Aston Martin's first SUV, the DBX, sees the light of day – in pictures

A prototype of the British brand's debut venture into unit-shifting vehicles has been undergoing testing

The Aston Martin DBX. Aston Martin

A prototype of the vehicle began testing in muddy fashion on a stage of the Welsh Rally. Aston Martin

The British brand is making its first proper move into the world of mass-market vehicles with the DBX. Aston Martin

Stylistically, the DBX doesn't seem set to follow the lines of luxurious compatriots Bentley and Rolls-Royce. Aston Martin

Its grille is distinctively related to models such as the DB11 and Vantage. Aston Martin

The rear quarters could be favourably compared to Alfa Romeo's swift SUV the Stelvio. Aston Martin

The DBX's testing programme will include what the company calls 'some of the world’s harshest environments'. Aston Martin

That testing will visit the deserts of the Middle East. Aston Martin

Other locations will include the Arctic, Alpine passes and the Germany's Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit. Aston Martin

Aston Martin is building a new factory in South Wales to produce the model. Aston Martin

The DBX is expected to be launched in the final quarter of next year. Aston Martin

The Aston Martin DBX. Aston Martin

The DBX, Aston Martin's first SUV, has broken cover, as a prototype of the vehicle began testing in muddy fashion on a stage of the Welsh Rally.

After an illustrious history of special sports cars, the British brand is making its first proper move into the world of mass-market vehicles with the DBX, building a new factory in South Wales to produce the model.

Stylistically, the DBX doesn't seem set to follow the lines of luxurious compatriots Bentley and Rolls-Royce when they designed their opening SUV offerings, the Bentayga and Cullinan respectively, which divided opinion with boxy lines.

As befits Aston's sporty status, the DBX's grille is distinctively related to models such as the DB11 and Vantage, while the rear quarters could be favourably compared to Alfa Romeo's swift SUV the Stelvio.

The DBX's testing programme will encompass what the company calls "some of the world’s harshest environments", such as the deserts of the Middle East.

Other locations will include the Arctic, Alpine passes and the Germany's Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit.

The new factory in Wales, meanwhile, will also become Aston Martin's self-proclaimed "home of electrification" when the company begins producing fully-electric models in the future.

The DBX is expected to be launched in the final quarter of next year.

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