Luxury brands that are finding success today are those that are able to be versatile. Zegna’s best-selling product by a country mile, for example, is not a piece of formal menswear but its super casual Triple Stitch sneaker. Louis Vuitton saw a giant sales surge when it allowed Virgil Abloh and later Pharrell Williams to inject colour, energy, and a streetwear vibe into its previously rigid output. Aston Martin’s contribution to this emerging new sector of luxury is the DBX707, a luxurious super-SUV that is roomy and comfortable yet absolutely devastating when it comes to performance.

This versatility can also be applied to modern footballers. Defenders used to employ agricultural tactics to stop fleet-footed attackers. But with the evolution of tactics in the last 10 years, defenders are now required to glide around the pitch like ballet dancers before exchanging intricate passes with teammates to set up precise attacks.

Take Erling Haaland, for example. The 6’5” Manchester City juggernaut striker is not only capable of bullying opposition defenders with his sheer size and brawn but can also produce a finessed moment of deft skill and speed that leaves his opponents in a puzzled heap on the floor. This duality is perhaps why Haaland was chosen to be the A-list ambassador of Breitling, a watch brand that shows its versatility by blending high levels of technical skill with flamboyant use of colour and design.

If we extrapolate out from this argument, it makes perfect sense that Breitling would be an ideal creative partner for Aston Martin. It’s a notion that became a reality earlier this year when the two brands announced a major multi-year deal. Haaland, Breitling, DBX707… all provide style and power in one perfectly engineered package.

Soothing Interior

With the DBX707, Aston Martin straddles the two sectors by offering hair-raising speed with sumptuous luxury. This super-SUV recently had a cabin makeover that provides even more comfort and sensory pleasure than its predecessor. The new cabin architecture debuted in the DB12 and Vantage and now finds its way into the Dhs1 million SUV marvel. Originally launched in 2022 and now comprehensively updated, the DBX707 offers next-level comfort. The seats embrace you; the top-quality materials are gorgeously tactile; the sweeping curves of the dashboard create a soothing cockpit. Performance cars often mean small windows, but DBX707 provides the kind of excellent visibility you would expect in a mainstream SUV.

Along with the redesigned interior comes a new bespoke tech system created by Aston Martin. The main driver’s instrument cluster is a 12.3-inch screen, while a second 10.25-inch central infotainment screen slots into the central console. Yes, there are touchscreen controls, but Aston Martin has purposefully installed sturdy buttons for suspension, lane keep assist, and park distance control, plus textured rollers for air conditioning fan speed, temperature, and audio volume to keep drivers connected to the real world. Just let your hand slide down the steering wheel, and it finds the volume wheel easily. Gear mode is changed with a chunky up/down lever; drive mode (GT, Sport, Sport+) is selected with a satisfying click of a rotary wheel. The DBX707 has good manners, by the way—while pairing with a new phone, the touchscreen tells the driver politely, “Thank you for your patience.”

Speaking of the DBX707’s fresh look, Marco Mattiacci, global chief brand and commercial officer of Aston Martin, says, “Now upgraded with state-of-the-art technology and a completely new interior, the DBX707 moves the game on once more, further elevating the standard by which all competitors are judged.”

This being an Aston Martin, the performance is, of course, fantastic. There’s a genuine crackle of excitement when you push the engine start/stop button bearing the famous winged marque and see it glow red. A second later the engine comes to life, and the sound is undeniably exciting—more of a purr than a growl. The hardware inside the new DBX707–707PS/900Nm 4.0-litre V8 engine mated to a 9-speed wet clutch gearbox and carbon ceramic brakes is unchanged.

While Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren put all their eggs into the performance basket, other brands such as Bentley and Rolls-Royce go down the comfort route. With its DBX707, Aston Martin, however, shows a mastery of both and demonstrates a versatility that is designed for the modern luxury world.

Speed and Detail

Georges Kern, the CEO of Breitling, is a stickler for details and doesn’t collaborate with just anyone. Kern has taken Breitling onto the Formula One grid by inking a major deal with Aston Martin and its F1 team.

“Aston Martin builds cars that are as much about presence as performance,” says Kern. “We share that same heritage of iconic design: every line, finish, and proportion has purpose.” The first piece marking the collaboration is the Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team in lightweight titanium.

Breitling and Aston Martin have moved in similar circles for many years. Sean Connery wore a Breitling Top Time chronograph as James Bond in 1965’s Thunderball, while a year earlier, the iconic Aston Martin DB5 appeared in Goldfinger.

“Aston Martin and Breitling have crossed paths at key moments in design and culture,” says Adrian Hallmark, CEO of Aston Martin. “The partnership is a perfect showcase of excellence, design mastery, and performance, something that is integral to everything that Aston Martin puts its name to.”

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Images: Supplied