Aston Martin has been teasing the DBX crossover for quite some time, but now we’re getting our first glimpse of the interior.

While it’s far from production ready, the cabin could easily be mistaken for something made by Mercedes. This, of course, isn’t a coincidence, as the two companies have forged a strategic partnership and this has paved the way for Aston Martin to use Mercedes-sourced engines and technologies.

Getting back to the prototype, we can see that the DBX has been outfitted with a Mercedes-sourced steering wheel which has conveniently had its airbag and star emblem removed. It sits ahead of a massive digital instrument cluster, but it remains unclear if that particular display will indeed make it to the production model.

The center stack houses a hodgepodge of parts, including a number of Mercedes-sourced components such as the switchgear and infotainment system. We can also see two square air vents which appear similar to those used on the new Vantage.

While the prototype certainly has a Mercedes vibe, Aston Martin fans shouldn’t worry too much. Other models also use Mercedes-sourced parts and technology, but it’s mostly away hidden out of sight – and those that are not don’t distract from the cabin’s unique ambience.

The exterior pictures don’t show anything we haven’t seen before; the upcoming crossover will have traditional Aston Martin styling cues including a familiar grille and flush-mounted door handles, as well as a curvaceous bodywork, distinctive tailgate with an integrated spoiler, a sloping roofline and dual exhausts.

The DBX will be unveiled later this year and it is expected to be powered by a Mercedes-sourced, and Aston-tuned, twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 that produces around 503 hp (375 kW / 510 PS) and 505 lb-ft (685 Nm) of torque. It will most likely be coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission and a rear-biased all-wheel drive system.

Picture credits: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien and CarPix for Carscoops