This was the BEST car review that I have seen in my years of watching video reviews. He was honest about the features that were NOT available like USB ports in the console except in the compartment, and the lack of a massage option for the seats. Little things like the odd lane assist feature (vibration instead of auto correction) has never been mentioned by the other reviewers. These little details are extremely important to buyers of high end vehicles who will be driving themselves, not just being chauffeured around.
Thanks! Yeah, most car reviews are just schills because they want to the car manufacturers to keep loaning them cars to review. I like to think I have integrity.
@Aced yeah, I agree with you depending on the color and options choices. The stripped down model with the basic white does look rather Ford-like. Ours with all the bling does not.
One of the best car reviews I have ever seen. A law should be enacted that bans car reviews from anyone who has not invested their shirt in the vehicle and then lived with it for half a year.
@@almac9203 I wouldn't be caught dead in that abomination. It's just an Audi with a bunch of plastic added on to make it look cool. Honestly, I think the Audi it's based on actually looks better - and classier.
Dear Brian, you amazed me with your Fisker Karma video in 2012, and now you've astounded me with the Aston Martin DBX in 2021. Your presentation is exceptional and your ability to explain features and trim options is both detailed and easy to understand. Let me take this opportunity to thank you for introducing the online community to vehicles many of us will never experience personally. You are very generous with your time, your knowledge and your personal vehicles.
Thanks for the great review Brian, very in depth. I just took delivery of mine last Thursday, and so far so good. I agree with the bulk of the review so far, I certainly have to put some more time in though and revisit this. I would disagree on the tech somewhat. The lack of HUD is the biggest knock for me, that was truly surprising. However, I love the wheel selector. I have been driving an pair of X5Ms the past decade and it just works so easily. I honestly would not have even considered the car if it had a touchscreen as I hate them that much. Having to reach out is a no go, the wheel operates from the armrest position. The lack of USB up front is a bit puzzling. I happen to run off the rear USB myself and come up beside the seat as I think it's cleaner, but can see how this irritates people. Of course wireless charger would solve it all! The lane keep seems to be the same as BMW as well. I don't use it, but seems like it could be better for those that do. I have not seen any of the brake behavior fwiw. The soft close door thing definitely had me shaking my head going "Oh Aston, never change..." :) Look forward to putting some miles on this and checking back.
Probably the best DBX review for potential buyers yet on YT - despite the inordinate ad breaks. I hope AML watch this and take note of the various ( sadly too numerous) points you have made. The tech issues/deficiencies you highlight are fairminded, considering price point and what Bentayga or even JLR are offering!
An excellent, objective and in depth review of this superb machine. My big minus is the German engine etc. Why this bastardisation? This is a British car and brand and should be British, through and through Otherwise, it is an Aston Martin. No brand beats this unique quality name in my opinion.
I wanted to buy this. I really did. But after driving it a few times, it was a NO for me. The tech was so bad that I could not justify the price tag. For my Vantage, I didn't care about the ancient Mercedes screen and tech. Because I got my thrills from the drive. But this DBX isn't thrilling to drive. Its great, but not thrilling. Exhaust was weak, HP was too low for its size and we all know we can get way more HP out of this engine. A beautiful truck, but I couldn't pull the trigger. Maybe the next version in a few years! Great review though, I agree with every single point you made!
Hi Brian, this is by far the best review I have heard on the DBX. I have been considering both the Bentayga and the DBX, but after hearing your remarks about the infotainment system, and the lack of a proper charging station, etc. I think I will hold off on the DBX, very disappointing, maybe the next incarnation will be better. Thanks so much for your review. I have just subscribed, and look forward to hearing more from you.
Loved your video. Totally honest, warts and all. I can guarantee that whenever you voice your complaints re. its shortcomings you get told... but it's an Aston! as if that makes the pain less!
Great honest review! -which is refreshing. I have been on the fence to jump into the brand and upgrade my Cayenne GTS to the DBX. Of course, I could supgrade to a Turbo or Turbo S Cayenne and still -dare I say- save money vs getting the DBX. There aren't many comparisons I have found online f a Cayenne Turbo to the Aston (more so with the Urus or others in that class) But styling/looks to me it appears more like the Cayenne. How does this beast compare to the Cayenne Turbo in terms of driving? Assuming you have driven both.
I'll wait for the next one . Maybe by then they'll improve all the negative sides of this car. Well said mate! The most worrying part is the break. Your score is excellent. Spot on! Well done.
Brian, excellent review! I had my 2019 Vantage in the shop for some warranty maintenance and the dealer gave me a DBX to drive. I had it for several days and am in total agreement with your findings. I would also add the rear seating was mediocre for a car in this class. No reclining option and not that comfortable. The leg room is good, however. That said there no other car that offers the classic Aston Martin "sense of occasion" when you enter the vehicle. Even the Urus I tested didn't quite have the exclusive Aston feel. Bottom line is that I now have one on order!
Absolutely agree with your opinion on the floating iPad. The DBX integrates the infotainment nicely. The DBX Interior is on the right path (despite peculiarities) to be knocked off by less expensive competition soon.
Wow this is the best and most honest review of this car, probaly any car, I have ever seen. So they deleted the wireless charging pad because, reasons but then didn't think to add any power ports for the front dash at all? The wireless pad almost makes that acceptable. Almost. But not really since the front passenger seat needs a charging option too. Making you run a cord from the center console which looks like a DYI/kludge solution because you're front ports failed and you couldn't afford to fix them, on a car this expensive, that's a reason in itself to not buy it. EVERYONE buying this car is going to need to charge/power their phone/tablet/other devices in it. Plus no HUD, no night vision option, no android auto, no massage seats, terrible lane assist, and an old and clunky infotainment at this price point really hurts it's competitiveness. Even the Urus that unlike the DBX is supposed to be more sports car than luxury everyday comfort SUV has message seats, night vision options, lane assist that works, ect. It's heart breaking given that the DBX is by far the best looking of all the SUVs in this price bracket. But to get the looks you have give up a lot in the tech department.
I think their new CEO is intent on fixing Astons tech issues, but for now it is unfortunate. My wife couldn’t care less tho. If it were my car I’d go crazy, but she’s ok with it, so as long as there are enough people like her they’ll be ok.
Really enjoyed this honest, in-depth review. The wheels on yours are absolutely stunning and I also like the (navy) blue leather. Regarding price; consider yourself lucky you don't live in my country. Because this car starts around €300K/$350K in the Netherlands. Cheers
@@BrianGreenstone Taxes. ~40% tax based on the MSRP of a car A carbon dioxide tax (in case of the DBX: 269 g/km C02 x $102 = $27500) And to top it off 21% tax on both figures. With American cars it's even worse. A Corvette will set you back $190.000 ((:
Great review. Exhaust note, well it is an SUV and not a Vantage, so I would expect it to run quieter. The tech is also a bit of a shame, I expect that the follow up vehicle will come with the extra toys. The looks are amazing and so glad that Aston, made it look like an Aston. The Urus for eg is just sharp edges as no one can draw a smooth curve at Lamborghini. You mentioned the Bentley Bentayga with the extra toys, yes it has all the extras, but as for looks, it looks like a Dodge Caliber. You would be for ever telling people it is a Bentley and not a Dodge. You did say at the beginning that this car was not what you expected to come from Aston, compared to their current/latest work.
Great and honest review!!! Thanx fon shering. I noticed stitching on seats sides and back side supports is far from perfect, not straight. Also surrounding of phone pad looked cheap. No wirless charge, no USB there?🙄🤦♂️ What is the point???? But to be honest from outside maby best looking luxury SUV. I
I loathe touch screens in cars…I want dials and knobs, they are more responsive and you do not have to poke around on a filthy, finicky, smudged up screen. I have an MB with the “old” system and prefer it to all the touch screens on my newer vehicles. I find the old MB menu system logical and easy to use and you can actually use it with gloves on. Some of us actually live where it snows .. you know where you a can utilize an all wheel SUV for something other than a glorified station wagon. Also, lane keeping is turned off on all my cars, I find it a total irritant, particularly on any road that actually curves. Plus, complaining about gas mileage on a 540 hp, 180 mph top end vehicle is like complaining about the docking fee on your 70 ft yacht. Come on man! All of these high end SUVs kill you on options, both an Urus or a Bentayga will kill you on options.
Thanks for sharing your feelings with everyone and the really good and extremely honest review, I also scored it the same as you. I absolutely love the fact that Aston Martin incorporated the infotainment system into the console but, in fairness to Aston Martin, that’s what the design SHOULD be like otherwise, anything else simply looks like a cheap aftermarket afterthought. Personally I could live without vibrating seat options (nevertheless I would definitely want them if they were available) but, having bad rear view or low front view visibility isn’t an issue if you design a solution to combat the initial problem due to the interior/exterior design features. For instance a camera outside of the vehicle on the rear displaying the image on to the interior mirror solves this issue and, as Range Rover excellently demonstrated in their Evoke model, the low level front view display on their screen eliminates the skill required to manoeuvre with pin point accuracy needed to go off road without damaging the alloy wheels. For the record, I’m in favour of the original design of those wheels and commend Aston Martin for doing what Aston Martin does best, designing the best looking vehicles in the world, period! Unfortunately, most companies and, I put Aston Martin in this category, have a view that they know better than what the customers feedback actually says. It’s almost as if they do patronising customer surveys to pacify customers, rather than for continuous improvements purposes, Tesla appears to be far better at this as this appear to relish the fact that the customers are very much an integral part of their future product designs. 🍻 from this side of the pond here in England (Brexitland 🇪🇺🤣)
@@chrisabreu3648 end of the day you will ALWAYS pay for the badge when looking at these luxury brand. If cruise control and lane keeping is your complaint then get a chauffeur and make him/her complain about it or take public transportation 🤷🏿♂️
Thank you for this great and honest review. It was an eye opener. I was considering getting one; I think I will go with the Cayenne GTS Turbo Coupe instead. Cheaper and better tech.
Totally different experiences, however. Nobody looks twice at a Cayenne as there are a zillion of them going down the road every day. But then DBX gets a surprising amount of attention everywhere it goes. The DBX is an exotic whereas the Cayenne is just a performance car. But… like you said, the Cayenne is easier to live with and has modern tech.
The exhaust note is why I have a Trackhawk instead. Yes, I realize they are light-years difference between the two, but the TH is just a riot. Also, I "fixed" the exhaust note on my '07 Vantage with a GT4 system...its properly loud.
For that price, it needs more standard features, including Heads Up Display. Also, it needs a sportier trim with quad exhausts like the Jaguar F Pace SVR.
Great in-depth review as always. There are adapters available that can make wired CarPlay work wirelessly which will hopefully get the centre screen up-to-date.
Yeah, I researched those, but it seems they’re all a bit quirky and unreliable. If it were my car I’d try it anyways, but my wife doesn’t seem to care about CarPlay too much, so I’m not going to complicate things any further for her :)
A very honest review by the owner. You buy DBX because it's an Aston Martin. But, is it an Aston Martin because it has Aston Martin badge on it? Not sure. AM should have a NA V-12, crystal key, metal trimmed speedmeter and rpm meter. That's why I love my Rapide.
I’ve heard on a few reviews that the Rapide’s V12 is sourced from Ford V6s which seems funny because I don’t believe Aston had any problem creating a V12
Great video! Amazing looking car! I see and agree with all your points; it's a shame that the car doesn't come with more modern tech especially the touchscreen. If I was Aston's new CEO Tobias Moers with his links to Mercedes I'd be breaking down their doors to get it sorted, I would also look to offer something that could be retro-fitted to existing cars. Aston must be aware of the car's deficiencies especially against it's rivals and realise the affect it may have on sales of their most important car in recent history! It's a very good car but it wouldn't take much to make it a great car! I'm in the UK and if I get the money it would be the luxury SUV for me.
Great review. Prefer these more critical reviews so I know exactly what to expect. Best thing about these and Aston’s in general is their depreciation. Here in the UK vantages are down to £80kish with 12k miles. Now just waiting for these to comfortably from below 100k!
@@chronograph750 yeah, the resale values are garbage because there are too many of these out there. The dealers have like 8 of these for every normal Aston and it’s killing the values.
This is what happens when you have a great project but dont get enough people to complete the project. Great review anyways! Loved your channel and I checked out your other great videos too
Tablet style Navigation is to view Information screen at highest line of sight. In line with drivers instruments. It is a public safety issue to keep drivers from having to look down of the road while driving. Not based upon personnel taste. NHTA recomendation.
I personally love this car (I don’t own one). That said, for what it costs, and what it lacks, I think this car is a solid C. You can get more for less. Don’t persuade me with an abundance of leather. That’s your specialty. Simply make the car competitive. I’ll admit Covid & the chip shortage likely caused an inability to outfit the model with what they originally planned. But other models during those years still have adequate tech
Thanks for the review. When changing the radio stations, if you would have gotten the touch pad option, you could have just swiped to the left and right to change the radio stations...
Wow, pretty damning for Aston Martin to be skimping on so many of the latest techs offered by even slightly lower-priced premium SUVs, to say nothing of other comparably priced premium SUVs. No heads-up display? Goodness, even BMWs, cheaper than any Aston Martins, offer that in every one of their SUVs. Looks like I don't have to include Aston Martins in my list when I next change my SUVs.
Thanks for the honest, courageous, balanced review Austen should take free notes pointed out seriously. In short you should have bought the Bentley Bentayga
Thanks for the in-depth review, Brian. It truly makes a difference when you own a car for some time. One thing I noticed is that your MMI screen controller is different from the ones that you see on many early reviews (which are exactly old Mercedes' controllers). Over here you have a leather pad and a wheel - somewhat different. In general, the design is a beauty IMHO, but I can't get myself around the fact that with such a price tag the car doesn't have soft close, HUD, massage, touch screen. Also from what I understand the all wheel drive system here has an electronic differential, which in my experience is much less useful than Audi's quattro (the true one). BTW: What kind of sound system does it have?
As a Brit Aston Martin is my favourite brand but would I take a DBX Over a Jaguar F pace SVR given how much more tech the latest 2021 SVR has over the DBX why not Bentley well it just don’t look sexy on the outside
Great review. As for exhaust sound, every car in 2021 from every manufacturer will have more muted exhaust than previous generations, because of emissions regulations. Take the F8 Tributo and compare it to the 458. Similar to your comparison of DBX and a 2014 Vanquish. This is the new normal.
Another example, compare Jaguar F-Type R refresh with the original F-Type R from 2014. Very muted by comparison to the original, due to emissions regulations.
It’s a beautiful SUV and maybe the best driving SUV, but the lack of tech is a deal breaker. I would go with a 2021 Escalade with Supercruise over this because the tech leaves the DBX in the dust and might even have a more comfortable ride.
Well wholly $hit. I followed you like a decade ago when you wrote that hilarious Fiskar review. I haven’t watched this one yet but I am super stoked to see your review! Cheers mate.
I don't buy excuses from Aston or Bentley or any other luxury SUV for not providing a full size spare. 22 inch full spare on my Range Rover SV Autobiography Dynamic is a MAJOR peace of mind. I was in the market for a 4 wheel drive & not having a FULL SIZE spare was a priority. That reason sold me on my current Range Rover SV cuz, again, full size spare is a must if you off road or tow or camp & I do all those. I don't want to change/cancel my road trip/weekend/camping/RV plans cuz I'm stuck with a reduced size wheel which has limitations.
@@BrianGreenstone that's just unfortunate. People like me who want a luxury suv also for light off roading, towing, camping are stuck with reduced size spare. But I understand your point. It's probably a cost saving thing, plus feedback from most customers helped them make that decision. Plus I agree with your points about this car being very low tech. That was one of the reasons I sold my Maserati granturismo. Yes there was leather everywhere but there was more Tech in a Chrysler 300. Gets annoying after a while.
Great video, I really appreciate all the points that you made. I saw that you said you regret buying it (and from what you were saying + depreciation value) I can see what you mean, but do you think that the newer generations of the car are any better? For a car that price no plugs in the front is completely shameful... Even if it would be a fast family SUV
Well, my wife loves it, but I think it was a complete waste of money and is a totally pointless car. It’s a very outdated car with 6+ year old tech, and is totally impractical as an SUV or a daily driver for that matter. Horrible gas mileage, costs a fortune to maintain and depreciates like a rock. Pretty tho.
Nice video mate, really informative 👍🏼 I still can’t imagine parting with that much money for a vehicle running a competitors previous Gen infotainment systems 🤷♂️😬
My wife said the Bentley made her feel “matronly”, and I personally wouldn’t be caught dead in the Urus. The DBX is perfect in every way except the outdated tech.
I picked up my DBX yesterday and drove 200 miles so far. Amazing hand build car. A few minor things I am missing are or don't like. 1. No Android Auto (Apple Car play only). 2. no traffic on the "Map". 3. My reverse camera already had 3 times not coming out when I was parking. 4. No wireless charging. 5. No sunglasses holder. 6. No soft close close. So it is an average car. I call this "hand build Mercedes" I am a tech guy so the tech really turn me off. I am happy with the rest of the car but it doesn't worth the money.
Low expectations are easier to meet. AM. borrows parts from Mazda/Ford and Dodge/Jeep,Mercedes etc.. For ex the engine is Mercedes V-8, the door and window switches are the exact ones that came off the Dodge Grand Caravan minivan (15 bucks used). This one is impressive because you would expect cramped Mazda interior but instead you get spacious cabin. Speaking of Mazda expect the new Mazda cx9 to look similar. 7K for walnut trim? You can probably buy an acre of land with lots of walnut trees for that. Aston does manage to elevate its product above German luxury much like a fine Swiss watch would outdo Rolex. People not knowing what this car really is - is allowing you for some super wealthy- but stealthy approach.
I am one of those Vantage owners you mention. IMHO that rear end looks great from behind but is a bit unusual when looking at the side of the whole car. I agree that the DBX looks beautiful and impressive in real live, not soo on pictures. What color is that, stone white?
Hi Brian very interesting review you made. i have one comment to share which is the gearbox shift delay.. i am facing the same thing with my G63 2022 it seems who's supplying AS and MB with gearbox is the same company. its just a thought i might be wrong.
In my opinion you are missing the entire point of his video, I mean the people here who compares this car to any of the cars with touch screens etc.. I have one and it is great!!!! When you drive it, you will understand why you pay so much more. I think Brian was trying to tell you this, but you hear what you want to hear. I am not saying the technology doesn't need to be better, but that is not why you buy an Aston Martin. You buy it because of how it drives. Believe me it is sooo much fun. I think that what he was trying to say. Anyway, now you even have the 707...
After watching some reviews and videos about the dbx I realised that there’s a gap between the front bumper and the finders which isn’t nice really 🤷🏼♂️ the bentayga doesn’t have gaps, the cullinan doesn’t 🤷🏼♂️ why the dbx? Quality issues?? Sometimes I just wish if it wasn’t handmade because you can easily spy some issues. Do you have the same problem? I can’t tell very much
Good review not sure how you drive to get such bad fuel economy I get mid to high 20s to a gallon and have hit 30+ at times admittedly I have been down to 8 but that was a track day event
Great review, very honest .aml is sinking company like a titanic, this suv wont save that company.the best AML does is prototypes what never sees the day light.
Good review sir. Keep up the good work! The sound is not that good cuz it’s a twin turbo V8, while the Vanquish is a V12. V12 always have a great sound. It’s sad to see them going away. Unfortunately, turbos dull the sound of an engine. So while a V8 sounds amazing, adding turbos will make it sound bad. It’s why some BMW engines don’t sound as good as they used to. The BMW M3 and M4 have bad sounding exhausts compared to the E92 predecessor, which used a natural aspirated engine. In this era of fuel efficiency, turbochargers are a necessary evil to meet fuel economy mandates 🙁🙁 Plus the European countries have a sound level requirement, certain dB levels are considered illegal (if it’s too loud). Both of these are what are causing the move to turbocharged smaller engines that simply don’t sound as good as their big brother V12’s or engines of yore. V12 cars will always have a special place in a petrolhead’s heart ⛽️❤️
it looks like any other SUV, what really sets it apart is all the things missing. For Pete`s sake a Kia Soul can be ordered with HUD. But.........people buy it. Only God knows why.
Your review is dead on the money. Aston Martin is a great brand but they need to fix the many points you mentioned and work out with Mercedes about sharing the latest tech - IMPORTANT (If Aston Martin are getting priced away from the latest tech is one thing), but if Mercedes are holding off on providing it they need to consider that the DBX actually does not compete directly with any of their products and if anything is indirectly providing them more business. The outdated tech / lack of tech features is the most glaring weakness, however I agree with all of the other points brought up. If Aston fixes those they will really be pushing out something exceptional and special.
What is everyone’s Problem with a seat massager not available ? Do you really think that a 20 minute ride to work with the massage seat on Max is going to help your inflammation,Or your arthritis in your shoulder is it going to go away? If you’re going to buy this car and you want a real massage ….sit your ass in a Jacuzzi J475 for 30 minutes before you drive your DBX….They’re about 17.5 fully loaded.In 90 days you and your wife will be thanking me. If I could afford 200 K on this car I would buy it in a minute. …But I’d rather soak in my Jacuzzi and not complain about a Vanquish and DBX that I can’t afford
Understand ur gripe with the exhaust note between the 2 Aston Martin's in ur Stable .... 😀😅😆 It's a family car . Ur Vanquish is a Rev Heads Vehicle. Ur obviously $$$ cashed up 😆😆 so my suggestion is 2 purchase a Lamborghini Urus 4 the 🎵🎶🎶🎵🎶🎵 exhaust note & when ur driving past ur wife u can give it the Big Message with the right foot , the Gas pedal . She will smile & wave u goodbye with a Sigh ......... when will he grow up 😂😂😂😂 & all us lads will reply , we never do 😀😆 we just want 2 have fun
I’ll be honest, I’m not a fan of the Urus at all. Looks too much like the Audi that it’s built on, the entire design (especially the interior) looks like it was designed for a 16 year old, and my wife would look ridiculous driving it.
@@BrianGreenstone Brain l was suggesting the Urus 4U . 😀😁😆😅😆 And personally l dont like it either ( Urus ) .... 4 the engine 🎵🎶🎶🎵🎶 sound so u might feel better about splashing out all that hard earned dough (cash) . I was just being cheeky 2wards U . 4Me the New 2022 Range Rover Works & the Porsche 4WD Twin Turbo . And 2 ser ur mind at ease l quite like ur wifes Aston Martin. If U want fast , turn 2 Elon Musk 4 his AWD Electric 4WD with the Ludicrous Mode , it cost Extra 4 the 2.8 sec to 100 ks or 60mph . And U get the bat doors ( a liitle lamborghinish ) thrown in .
I guarantee you that they fed all of their vehicles into an AI model and instructed it to generate designs for an SUV version that's how they came up with such a sweet design
It surely did because I had early versions of it back then and these companies with their massive resources and connections they have access to things that we don't get access to until 5 or 10 years later
If you actually pay attention you can tell when the technology became prevalent if you look at like Nike for for instance like there was a certain point where they just started out putting massive amounts of different designs that are all obviously AI inspired and that was probably about 2916
I don't mean that i a condescending way I just meant if you look around and pay attention to the details you can see where it started to come into the corporate world
