What's this?

This is the Aston Martin DBX, the company's first-ever SUV.

SUV? I thought Aston only made sports cars?

Well, quite, but we live in the real world and if Aston wants to make any money, it has to build the cars people want to buy, so an SUV it is.

Is this Aston's answer to the Porsche Cayenne, then?

Think more exclusive than that - more Bentley Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan, although it's not as monstrous as either of those.

Actually, it looks quite nice.

Doesn't it though? Aerodynamically clever too, both for interior refinement and for straight-line performance. Underneath, there's a new aluminium chassis, and up front there's a 550hp 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine. Good for a 4.5-second 0-62mph time and a top speed of 181mph. It gets four-wheel drive, of course, and uses a Mercedes-sourced nine-speed automatic gearbox.

Will it handle?

It should do - it gets adaptive air suspension with electronically controlled dampers and an active rear diff. Oh, and a 48-volt active anti-roll system, so it should stay flat through the corners.

It will be practical though, right?

Oh yes, the most practical Aston ever. There's a 642-litre boot and the cabin is a full five-seater. There's a luxurious full-leather interior, done with Bridge of Weir hides, and there's a new all-digital instrument panel too. Oh, and it's aimed at the female of the species - Aston actually sought advice from its own Female Advisory Board when designing the interior.

Anything else?

You can get special packs that give you built-in accessories for your dogs, or heated boot warmers for skiing trips. Sales will start at the end of next year, and prices kick off at £158,000.