Ferrari Purosangue Full Review: Is this the ultimate crossover between performance and practicality?

Watch Vicki Butler-Henderson give her verdict on the Ferrari Purosangue:

In this review, Vicki looks at Ferrari's foray into the SUV segment (it can be also considered a sports car). Clad in the unmistakable Ferrari Rosso red, this beast is certainly striking and has plenty of road presence. With prices starting at £314,000, it might sound a little pricey, but Ferrari say the Purosangue is a "genuine four-seater" and perhaps that's enough to justify the price tag?

Specifications

• Price: From £314,000
• Engine: 6.5L V12
• Power Output: 725bhp / 720Nm
• Transmission: F1 DCT 8-Speed
• 0-62mph: 3.3 seconds
• Top Speed: 193mph

Exterior & Design

If you took the Prancing Pony badge off the bodywork and alloys and painted it anything other than Rosso Red, at first glance you'd be forgiven for thinking it was anything but a Ferrari. It's not the traditional Ferrari sports car, which, as Vicki points out, is because it sits higher than anything else in the range. But for the more eagle-eyed among you, the design can be clearly identified as a Ferrari because of the way it has been designed for optimum aerodynamic performance, marked by its downforce-generating features.

Ferrari have really thought about this car and how to strike the perfect balance between looks and functionality. Looking at the front of the Purosangue, it is clear to see from the curvature of the body that air is sent over the lights and then down the side of the car, helping to create downforce. Moving to the rear of the car, the lack of a rear window wiper is a product of the spoiler as it is designed to keep the rear window clean.

Looking down on the car from above, there are options when it comes to the roof. If getting more light into the cabin is your preference, then you should opt for the panoramic roof. Whereas, if you are looking to break lap records at the Nürburgring, you should opt for the weight reducing carbon fibre roof. It probably won’t break any official records as it weighs just over 2,000kg and that is notably more than its predecessor, the GTC4 Lusso.

Staying close to the rear of the car, the rear doors are something to behold and a unique experience to use. Hinged at the back, they are suicide doors, but Ferrari call them 'welcome doors' and they really do set the car off well with an elegant finish.

Interior & Technology

You certainly won’t miss your driving data in the Purosangue with a huge digital display which looks as deep as it is wide. Ferrari haven’t forgotten your passenger too here as there is also a screen (albeit a tad smaller) situated directly in front of the passenger seat. Separating the two screens is a control centre for various driver comforts including your climate control, heated seats, heated steering wheel, etc.

Vicki recommends taking the time to work out which buttons do what with the central control system, as it's not as intuitive as you might think. Perhaps the Purosangue's most underwhelming feature, especially if you want to adjust the cabin temperature on the move.

Turn your attention to the steering wheel and it is unmistakably Ferrari. The huge carbon-fibre paddle shifters, the plethora of buttons on the steering wheel, the driving mode dial and the button indicators are all synonymous with a modern Ferrari. Sticking with the steering wheel, Vicki points out a new to Ferrari feature which is Hill Descent Control. This controls the speed of going down a steep hill and is something more associated with off-roaders and something Land Rover first used twenty-or-so years ago.

To address the elephant in the room and a question most people would ask about this car - can you actually fit two adults in the back? Well, it depends. Although those rear seats are heated and do look quite comfortable, the space in the back is not a luxury in abundance and so if you're 6ft over, you probably wouldn't want to make a long journey in the back.

Wheels & Tyres

The Purosangue stands tall – literally – on a staggered wheel setup designed for both performance and aesthetics. With 22-inch front and 23-inch rear alloys, they are wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza Sport tyres which helps enhance performance and comfort, with the help of B-Silent Technology which is designed to minimise road noise and improve overall driving experience.

With an average rating of 4.5/5 rating from real drivers on DriverReviews, they’re the perfect match for the Purosangue’s blend of luxury and agility, helping to keep the car planted whether you’re cruising through the city or tackling twisty backroads.

Engine & Performance

At the heart of the Purosangue lies a 6.5-litre V12 engine, an ode to Ferrari’s unwavering commitment to performance. Configured in a classic V-shape, this naturally aspirated engine produces an impressive 725bhp and just under 720Nm of torque, pushing the car from 0 to 62mph in just 3.3 seconds and achieving a top speed of 193mph.

Ferrari has mounted this V12 as close to the centre of the car as possible, ensuring optimal weigh distribution and a balancing driving experience, making the Purosangue feel as much like a sports car as possible, despite its size. In an era where many manufacturers are leaning towards downsized turbocharged engines, Ferrari’s commitment to the V12 is a bold move, offering unparalleled sound, smoothness, and performance.

Handling & On-Road Performance

The part you are probably most interested in - what is it like on the road? The prospect of getting behind the wheel of a £300,000+ sports car / SUV with a 6.5 litre V12 engine producing 725bhp is daunting. However, this car as reported by Vicki is nothing short of fun and you get the true Ferrari driving experience despite that fact its ground clearance.

An immersive experience, enhanced by the carbon-fibre paddle shifters, and an engine with a combined fuel consumption of just 16mpg give you the rare experience of taking a two-tonne vehicle to 62mph in 3.3 seconds. The Purosangue then continues to accelerate to a top speed of 193mph - it's no wonder this SUV-sized vehicle can be considered a high-performance sports car.

In terms of how the car transfers its power from the engine to the road, the chassis is technically 4-wheel drive and yet, most of the power is sent to the rear wheels most of the time. An active suspension system paired with a whole host of additional technology aid the handling performance of the Purosangue and give it that sports car edge.

Manettino Dial/Driving Modes

Ferrari’s iconic Manettino switch takes pride of place on the Purosangue’s steering wheel, offering modes to suit various driving conditions. Choose from settings like Comfort, Sport, Race, and Wet to tailor the car’s performance to your mood. With a higher ground clearance than your usual Ferrari, this allows the Purosangue to effortlessly handle speed bumps and uneven terrain, although don’t expect there to be an off-road mode – this is still a sports car at heart.

The Manettino switch underscores Ferrari’s ability to blend tradition and innovation, letting drivers experience everything from refined cruising to thrilling high-speed dynamics with a simple flick of a dial. It’s just one more way the Purosangue bridges the gap between practicality and the exhilarating performance Ferrari is known for.

Vicki’s Verdict

“This car has a mix of crowd pleasing looks, Ferrari handling, and a V12 engine. Tick, tick, tick.”

As the first of its kind in the Ferrari range, there isn't much to compare it to other than the GTC4 Lusso. But for a first attempt at a machine with all the power of a Ferrari and more ground clearance than usual, Ferrari have produced something special.

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