Style meets elegance

What does a castle have to do with a luxury SUV? At first glance, probably nothing – unless you imagine the lord of the castle driving into the forest in an off-roader. That’s more or less how this story will go. However, there are some special and extravagant differences to the ideas that have probably just emerged.

The venerable Ehreshoven Castle is located in the middle of North Rhine-Westphalia, just 30 kilometers from Cologne. The complex is mentioned in documents as early as 1355. It was rebuilt and extended in the 17th century. The actual castle, as it can still be found today, was built at the beginning of the 18th century. With its idyllic location and ambience, it has a first-class appearance.

Over the years, the sophisticated house has become a ladies′ residence – with style and elegance. True to the motto „treat what is entrusted to you with care,“ you feel right at home there. Speaking of handling with care – if not there, where else should the 1st Ladies Only Offroad Event of the venerable and stylish car brand Aston Martin take place? Skillfully maneuvering the Aston Martin DBX707 through the castle’s own park and forest – that has style.

Aston Martin DBX707 – a luxury SUV with breathtaking performance

Privately, I still drive a compact car, affectionately known as the Blitz. One engine, rear-wheel drive, and over 200 hp. Nice car. Now I’m sitting in an SUV with 707 hp, 900 Nm, and all-wheel drive. This car is packed with innovations and technology from motor racing.

Yes, you can change gear quickly, don’t notice the gear change, and have permanent propulsion. All this is wonderful – but other features play a role in the test. Various drive modes, the chassis, and traction are important off-road. For me, it was a fantastic experience that a 2.2-ton vehicle does exactly what I need it to do. It stays on track, doesn’t skid, doesn’t spin its tires, climbs every hill and ramp, and is simply a joy to drive – in its own elegant and stylish way.

I can see for myself that this car can do a lot. Adjusting the suspension via the height-adjustable air suspension. Traction settings at the touch of a button in the luxuriously sporty interior and, of course, the seats! A sports seat that couldn’t be more luxurious and sporty gives me a feeling of safety. Safety plays a major role in the Challenge. The vehicle itself is so safe that you never get a sinking feeling in your stomach, even at full throttle on the highway.

The Challenge – off-road through the forest Sophisticated, sporty and stylish.

16 women, eight luxury SUVs, and a varied test and training track through the estate’s own forest. I get to put the Aston DBX707 through its paces on the 2,000-hectare estate. Today it’s all about staying in control. The Aston is happy to let me do that.

Luckily, the weather was on the side of the off-roaders; 2 days of continuous rain before the event didn’t make the drive any easier, but all the more interesting and fun. In the midst of nature, exciting challenges and variety are provided. With the suspension raised, the route takes you through deep puddles of water and mud, bumpy inclines with gradients of over 30 degrees, over stones, off-road terrain, and obstacles.

The test track has it all. Every meter of this terrain is really complex. The feeling when the car leans to one side so much that it threatens to fall over at any moment or is so steep that you almost roll backwards is indescribable – but controlled. That’s what it’s all about!

A highlight – a narrow tree-trunk bridge over a small gorge. Millimeter work is required here. Some say it’s a disgrace to drive such a beautiful car through the mud – I think that’s a good thing. The mud on the rims, windows, and bodywork creates a harmonious picture. After all, that’s what this car is built for.