The new DBX GT is a more comfortable take on Aston Martin’s V8 SuperSUV

This is the new Aston Martin DBX GT. It is a big, powerful SUV that’s been designed to offer all the wham-bam-thank-you-ma’am thrills of the equally powerful DBX S, but in a more elegant, comfortable guise.

Makes sense that a 2.2-tonne SUV should focus on comfort rather than hardcore thrills, you might think, as good and thrilling as the DBX S is. And thus, Aston’s softened up both the visual aggression and suspension for its SuperSUV.

It’s the latter we’ll look into first. There’s a new calibration and valve system for the dampers which, according to Aston, “enhances ride compliance over poor surfaces” – plenty of those in Blighty, that’s for sure.

The new setup also prevents more rubbish entering the cabin, too (not literally – vibrations), while the spring rates have also been modified. Elsewhere the throttle has been recalibrated for more precision, the gearbox has been given a lesson in smoothness, and there are new transmission mounting bushes that come courtesy of the Valhalla.

Wheels and tyres are new too – 22s wearing Pirelli Scorpion Zero All-Season rubber – while even the exhaust has been given a new ‘GT’ mode. According to Aston, “double mixing of gas flow within the rear muffler produces a cleaner, richer tone by eliminating harsh metallic frequencies”.

(Of course, you can ignore the entire reason for this car and “restore” the DBX’s “full voice” by simply switching back into Sport and Sport + modes, apparently, which rather begs the question of ‘why’.)

Still, looks a little calmer outside, thanks largely to the new grille, polished strakes, body-coloured bumpers/sills/diffusers, those dandy new 22s, and then entirely upturned by four enormous tailpipes hanging out the back.

Inside you’ll get extra memory foam in the seats for better cushioning, new bolsters, and an “individual” rear seat layout that provides two sculpted chairs… while still being a five-seater car. Pity the middle passenger, is all we can think.

There’s a standard fit pano roof, embroidered detailing, deep pile mats, additional sound deadening, and even acoustic laminated rear glass. All the better to deafen yourself with the Bowers & Wilkins audio.

Oh, almost forgot – power. It’s exactly the same as the DBX S, so a 717bhp 4.0-litre V8 that pinches turbo tech from the Valhalla, 664lb ft, 0-62mph in 3.3s and a top speed of 193mph. Same carbon ceramic brakes and steering ratio as the S, too. So despite being a slightly softer tune, it’ll still punch like a DBX when you want it to.

“DBX GT is aimed at customers who prefer assured elegance over sporting aggression and demand a higher degree of luxury,” said boss Adrian Hallmark. Prices will likely start from around £207k.