The modern performance SUV is no longer a novelty. It’s a fiercely contested segment where horsepower figures are easy to quote and harder to justify. Against that backdrop, the 2026 Aston Martin DBX S arrives with a different agenda. Rather than chasing numbers for their own sake, this latest evolution of Aston Martin’s luxury SUV focuses on something more difficult to engineer: a genuine sense of grand touring character delivered in a tall, practical package.
The DBX S is not trying to pretend it’s a supercar on stilts, nor is it content to be a plush cruiser with a loud exhaust. Instead, it aims to reconcile two traditionally opposing ideals—long-distance refinement and engaging performance—without forcing the driver to choose between them.
A Sharper Interpretation of the DBX Formula
From the outset, the DBX S signals that it is more than a cosmetic refresh. This is a deliberate recalibration of the DBX concept, with particular attention paid to how the vehicle behaves when the road tightens and the pace quickens. Steering response is more immediate, body control is noticeably tighter, and the chassis feels alert without becoming nervous.
What stands out most is composure. On a winding stretch of road, the DBX S maintains a reassuring sense of balance, resisting the top-heavy feel that still plagues many high-performance SUVs. The suspension tuning walks a fine line, delivering enough compliance to absorb imperfect pavement while maintaining the discipline required for confident cornering. It encourages the driver to lean into the experience rather than merely managing mass and momentum.
This sense of involvement is central to the DBX S’s identity. It doesn’t overwhelm with aggression; instead, it rewards precision and commitment, traits more commonly associated with grand touring coupes than five-door SUVs.
Power With Purpose, Not Just Presence
Performance here is not defined solely by acceleration figures, though the DBX S delivers ample thrust. Power delivery feels progressive and intentional, giving the driver confidence to deploy it smoothly rather than in abrupt surges. The engine’s character plays a key role, offering a voice that is assertive without becoming intrusive, particularly during sustained highway driving.
Crucially, this performance is usable. The DBX S feels equally at home stretching its legs on an open highway as it does navigating a series of sweeping bends. That duality reinforces the grand touring ethos—effortless speed when desired, relaxed competence when it’s not.
In an era where some performance SUVs feel engineered primarily for bragging rights, the DBX S stands out by prioritizing cohesion. Everything works together, from throttle response to chassis tuning, to create a sense of completeness rather than excess.
A Cabin Built for Distance and Focus
Inside, the DBX S continues this theme of considered balance. The cabin is unmistakably premium, but it avoids unnecessary theatricality. Materials feel substantial and carefully selected, reinforcing the sense that this is a vehicle designed to be lived with, not just admired.
Ergonomics are a highlight. Controls fall naturally to hand, and the driving position offers both comfort and command, allowing the driver to feel connected without being cramped. Technology is present but restrained, integrated in a way that supports the driving experience rather than distracting from it.
Passengers benefit from the same attention to detail. Rear-seat comfort and cargo practicality ensure that the DBX S functions as a legitimate everyday vehicle, not a compromised performance statement. This usability is central to its appeal, particularly for buyers who expect their luxury SUV to handle real-world responsibilities alongside spirited driving.
The Grand Touring SUV, Redefined
What ultimately defines the 2026 DBX S is its ability to wear multiple identities convincingly. It can be driven hard without feeling out of its depth, yet it never loses the polish expected from a vehicle bearing the Aston Martin badge. That balance is rare, even in this increasingly crowded segment.
Rather than chasing extremes, the DBX S refines the idea of what a performance SUV can be. It acknowledges the realities of size and weight, then works intelligently within those constraints to deliver an experience that feels cohesive and rewarding.
For drivers who value engagement as much as comfort, and who want a vehicle capable of crossing continents as confidently as it tackles a challenging road, the DBX S makes a compelling case. It doesn’t just blend luxury and performance; it integrates them in a way that feels deliberate, mature, and unmistakably grand touring in spirit.
