Aston Martin has been teasing the DBX crossover for
quite some time, but now we’re getting our first glimpse of the interior. The cabin could easily be mistaken for something made by Mercedes. This isn’t a coincidence, as the two companies have forged a strategic
partnership and this has paved the way for Aston Martin to use Mercedes-sourced
engines and technologies.
Getting back to the prototype, we can see that the
DBX has been outfitted with a Mercedes-sourced steering wheel which has
conveniently had its airbag and star emblem removed. It sits ahead of a massive
digital instrument cluster, but it remains unclear if that particular display
will indeed make it to the production model.
The center stack houses a hodgepodge of parts,
including a number of Mercedes-sourced components such as the switchgear and
infotainment system. We can also see two square air vents which appear similar
to those used on the new Vantage.
While the prototype certainly has a Mercedes vibe,
Aston Martin fans shouldn’t worry too much. Other models also use
Mercedes-sourced parts and technology, but it’s mostly away hidden out of sight
– and those that are not don’t distract from the cabin’s unique ambience.
The exterior pictures don’t show anything we haven’t
seen before; the upcoming crossover will have traditional Aston Martin styling
cues including a familiar grille and flush-mounted door handles, as well as a
curvaceous bodywork, distinctive tailgate with an integrated spoiler, a sloping
roofline and dual exhausts.
The DBX will be unveiled later this year and it is
expected to be powered by a Mercedes-sourced, and Aston-tuned, twin-turbo
4.0-liter V8 that produces around 503 hp and 685
Nm of torque. It will most likely be coupled to an eight-speed automatic
transmission and a rear-biased all-wheel drive system.
