For Aston Martin 2019 was not kind. While we wait for the arrival of the DBX SUV Aston’s grim annual profit was cut in half in 2019. Now it says it’s “reviewing planning for 2020” while it is in talks with investors looking for potential equity investment. Canadian billionaire and Formula One team owner Lawrence Stroll is looking to take control of Aston.

Aston has set a goal of doubling its vehicle output to 14,000 by 2023 according to Automotive News. All hope hangs on the success of its first SUV, the DBX. Around 1,800 orders were taken for the DBX after its debut in November. This was the best pre-order response Aston has ever experienced. It will go on sale in the US in May.

The DBX base price is $192,086 but the price can easily clear $200,000 with options

While the initial list price is $192,086, you can figure most every DBX will be north of $200,000 with a few extras every Aston owner wants. But, if you can afford $192,086, what’s a few grand more? 

What are some of those extras? How about the “Pet Package” for $3,400. Your dog Benny gets a dog partition, portable washer, rear bumper protector, and dog accessory holder. Or the “Indulgence Package” at $3,100? You get 16-way power front seats, along with heated and cooled front and rear seats. 

With the $2,200 “Convenience Package” comes a power tailgate with gesture control. There’s also park assist. Add in the 22-inch ribbon satin black and bronze diamond-turned wheels set you back $8,400. There are still more options to choose from including $1,100 for special stitching colors for the interior. 

Power for the DBX comes via Mercedes Benz

Power comes from a 4.0 liter twin-turbo V8 Aston sourced from Mercedes-AMG. It packs 542 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. It’s backed by a nine-speed automatic also supplied by Mercedes. The top speed is said to be 181 mph. Fuel economy figures have not been released.

A center transfer case controls power to the front axle to control torque. However, DBX is essentially a rear-wheel-drive SUV. The suspension features both adaptive dampers and air springs. 

If Aston survives a hybrid and electric DBX will be on the horizon

Aston is expected to offer a hybrid version and then an all-electric DBX beyond that. Towing capacity will be almost 6,000 lbs. Its body is manufactured the same as its iconic supercars with bonded aluminum and extrusions. 

Inside, a fully digital gauge cluster meets the driver. There is four-zone climate control, heated rear seats, and a panoramic sunroof that is said to be able to support 200 lbs. There are 22 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up, and 54 cubic feet with them down.

Testing is wrapping up at the Nurburgring right now. Deliveries should be starting sometime mid-year.