DBX

The Sardinia of real holidays is not made of perfect coast roads alone: it is the final kilometre of white gravel track down to a cove, the unpaved car park of a fishermen's restaurant, seats to be filled with children, beach towels and kit. The DBX resolves all of it without asking you to give up the badge: five genuine seats, all-wheel drive, more than 600 litres of boot space and a V8 that reminds you, with every pull away, which family it comes from.

It is the ideal machine for the south coast: base yourself at Chia or Pula, make daily runs to Tuerredda and Su Giudeu, and return to the resort with multi-zone climate control restoring peace to the whole car. We explore the theme at greater length in our guide to luxury SUVs in Sardinia: space and comfort without giving up prestige.

The 550 hp 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 has a warm burble that the air suspension makes no attempt to hide: the DBX travels composed and quiet when required, but bury the throttle and the bulk simply vanishes. The 0–100 km/h time of 4.5 seconds and the pull towards a 291 km/h top speed describe an SUV that thinks — and sounds — like a sports car.

The 48-volt active anti-roll bars hold the body flat where other SUVs sway, and the 9-speed automatic works away in the background without drawing attention to itself. Through corners it drives like a grand tourer on stilts: honest steering, body roll all but absent. On the inland climbs between Santadi and the woods of the Sulcis, it reveals a high-altitude touring stride that surprises everyone who tries it.

The 707 version raises the bar: 707 hp, a 9-speed gearbox with a wet clutch for faster shifts, uprated brakes and a recalibrated chassis that places it among the fastest SUVs on the road. The character shifts register entirely — less cruiser, more predator, with an exhaust that is decidedly less diplomatic.

Standard or 707, the DBX remains the most versatile gateway into the Aston Martin world. You will find it in our selection of luxury SUVs for rent in Sardinia, with delivery available in Chia and along the south coast: one car for the beach in the morning, the fairway in the afternoon and dinner in Cagliari at night.