Aston Martin’s first ever SUV drives off production line

The first DBX to roll off the production line at Aston Martin’s Wales plant Photo: Aston Martin

Aston Martin has celebrated a major milestone as the first DBX SUV drives off the production line at its modified production centre in Wales.

With its all-wheel drive system, DBX is a car that will allow the company to increase its presence in markets where perhaps the weather or terrain is less than conducive to rear-wheel drive sports cars.

Four years ago Aston Martin announced its investment in a brand new manufacturing facility at St Athan in Wales, at a disused air force base, with testing of a prototype taking place in the area.

Aston Martin Interim Chief Operating Officer, Keith Stanton, said: “It is a real privilege to be here today to witness the completion of the first production Aston Martin DBX. I’m extremely proud of the Aston Martin team who have worked so hard to transform this ex-Ministry of Defence site into a world-class car manufacturing facility, to now be producing cars, it is testament to the resilience and fortitude of everyone at Aston Martin. It is an honour to see the first DBX come off the line and my only regret is that everyone who works for this incredible brand can’t be here to witness it.”

Deliveries in the UK later this month, but 80 per cent of stock will be exported. Photo: Aston Martin

It is expected that 80 per cent of production will be sold overseas, making it an important model for Aston Martin and a clear illustration of the strength of British manufacturing capabilities.

Aston claims to have taken more than 2000 orders for the DBX so far, sustaining production into 2021. The plant's annual output will be around 4000 cars.

Marek Reichman, Aston Martin Executive Vice President & Chief Creative Officer, who was at St Athan to witness the completion of the first SUV designed by his team, said: “We are incredibly proud of our first SUV, which is as much of an Aston Martin as any one of our sports cars. From my design team to the engineers, the vehicle dynamics team and all the experts who hand-craft this beautiful car, here at St Athan, the DBX has become the car that will drive Aston Martin into a bold new era.”

First deliveries of the DBX to customers start later this month, as planned. The new DBX is priced from $330,000 for the New Zealand market, with customer deliveries scheduled to start in the next few months.