Ferrari Purosangue Review

13 December 2024

A Ferrari you can… daily drive? Welcome to the Purosangue folks.

When Ferrari unveiled its first-ever SUV, or as they insist, NOT an SUV, the automotive world collectively gasped.

The Ferrari Purosangue, which loosely translates to “thoroughbred,” is Ferrari’s bold declaration that it can blend practicality with its trademark DNA of speed, performance, and unapologetic flair.

Big shoes to fill then. No pressure.

What Exactly Is It?

The Purosangue isn’t just a four-door, four-seat, four-wheel-drive luxury vehicle with a convenient monstrous 6.5-litre V12 under the hood. This is Ferrari’s attempt to carve out a new genre entirely.

While brands like Lamborghini and Aston Martin have already muscled into the SUV arena with the Urus and DBX 707, Ferrari has arrived at the table with a different recipe: don’t compromise on being Ferrari.

It’s as if the engineers were handed the brief: “Build something like an SUV, but make it sportier than the rest.” And boy, did they take it seriously.

More Horse, Less Wagon

From the moment you lay eyes on the Purosangue, it’s clear this feels different.

Yes, it’s tall and spacious, but Ferrari has ensured it feels more like a stretched-out sports car.

The V12 engine sits so far back in the bay that two of its cylinders might as well warm your knees, delivering a proper front-mid-engine balance.

Producing 715bhp, it launches the Purosangue from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.3 seconds and pushes it to a top speed of 310km/h. Not bad for something that also has a 473-litre boot.

The powertrain is no different; it’s quintessentially Ferrari: a rear-biased four-wheel-drive system borrowed from the GTC4Lusso, complete with an 8-speed gearbox at the back.

A Ferrari Through and Through

Most SUVs rely on brute force and clever electronics to manage their heft, but the Purosangue feels nimble, alive, and wonderfully rear-wheel-drive most of the time.

The steering is razor-sharp, and the V12 sings a symphony that’ll make any car enthusiast’s heart race. Unlike its rivals, the Purosangue doesn’t pretend to be an off-roader either. The four-wheel-drive system is a helper, not a star player.

Mud-plugging? Forget it. This Ferrari is happiest tearing through winding roads, its poise and agility more reminiscent of a sports coupe than a tall family hauler.

Its weight gives you confidence, reminding you there’s nearly 2,200kg of Ferrari brilliance under you. It’s engaging without being overwhelming, striking a harmonious balance between precision and practicality.

What’s Underneath the Magic Carpet Ride?

Now, I know suspension talk isn’t the sexiest topic, but stick with me here. The Purosangue’s TrueActive Spool Valve (TASV) suspension is the stuff of engineering geeks’ dreams.

A system where each wheel has its own electric motor, gearbox, and control module. It’s like having a psychic butler for every corner of the car.

Gone are the traditional anti-roll bars; Ferrari’s active suspension system handles everything. I couldn’t push the car much in the rain, but the ride is as smooth as a silk scarf in a Ferrari commercial.

May I Ask About Fuel Economy?

Let’s not kid ourselves. The V12’s hunger for fuel is legendary. A 100-litre tank might sound generous, but when you’re averaging “Ferrari-level” speeds, you’ll be lucky to eke out 400km.

But hey, if you’re shopping for a Ferrari, fuel economy probably isn’t at the top of your checklist.

Not Just For The Race Track

Despite its sporting prowess, the Ferrari Purosangue proves it can handle everyday life too.

The 473-litre boot may not rival a Land Rover’s, but it’s more than enough for a weekend getaway or a few designer shopping bags.

The rear-hinged doors add a touch of theatre every time you let someone in. Once inside, the rear seats offer more space than you’d expect, though the cabin does feel a bit shadowy thanks to limited natural light.

But what it lacks in brightness, it makes up for in quality. From the stitching to the materials, everything feels expensive and impeccably crafted.

It’s The Little Things That Matter

Best part is, unlike other luxury cocoons, this is a car that invites you to drive, to feel, and to connect with the road in ways no other SUV can.

That said, there are quirks. Ferrari isn’t shy about making passengers feel like co-pilots. In the Purosangue, the front passenger gets their own screen (no extra charge, mind you) to fiddle with while the driver focuses on taming the V12.

The setup looks sleek, minimalist even, thanks to a lack of physical buttons. But as the saying goes, beauty is only skin deep. The new user interface leans heavily on haptic controls, which sound futuristic but quickly veer into frustration territory.

For example, the driver’s information screen is controlled by a swipeable pad on the steering wheel. It’s fine when stationary, but once you’re on the move, trying to configure it feels like attempting surgery during turbulence.

And then there’s the central rotary knob, Ferrari’s answer to controlling everything from climate to drive modes. Tap the top to make it rise up. Tap again to select a function. Rotate to adjust.

Sounds simple enough, right? In practice, it’s fiddly, especially when you’re hurtling down a highway.

Even starting the car is now a haptic experience. Yes, the glorious V12 roars to life at the push of a pad rather than the satisfying click of a button. It’s a minor detail, but when you’re piloting a Ferrari, shouldn’t firing up the engine feel a bit more… tactile?

Minor gripes, though, when you consider what the Purosangue achieves.

How Does It Compare to Rivals?

If we’re talking about outright numbers, the Lamborghini Urus and DBX 707 can hold their own. They’re just as quick, arguably more spacious, and much cheaper. But what they can’t match is the Purosangue’s soul. The purity of its V12 engine, the uncanny balance of its chassis, and the sheer thrill of driving it are leagues ahead.

And while the Rolls-Royce Cullinan might rival it in price, the two are worlds apart. The Cullinan is about comfort and extravagance, whereas the Purosangue is all about delivering a raw, unfiltered Ferrari experience.

The Ferrari You Can Drive Every Day

The Ferrari Purosangue is a bonefide Ferrari that just so happens to be practical. By leaning heavily into its brand identity, Ferrari has created something that stands apart from its rivals. It’s not just a lifted sports car or a re-badged SUV, but rather a genuine daily Ferrari, with all the thrills that come with that badge.

For Ferrari purists, it’s proof that practicality doesn’t mean sacrificing passion. For everyone else? It’s a glimpse into what happens when you take an SUV and give it a soul.

Yes, it’s expensive, indulgent, and slightly impractical, but isn’t that what Ferrari is all about? A thoroughbred in every sense of the word.

Technical Specifications