Aston Martin Varekai name expected for DBX SUV

“He and his team responded magnificently. One of the many beauties of Aston compared to a large car company is that we can move quickly. If something is agreed, we can leave the room and start working on it immediately, without the need for multi-layer presentations. It’s invigorating and I think we are starting to unlock the benefits of that now. I hope the Aston of today has a swagger — but never arrogance — that it hasn’t had for some time.”

The DBX concept of Geneva 2015 was a two-door, four-seater powered by electric motors mounted inboard of the wheels and powered by lithium sulphur cells. The car featured other high-tech concept flourishes, such as an Formula 1-style kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) to emphasise that it would be at the cutting edge of powertrain technology when it was launched. However, Reichman and his team also made a point of highlighting more practical elements, such as interior and load space.

Palmer indicated that the final car will carry much of the DNA hinted at by the concept. He said: “There are aspects of the car that have changed dramatically — perhaps none more so than the fact that it is now a four-door — and, on a comparison basis, you will be able to pick out many details that have been modified. But in terms of the pure lines and the fundamental core principles of the car, you’ll recognise them.”

Reichman has suggested the roofline will have to be much higher than that of the concept in order to give the production car an extra layer of practicality.

The DBX will be built on a new bonded and riveted aluminium architecture that is closely related in principle to that used by the Aston Martin DB11. There had been speculation that Aston would lean on part-owner Mercedes-Benz for its chassis technology, but Palmer said Aston preferred to make use of its own expertise, albeit turning to Mercedes for some sub-systems and V8 power, as it will do with all of its next-generation vehicles. The DBX will also be the first Aston to be sold with four-wheel drive, although it’s not clear if every model will have that function.

Power in the range-topper will come from Aston’s 5.2-litre V12, which will be retuned from the 600bhp and 516lb ft unit found in the DB11. There will also be an AMG-sourced 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that makes 503bhp and 498lb ft and — in time — an all-electric powertrain that will be developed as proprietary technology by Aston with input from Williams Advanced Engineering. Palmer has ruled out diesel versions of the DBX.

However, Palmer confirmed that a hybrid version will be developed, but it will not feature plug-in hybrid technology because research suggests luxury car buyers do not consider the experience to be premium enough.

This revelation raises the possibility of Aston using the high-performance powertrain from the Mercedes-AMG GT Concept that was revealed at the Geneva motor show last year. Its hybrid unit combines AMG’s twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 with an electric motor to deliver a combined 800bhp. In the GT Concept, that equates to a 0-62mph time of less than three seconds, although the DBX will be heavier. The battery is charged as the car is being driven through brake energy recuperation as well as with the aid of the petrol engine.

However, Palmer also highlighted the lessons the company had learned while developing the hybrid KERS-style system with Red Bull Advanced Technologies for Aston's Valkyrie hypercar, suggesting the firm could use a modified version of that instead of turning to Mercedes.

In terms of ride and handling goals, Palmer highlighted the characteristics of the Porsche Macan. “It is probably dynamically the best car in the SUV category,” he said.

The interior of the DBX is set to take a new approach, with the design team having to focus more than ever on practicality. “There are certain issues you can’t compromise on that perhaps we haven’t given such credence to in the past — ingress and egress, for starters, and whether it is a car you sit on or sit in,” said Palmer. “DBX is a revolution for Aston in so many ways and that has meant that we have had to adapt our way of thinking in places.

“We have one rule that never changes, which is that we don’t trade off beauty. But if you want the design to reflect its '4x4-ness' and to deliver the sort of utility that customers expect from these cars, then you have find ways to achieve that. A 4x4 needs to be big, it needs to convey safety and security, and yet it also needs to be easy to get in and out of.”

Aston has created focus groups of existing customers to provide input, including the much-vaunted female focus group, which was instigated on Palmer’s suggestion as soon as the concept car was revealed after it emerged that just 3500 of the firm’s lifetime sales of 70,000 cars were to women.