Aston Martin DBX 2021 Drive Modes User Manual
The 2021 Aston Martin DBX is a luxury SUV that offers five different drive modes to provide a customizable driving experience. The available modes include GT, Sport, Sport Plus, Terrain, and Terrain Plus, each of which adjusts the suspension, steering, throttle response, and other systems to suit different driving conditions and preferences. When in GT mode, the DBX offers a smooth and comfortable ride, making it ideal for long-distance driving. The suspension is optimized for comfort, while the throttle response is more relaxed for easy cruising. In Sport mode, the suspension and throttle response become more responsive, providing a sportier driving experience. Sport Plus mode takes this a step further by increasing throttle response, improving gear changes, and enhancing the exhaust note. The Terrain mode is specifically designed for off-road driving. It has settings that optimize the vehicle’s performance on rough terrain by raising the suspension to provide greater ground clearance and adjusting the throttle response to provide more low-end torque for better traction. Terrain Plus mode further improves the off-road capabilities of the DBX with features such as a 360-degree camera system and hill descent control. Overall, the drive modes on the Aston Martin DBX provide drivers with a wide range of driving experiences, making it a versatile and exciting luxury SUV that can adapt to different driving conditions and preferences.
Drive Modes
Warning: It is the driver’s responsibility to drive safely according to the law and with due regard to prevailing conditions.
Warning: Electronic Stability Program (ESP) must never let the driver be tempted into taking risks which could affect his or her safety or that of other road users. ESP cannot overcome consequences of driving with too much speed for prevailing conditions.
Caution: If repair or replacement of the steering or other surrounding equipment is necessary, always refer to your Aston Martin Dealer. There is a sensor in the steering system which detects steering angle. If the centre position of the steering deviates, the ESP may not operate correctly.
Caution: ESP may not operate correctly when using tyre chains or a temporary spare tyre.
Caution: Use tyres of the same manufacturer, brand, type, tread pattern and correct size specified in this handbook for this vehicle on all four road wheels. Do not mix new and worn tyres on the same axle.
This vehicle has 5 set drive modes available to the driver. GT, Sport, Sport+, Terrain and Terrain+ and a driver customizable Individual setting. Use the drive mode up (A) and down (B) buttons to cycle through the different drive modes.
Each drive mode affects the calibration settings of the below vehicle systems:
- ABS and ESP.
- Engine.
- Transmission.
- Suspension.
- Active roll control.
- Steering weight.
- Exhaust.
GT Mode
GT mode provides a default comfort setting, best suited to casual and motorway driving. The transmission is set to use a base transmission calibration when in Drive to suit a touring style of driving and is biased towards comfort. ESP is adjusted for maximum stabilization.
Sport Mode
Sport mode uses a more aggressive calibration when in Drive, yet still comfortable enough to be used for general driving. The exhaust bypass valves operate at lower engine speed to give a sense of increased driver involvement. Suspension ride height is lowered by 15 mm to high speed stage one to provide a lower centre of gravity and improved aerodynamics, and steering efforts are also increased to provide more driver feedback. Active roll control uses a stiffer profile than GT mode to provide greater stability at higher speeds.
Sport+ Mode
Warning: Sport+ mode is only intended for use on dry roads. Greater driver input will be required to maintain vehicle stability.
Warning: It is not recommended to drive the vehicle in Sport+ mode or with ESP Off when a roof load is attached due to the higher centre of gravity and the vehicle’s stability settings. There is an increased risk of and accident which can cause serious injury or death.
Sport+ mode is intended for use on dry roads with good grip levels, as stabilization control provided by ESP and ABS systems is reduced compared to Sport mode whilst set at the same high speed stage one ride height. Higher levels of wheel slip will be allowed and there will be less stabilization to yaw angle. The transmission is now set to use an even more aggressive calibration than used in Sport mode, with the exhaust bypass valves also revised to open at lower engine loads and speed. The centre differential settings are adjusted to provide an increased bias of drive torque to the rear axle, delivering similar dynamic performance to that of a rear wheel drive vehicle. Active roll control provides further stiffness than Sport mode.
Terrain Mode
Terrain and Terrain+ modes are intended to be used with All-Season tyres (Refer to ’All Season Tyres’, page 11.17).
Terrain mode increases ride height relative to GT mode by approximately 25 mm. ESP stabilization settings are biased to improve performance in an off-road environment, by allowing more wheel slip to enhance driveability and braking performance on low grip surfaces. In certain circumstances the higher levels of slip and corresponding reduction in yaw stabilization may require greater driver input to stabilize the vehicle. Active roll control is set to allow greater wheel movement at lower speed to give greater wheel contact on loose surfaces. Engine and transmission is set to a more off road bias by providing a more linear throttle profile and early changes into 2nd gear. If the vehicle is driven at speeds greater than 70 km/h (44 mph) for greater than 10 seconds, or above 80 km/h (50 mph), the suspension will lower to the standard ride height found in GT mode. The suspension ride height will be increased again once the vehicle speed falls below 70 km/h (44 mph).
Terrain+ Mode
Terrain+ increases the ride height relative to Terrain by a further 20 mm, whilst keeping the same ESP settings. Terrain+ is intended for use at low speed in challenging terrain and obstacles. Because the ride height is increased the available wheel travel is reduced by a corresponding amount and this will compromise ride comfort and traction in extreme scenarios. Because of this for most driving on low-grip surfaces Terrain mode should be used unless additional ground clearance of Terrain+ is required. If the vehicle is driven at speeds greater than 30 km/h (18 mph) for greater than 10 seconds, or above 40 km/h (25 mph), the suspension will lower to the ride height found in Terrain mode. The suspension ride height will be increased again once the vehicle speed falls below 30 km/h (18 mph).
Individual
The individual mode uses custom settings set by the driver in the infotainment system (Refer to ’Drive Modes’, page 10.2).
ESP
The ESP can be manually set in the infotainment system (Refer to ’Assistance’, page 10.3).
High-Speed Height Adjustment
High-Speed Stage One
Standard ride height for Sport and Sport+ modes.
If the vehicle is driven above 160 km/h (100 mph) for more than 10 seconds whilst at standard ride height, the suspension will lower by 15 mm. The suspension will raise when vehicle speed drops below 80 km/h (50 mph) for 20 seconds, or immediately if the speed drops below 50 km/h (30 mph).
High-Speed Stage Two
If the vehicle is driven above 200 km/h (125 mph) for more than 5 seconds, the suspension will lower by a further 5 mm. The suspension will raise when vehicle speed drops below 130 km/h (80 mph) for 20 seconds, or immediately if the speed drops below 50 km/h (30 mph).
Q&A
- How many drive modes does the Aston Martin DBX have?
The Aston Martin DBX has five drive modes. - What are the names of the five drive modes in the Aston Martin DBX?
The five drive modes in the Aston Martin DBX are GT, Sport, Sport Plus, Terrain, and Terrain Plus. - What does the GT drive mode do in the Aston Martin DBX?
The GT drive mode in the Aston Martin DBX provides a comfortable and relaxed ride for long-distance driving. The suspension is set up to provide a smooth and comfortable ride, while the throttle response is more relaxed for easy cruising. - What does the Sport drive mode do in the Aston Martin DBX?
The Sport drive mode in the Aston Martin DBX provides a sportier driving experience with more responsive suspension and throttle response. - What does the Sport Plus drive mode do in the Aston Martin DBX?
The Sport Plus drive mode in the Aston Martin DBX provides an even more aggressive driving experience with increased throttle response, faster gear changes, and a more aggressive exhaust note. - What does the Terrain drive mode do in the Aston Martin DBX?
The Terrain drive mode in the Aston Martin DBX is designed for off-road driving, with settings that optimize the vehicle’s performance on rough terrain. The suspension is raised to provide greater ground clearance, while the throttle response is adjusted to provide more low-end torque for better traction. - What does the Terrain Plus drive mode do in the Aston Martin DBX?
The Terrain Plus drive mode in the Aston Martin DBX adds a 360-degree camera system and hill descent control for even greater off-road capability. - How do you select the different drive modes in the Aston Martin DBX?
The different drive modes in the Aston Martin DBX can be selected using the car’s touchscreen display. - Can you switch between drive modes while driving the Aston Martin DBX?
Yes, you can switch between different drive modes while driving the Aston Martin DBX. - Does the drive mode affect the Aston Martin DBX’s suspension?
Yes, the drive mode affects the Aston Martin DBX’s suspension, with different modes providing different levels of stiffness. - Does the drive mode affect the Aston Martin DBX’s throttle response?
Yes, the drive mode affects the Aston Martin DBX’s throttle response, with different modes providing different levels of responsiveness. - Does the drive mode affect the Aston Martin DBX’s steering?
Yes, the drive mode affects the Aston Martin DBX’s steering, with different modes providing different levels of responsiveness. - Can you customize the drive modes in the Aston Martin DBX?
No, the drive modes in the Aston Martin DBX cannot be customized. - Does the Aston Martin DBX have a default drive mode?
Yes, the Aston Martin DBX has a default drive mode that is set to GT mode. - How does the Aston Martin DBX’s drive mode system enhance the driving experience?
The drive mode system in the Aston Martin DBX enhances the driving experience by allowing drivers to tailor the vehicle’s performance to their specific driving needs and preferences, making it a versatile and exciting luxury SUV.
Useful Links
View Full User Guide: Aston Martin DBX 2021 User Manual
Download Manuals: https://www.astonmartin.com/en/owners/owners-guides
