Aston Martin DBX vs Bentley Bentayga: The Ultimate Luxury SUV for Switzerland

The British luxury SUV segment today offers two references that dominate the Swiss market: the Aston Martin DBX and the Bentley Bentayga. Two different interpretations of the high-end SUV, signed by two historic English marques. Two philosophies. Two experiences.

Which one to choose for Swiss use daily commutes between Geneva and Lausanne, a winter escape to Verbier or Saint-Moritz, a family road trip to Italy? This article compares the two models point by point, without compromise.

Aston Martin DBX vs Bentley Bentayga: The Fundamental Differences at a Glance

Before the detail, here is the comparative summary of the two SUVs:

Criterion	Aston Martin DBX	Bentley Bentayga
Origin	Gaydon (UK)	Crewe (UK)
Main engine	4.0L twin-turbo V8 (AMG)	4.0L twin-turbo V8 / 6.0L W12
Power (DBX 707 / Bentayga Speed)	707 hp	635 hp (V8 S) / 626 hp (W12)
0-100 km/h	3.3 s (DBX 707)	3.9 s (Speed)
Top speed	310 km/h (DBX 707)	306 km/h (Speed)
Transmission	All-wheel drive, active torque distribution	All-wheel drive, 8-speed ZF
Seats	5	5 (4 or 7-seat option)
Kerb weight	~2,245 kg	~2,415 kg
Philosophy	Sporty, purebred SUV	Grand luxury, comfort-focused SUV

Both cars share a British origin and the ultra-premium SUV segment. But they embody two opposing visions of the luxury SUV.

Aston Martin DBX: The English Sports SUV

The Aston Martin DBX is Aston Martin’s most accomplished foray into the SUV segment. Launched in 2020 and modernised with the DBX 707 version in 2022, it follows a clear philosophy: performance before comfort, without giving up the finishing refinement typical of the brand.

The 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8: An AMG Heart in an Aston Dress

The DBX’s engine is a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 developed by Mercedes-AMG, shared with other high-end models within the group. In the DBX 707, it develops 707 horsepower and 900 Nm of torque, making it, at launch, the most powerful production SUV on the market.

The experience is radically different from a “classic” SUV: brutal acceleration, a raspy climb through the rev range, sports-saloon behaviour despite a mass of over 2.2 tonnes. The balance between power and mass is one of the best mastered in the segment.

Chassis and Handling: More Sports Car than SUV

The DBX stands out for its chassis, unusually engaging for an SUV :

• Adaptive air suspension
• Active anti-roll bars (48V eARC system)
• Active torque distribution between axles
• Electronic limited-slip rear differential

The result: on a winding road, the DBX behaves more like a jacked-up GT than an SUV. The steering is precise, body roll is contained, and braking bites hard.

It is, in our view, the most sporting British SUV available today.

For Which Profile?

The Aston Martin DBX is aimed primarily at:

• Sporting profiles looking for an SUV that keeps the dynamic DNA of a sports saloon
• Drivers who want a single vehicle for daily use and driving pleasure
• Active families on winding roads (Alps, mountain passes, secondary roads)
• Aesthetes drawn to Aston Martin design (grille, lines, presence)

It appeals less to a profile seeking absolute maximum comfort at the expense of dynamics.

Bentley Bentayga: The British Grand Luxury SUV

The Bentley Bentayga follows a radically different philosophy. Launched in 2015 and thoroughly restyled in 2020, it is the grand luxury SUV par excellence: supreme comfort, jeweller’s finishing, performance present but subordinate to the travel experience.

The Engines: V8 or W12, Two Approaches

The Bentayga comes in several engine variants:

Bentley Bentayga V8 : 4.0L twin-turbo V8 developing 550 horsepower, a refined balance of performance and consumption.

Bentley Bentayga Speed : twin-turbo V8 pushed to 635 horsepower, the most performance-oriented version of the current range.

Bentley Bentayga W12 (limited production until 2023): 6.0L W12 engine with 626 horsepower, the final iteration of an emblematic engine from the brand that has since ceased production.

Bentley Bentayga Hybrid : turbo V6 plus electric motor, around 449 combined horsepower, for more everyday use with tighter emissions constraints.

What sets the Bentayga apart is not raw power (the DBX 707 does better), but the way that power is delivered : hushed, linear, without aggression.

The Interior: The Pinnacle of British Automotive Luxury

This is where the Bentayga sets itself apart most radically from the DBX. The Bentley interior is probably the most luxurious in the global SUV segment :

• Leather selected and worked by Bentley craftsmen in Crewe
• Marquetry in fine wood (Mulliner option)
• Diamond-quilted leather on the seats with hand-stitched finishing
• Metallic inserts in silver or gold finish depending on options
• Breitling clock, Mulliner option
• Naim audio system (option), considered one of the best in the automotive industry

The experience is that of a hotel suite in motion, not merely a vehicle.

For Which Profile?

The Bentley Bentayga is aimed primarily at:

• Profiles seeking the absolute travel experience more than dynamic performance
• Families who value space, quietness and comfort
• Long-distance travellers (Geneva-Saint-Moritz, Geneva-Côte d’Azur)
• Traditionalist profiles of British automotive luxury

It appeals less to a driver seeking sporting engagement on winding roads.

Aston Martin DBX vs Bentley Bentayga: Which One for Which Swiss Use?

Use in Switzerland brings out practical differences between the two models.

Daily Urban Use (Geneva, Lausanne, Zurich)

A tie. Both vehicles navigate comfortably in town despite their substantial footprint. Visibility, manoeuvrability and parking-assist systems are equivalent.

Motorway Journeys (Geneva-Bern, Lausanne-Zurich)

Advantage Bentayga. Suspension comfort, superior sound insulation and the elevated driving position make it an exceptional motorway vehicle. The DBX remains excellent, but slightly more present.

Winding Alpine Roads (Swiss passes, the climb to Verbier or Crans-Montana)

Advantage DBX. The DBX’s sporting chassis, its immediate torque and dynamic behaviour make it an engaging partner on pass roads. The Bentayga is competent, but its philosophy is not a dynamic one.

Winter Driving (Snowy roads, ski resorts)

An even match. Both come with an effective all-wheel-drive system. The Bentayga offers a slight edge in comfort on degraded roads; the DBX offers a slight edge in dynamic control.

Family with Children

Advantage Bentayga. Superior rear space, a 7-seat option on certain configurations, and finishes more forgiving of regular family use.

Aston Martin DBX vs Bentley Bentayga: Price and Value in Switzerland

The new prices in Switzerland fall within comparable ranges:

• Aston Martin DBX 707: Swiss list price around CHF 280,000 to 320,000 depending on options.
• Bentley Bentayga V8: Swiss list price around CHF 240,000 to 280,000 depending on options.
• Bentley Bentayga Speed: Swiss list price around CHF 290,000 to 340,000 depending on options.

On the used-market value side, the Bentayga undergoes a more pronounced depreciation in its early years (characteristic of the ultra-luxury SUV segment), while the DBX, being newer, currently shows moderate depreciation.

DBX or Bentayga on Subscription with Nuvero?

Both models may be available through the Nuvero subscription service, subject to availability.

Our practical recommendation:

• Choose the DBX if you want an SUV that keeps the soul of a sports car, and if your use includes winding roads or moments of engaged driving.
• Choose the Bentayga if you are looking for the absolute luxury experience, maximum comfort, space, and mostly motorway or urban use.

FAQ: Aston Martin DBX vs Bentley Bentayga

Which is the fastest British SUV?

The Aston Martin DBX 707 with its 707 horsepower and 0-100 in 3.3 seconds. The Bentley Bentayga Speed (635 hp) remains very capable but trails slightly on the raw figures.

Which is more comfortable day-to-day?

The Bentley Bentayga, without question. Its philosophy is one of supreme comfort, whereas the DBX favours dynamics.

Which one to choose for family use?

The Bentley Bentayga, particularly in the 7-seat configuration, is better suited to families. The DBX remains usable with a family but with less rear space.

Are both usable in winter in Switzerland?

Yes, perfectly. Both come with an effective all-wheel-drive system and can be fitted with winter tyres. Both are perfectly suited to use in Verbier, Saint-Moritz or Crans-Montana.

Which has the better interior finish?

The Bentley Bentayga remains the absolute benchmark of the segment for finishing. The DBX offers a refined finish, but a more modern and dynamic one, less traditional.

Which holds its value better on the used market?

Historically, ultra-luxury SUVs undergo significant depreciation. The DBX, being newer, currently shows moderate depreciation. The Bentayga undergoes more pronounced depreciation in its early years.

Conclusion: Two Visions of the British SUV, No Wrong Choice

The Aston Martin DBX and the Bentley Bentayga are not in strict competition. They are two complementary visionsof the high-end British SUV, designed for different profiles.

The DBX for the sporting enthusiast who wants an SUV. The Bentayga for the luxury traditionalist who wants a singular vehicle. Neither is superior to the other only better suited to a given profile.

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