Luxury carmaker pins sales revival hopes on launch of first-ever SUV

Aston Martin has unveiled the first SUV in the company’s 106-year history as the luxury carmaker pins its hopes on the vehicle reviving its fortunes after a tough year since its stock market float.

The car manufacturer, which has has endured a very difficult year after it listed on the London Stock Exchange last October, said the DBX “signals a new era in its pursuit to deliver exceptional performance, style and usability in a segment previously unexplored”.

The company has faced a number of challenges since it made its stock market debut at 1900p per share which valued it at £4.3bn but the company has lost more than three-quarters of its value since then.

Aston Martin Lagonda president and group CEO, Dr. Andy Palmer, described the milestone in a tweet as “perhaps my proudest moment in my 40year career”.

“The first SUV in our 106-year history has been unveiled worldwide.”

He said in a statement: “I can’t emphasise enough how incredibly exciting and significant DBX is for Aston Martin. Through its development alone, this beautiful SUV has already taken the company into new territories and in inspiring directions. DBX also marks a key moment in the delivery of the third and final phase of our Second Century Plan, not only representing the promised expansion of our portfolio but also signalling the start of production at Aston Martin’s second manufacturing plant.

“This is a real landmark for this great British brand and I promise that DBX will reward all who experience it in their everyday lives.”

Powered by a new version of the characterful 4-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine found in DB11 and Vantage, DBX can accelerate from zero to 62mph in 4.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 181mph.

Palmer added: “To have produced such a beautiful, hand built, yet technologically advanced car is a proud moment for Aston Martin.”