Last Updated on January 30, 2026 by gregor
There are destinations that elevate a driving experience—and then there are places like the Dolomites in winter. Sharp light, snow-covered passes, and roads that demand respect. When Aston Martin invited me to Northern Italy for a winter test of the Aston Martin DBX S, it was clear this would be less about spectacle and more about substance.
Over two days in January, the program combined alpine driving, understated luxury, and thoughtful pacing. No artificial drama. Just the opportunity to understand how Aston Martin’s “Supercar of SUVs” behaves when conditions are real, not rehearsed.
Arrival in the Alps: Aston Martin Setting the Tone
The journey began with a short flight from Vienna to Innsbruck, followed by a transfer deeper into South Tyrol. As the landscape transitioned from valley floor to high alpine terrain, the atmosphere shifted. Snow-lined forests, clean air, and that unmistakable Dolomite geometry—vertical, calm, and commanding.
Our base was Santre Dolomythic, a modern alpine retreat above Bressanone/Brixen. Wood, stone, glass, and space—designed to slow you down without asking.
After check-in, the afternoon was intentionally open. Time to settle, take in the views, or explore the wellness facilities before the evening program began .
Evenings Done Properly: Welcome Dinner & Atmosphere
By early evening, the group gathered for pre-dinner drinks. There was no rush, no overt branding overload. Aston Martin’s team—led by Dan Connell and his European PR colleagues—set a tone that matched the brand: confident, calm, and precise.
Dinner followed shortly after. Regional ingredients, modern South Tyrolean cuisine, and conversations that naturally moved between cars, design, and travel. This wasn’t a loud launch. It felt curated for people who already understand the brand and wanted to experience the product properly.
The Morning Before the Drive: Clarity and Contrast
The next morning started early—but gently. Breakfast from 07:30, followed by optional sunrise yoga and a morning flow session. Snow outside, warmth inside. A quiet contrast that sharpened focus.
Later in the morning, guests could enjoy the spa: sauna infusions, ice baths in the natural pond, or simply time to pause. It’s a detail worth mentioning—because it framed the drive perfectly. Relaxed body, clear head. The best way to approach serious alpine roads .
First Encounter: Aston Martin DBX S
By midday, it was time. The DBX S stood outside—clean lines against white snow. Even at rest, it carries presence. Less aggressive than some competitors, more composed. Very Aston Martin.
Key impressions before driving:
- Proportions feel balanced, not oversized
- Design language clearly connected to the brand’s sports cars
- Details—grille, stance, interior materials—signal performance without shouting
Inside, the cabin is focused and luxurious. Not experimental. Not trying too hard. Everything feels intentional.
On the Road: Winter Driving in the Dolomites
We departed Santre Dolomythic shortly after 12:30, heading onto a carefully chosen alpine route. Snow was present, but conditions were realistic—not artificially extreme. Exactly what you want to test a high-performance luxury SUV.
Driving Dynamics That Matter
The DBX S delivers its performance in a very controlled way. Power is available immediately, but never abrupt. On winding mountain roads, this matters.
What stood out most:
- Traction and confidence on snow-dusted asphalt
- Steering precision that feels unusually direct for an SUV
- Balance through corners, even on changing surfaces
- Composure at higher speeds without disconnecting the driver
This is not a vehicle that isolates you from the road. It communicates—but politely.
Suspension & Comfort
In winter conditions, suspension tuning becomes critical. The DBX S absorbs imperfections without floatiness. Over longer stretches, it remains comfortable. Over tighter sections, it stays sharp.
You sense the engineering effort to keep weight in check and responses clean.
Coffee Stop & Content Capture
Midway through the route, we stopped for coffee—an opportunity to step back, look at the cars in their element, and capture content. Snow, stone villages, and modern British design made for a natural contrast.
This pause also reinforced something important: the DBX S belongs here. It doesn’t feel like a city SUV pretending to be adventurous. It feels capable, grounded, and entirely at ease in the mountains.
The Return Drive: Confidence Builds
The second half of the route allowed for a slightly more dynamic pace. Familiarity breeds confidence, and the DBX S rewards that trust. Grip remains predictable. Power delivery stays refined.
There’s a subtle satisfaction in driving a vehicle that doesn’t constantly remind you of its abilities—but simply performs when asked.
By the time we returned to Santre Dolomythic in the afternoon, the impression was clear.
The Dolomites: More Than a Backdrop
The Dolomites are not just visually dramatic. They demand precision—from drivers, vehicles, and planners. Roads are narrow, elevation changes constant, and weather unpredictable.
That’s exactly why this location works so well for a car like the DBX S. It’s a proving ground without being theatrical. Every corner, incline, and braking zone reveals something about the vehicle.
And beyond driving, the region offers a rare blend of Italian culture and alpine discipline. Food, design, and hospitality feel thoughtful, not indulgent.
Final Thoughts: Who Is the DBX S For?
The Aston Martin DBX S is not trying to be the loudest or the most extreme SUV in its segment. Instead, it delivers something more difficult:
- Real performance without aggression
- Luxury without excess
- Confidence without compromise
For drivers who value precision, design, and composure—especially those who travel between cities, mountains, and long-distance routes—this car makes sense.
Experiencing it in winter, in the Dolomites, was the right context. Controlled. Honest. Elegant.
This was not just a test drive. It was a reminder that true luxury often reveals itself under demanding conditions—quietly, confidently, and without needing to prove a point.
Disclosure: I was invited by Aston Martin Europe to participate in this experience. As always, all observations and opinions are my own.
THE ASTON MARTIN DBX S – HIGHLIGHTS
A NEW FLAGSHIP FOR THE SUPERCAR OF SUVS
- A new flagship for Aston Martin’s acclaimed SUV, DBX
- Power raised to mighty 727PS, backed by 900Nm of torque
- Lightweight options offer a reduction of up to 47kg over continuing DBX707
- New carbon fibre roof lowers centre of gravity for even more dynamic handling
- Dramatic new front grille and transformed rear provides DBX S with unmistakable identity
- Distinictive ‘S’ interior styling with options in Alcantra and leather
- The latest in a long line of ‘S’ high performance Aston Martins, dating back to the 1953 DB3S