AMG division. It promises faster, more precise shifts, a double clutching feature, and superior launch capability. All off this means the DBX 707 can do 0-62 in just 3.3 seconds.

Related:10 Things We Now Know About The Aston Martin V12 Speedster

The interior of the 2023 Aston Martin DBX is a stunning place to be, just as you would expect with an Aston. The real magic of the interior starts to come alive when you take a look at the vehicle configurator tool on Aston Martins website. Once you get past the staggering amount of exterior color options available, you're met with the next choice. Three different "Interior Environment" options give you a start on customizing the interior of your new Aston. There's Accelerate, the sporty choice. Inspire Comfort is the more refined, luxury option. And if those options don't do anything for you, there is always "Create", an option that dwindles the color options down to only 10.

Beyond the massive list of interior customizations available on both the standard DBX and the DBX 707, the interior is also home to an aging 10.2" infotainment system. No touch screen here, readers. Instead, you're banished to the scroll wheel in the center console to make your choices. At least it's a beautiful scroll wheel, you'd expect nothing less in an interior like this.

Pricing on the standard DBX starts at $188,986, while the hot shot DBX 707 model will set you back $239,086. Not small money by any means. But, it seems that when compared to a Lamborghini Urus, the DBX 707 with its almost 700 hp, starts to make a lot of sense. Of course, styling comparisons between the Lambo and Aston are likely to cause a stir in most groups. Presumably on both sides, it's a love it or hate it kind of affair. Aston styling being handsome and subdued, painfully British. While the Lamborghini is, well, outrageous. Outrageously Italian. The real kicker though? They've both got German hearts.

Both the DBX and DBX 707 are available now. The first 707's started rolling off the line as planned in Q2 of 2022.

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An avid car enthusiast, Sean has spent most of his life wrapped up in the automotive world. When he’s not spreading his passionate opinion about all things cars, you can find him in the outdoors, tinkering on one of his trusty 90’s cars, or simply enjoying some quality time with friends and family.