2026 Aston Martin DBX S Turns Up the V-8 Engine to 717 Horsepower

• The 2026 Aston Martin DBX S borrows technology from the Valhalla supercar to pull an extra 20 horsepower from its twin-turbocharged V-8 engine.
• With 717 horsepower, the DBX S can go from zero to 62 mph in a claimed 3.3 seconds.
• The DBX S will be offered with a carbon-fiber roof—saving nearly 40 pounds—and magnesium wheels, cutting almost 42 pounds of unsprung mass.

When Aston Martin launched its first SUV, the DBX, for the 2021 model year, it packed a 542-hp twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8. The British automaker then added the DBX 707 in 2023, boosting the V-8 to 697 horsepower. For 2025, the DBX 707 became the only variant in the SUV’s lineup, but now Aston Martin will turn up the wick once again for 2026, adding the new high-performance DBX S.

More Ponies, Less Weight

The DBX S still utilizes the same twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 engine but employs technical improvements learned from the plug-in hybrid Valhalla supercar. The big change comes in the turbochargers, which feature larger compressor wheel diameters and, vaguely, “other internal improvements.” The upgrades net an extra 20 horsepower for a grand total of 717 ponies. Aston Martin claims the DBX S will zip from zero to 62 mph in just 3.3 seconds and says it is now 0.3 second quicker to 124 mph than the DBX 707. Given that we tested the DBX 707 from zero to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds, Aston Martin’s estimate seems a bit conservative. Top speed remains the same, but a 193-mph Vmax wasn’t too shabby to begin with.

The DBX S has the same all-wheel-drive system as the DBX 707, with the ability to send 50 percent of torque to the front wheels and up to 100 percent of torque to the rear wheels. The DBX S also still uses the nine-speed automatic gearbox, but Aston Martin says the downshifts in Sport and Sport+ modes are more aggressive than before, while the upshift points have been reworked to “reflect the car’s extended rev range.” Aston Martin reworked the exhaust system to better communicate the roar of the V-8 engine.

Along with giving it more oomph, the other key focus for the DBX S was shedding mass, although the weight-saving measures are all optional. Aston Martin will offer a carbon-fiber roof, which becomes the largest carbon-fiber piece ever fitted to an Aston Martin. The roof necessitates removing the roof rails and shaves off 39.7 pounds.

Magnesium wheels are also available, with the 23-inch units saving 41.9 pounds of unsprung mass compared to the standard 23-inch forged aluminum wheels. Aston Martin says the lighter units also improve the ride, steering feel, and steering precision. Speccing the magnesium wheels also deletes the roof rails, regardless of the carbon fiber roof. Lastly, Aston Martin will offer an intricate lightweight polycarbonate grille, but the company didn’t specify how many pounds this cuts.

Aston Martin also tweaked the steering ratio, making it faster by 4 percent. The automaker claims it makes the SUV feel more responsive and reduces the turning radius by roughly 1.6 feet, improving agility in urban settings. The DBX S rides on the same retuned air suspension that the DBX 707 got last year.

Carbon Trim and Red Seatbelts

A few small visual updates distinguish the DBX S from the 707. The grille is painted black and the front bumper gets a new splitter, which is paired with redesigned side sills and an “S” badge on the front fender. Buyers can select carbon fiber for the side-view mirrors, side trim, and doorsills. At the rear, the bumper and diffuser have been completely reshaped and the quad exhaust pipes are now stacked vertically, offered in gloss or matte finishes. Ordering the rear bumper, diffuser, side sills, and rear wing in carbon fiber saves an extra 15.4 pounds. The exterior accents can be had in Rosso Corsa Red (shown here), Trophy Silver, or Podium Green.

The cabin gains new seats featuring an eye-catching herringbone design which can also be extended to the headliner when the carbon roof is fitted. Alcantara covers the seats, headliner, center console, and dashboard. The seats also include semi-aniline leather on the bolsters, which can replace Alcantara throughout the cabin if the customer desires. Red seatbelts are a reminder that you bought the sportier DBX, and the “S” logo appears embroidered on the seats as well as on the sill plates and engine plaque. A 14-speaker sound system comes standard, but there’s also an optional 23-speaker system from Bowers & Wilkins.

The DBX S can be ordered now, although Aston Martin didn’t announce pricing. The 2025 Aston Martin DBX 707 starts at $256,086, and we expect the DBX S to land closer to the $300K mark. Deliveries are due to kick off in the fourth quarter of this year.