2026 Aston Martin DBX S Sheds Weight, Packs 717 Horsepower
A year after eliminating the 542-horsepower entry-level DBX in favour of the 697-horsepower DBX 707, Aston Martin is back at it again with the 2026 DBX S, an even more powerful version of its exotic SUV.
Unsurprisingly, the twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 is back in action. However, it benefits from turbo technology transferred directly from the upcoming Valhalla supercar such as larger compressor wheel diameters and other internal improvements, increasing output to 717 horsepower. Peak torque stays put at 664 lb-ft.
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Of course, this isn't enough to trump the new Lamborghini Urus SE (789 horsepower) or the Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid (730 horsepower). Heck, it’s not even enough to improve the 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 3.3 seconds. Top speed is also unchanged at 310 km/h. However, on a race track or a highway with no speed limit, the 0-200 km/h sprint is now 0.3 seconds shorter.
While the all-wheel drive system is shared with the DBX 707, capable of distributing torque front-to-rear anywhere from 50-50 up to 0-100, the nine-speed automatic transmission delivers faster shifts in Sport and Sport+ modes. It also holds gears a little longer to match the new model’s more aggressive personality, Aston Martin points out. The exhaust system has been reworked for that same purpose, too.
Another point of emphasis for the engineers was weight reduction, although you have to tick a few options to take advantage of this. The carbon fibre roof, in particular, becomes the largest carbon fibre body panel ever installed on an Aston Martin vehicle. It does, however, require the elimination of the side roof rails and glass roof. Add 23-inch magnesium wheels and a lightweight polycarbonate grille, and you get a DBX that's 47 kg (104 lbs) lighter.
The air suspension, which was recalibrated last year, has been left untouched, but steering adopts a new ratio that makes it 4 percent faster, not only improving handling but also reducing the turning circle by almost half a metre (to 12 m).
If you’re looking for more differences between the DBX 707 and DBX S, the latter boasts a redesigned front splitter, side sills, rear bumper and diffuser. The quad exhausts are now vertically stacked and available in both gloss and matte finishes, while the new lower accents can be specified in three 3 colours including Rosso Corsa Red, Trophy Silver and Podium Green.
Trimmed as standard in lightweight Alcantara (semi-aniline leather is also available), the interior displays a bespoke ‘S’ theme, the most notable feature being the distinctive herringbone design which comes as standard on the seats but is also extended to the headliner if the optional carbon roof is selected. Red seatbelts are another option creating a sportier feel inside.
The new 2026 Aston Martin DBX S is available to order now, with deliveries expected toward the end of this year. The price will be significantly higher than that of the DBX 707, which starts at $300,100 in Canada.
