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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