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Lady Driver

Aston Martin's first SUV was designed with women at top of mind.

Article by Catherine Trifiletti

Photography by Provided by Aston Martin

Originally published in Leesburg Lifestyle

Cars are traditionally categorized as toys for men, and with that classification in mind, designed for them too. The storied luxury British car brand Aston Martin has upended that line of thinking with its new 2021 DBX, which was crafted based on the recommendations of an all female test committee. It takes only a few minutes in the roomy cabin of the sleek SUV– a first for Aston Martin– to experience the car’s femininity. She is beauty and grace from the steering wheel to the bumper.  

After a recent test drive courtesy of Exclusive Automotive Group (EAG) in McLean, Va., I was surprised, then impressed, with the DBX’s versatility. If not for my elevated vantage point, it would have been easy to forget I was driving an active all-wheel drive, five-seat SUV and not a sports car. Aston Martin achieved the vehicle’s light weight by using cutting-edge aluminum materials. Add to that a powertrain and suspension developed by Aston Martin’s preeminent engineers, and you have a winning recipe. As for aesthetics, the car's curvy athletic body serves as a perfect counterpoint to its fully customizable lush interior. Full-grain leather or pure wool? Cherry red or canary yellow? You're in the driver's seat. 

EAG, also a certified Bentley dealership, is currently located at 8550 Leesburg Pike Vienna, Va. 22182, though they recently broke ground on a new state of the art facility in Ashburn. Visit www.exclusiveautomotivegroup.com for updates.

(PULL QUOTE)"It takes only a few minutes in the roomy cabin of the sleek SUV– a first for Aston Martin– to experience the car’s femininity."

ENGINE: Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded V-8 4.0 L/243

MSRP: From $176,900

HORSEPOWER: 542 hp

MPG: 14 city / 18 highway

FEMALE-FRIENDLY FEATURES: Shorter reach to controls, greater leg room, purse storage, separate central arm rest, glove box design.