The Ferrari Purosangue represents the Italian automaker’s first foray into the SUV market, aiming to combine the driving dynamics of a sports car with the practicality of a four-door vehicle. Despite its SUV-like appearance, the Purosangue performs more like a sports sedan than a crossover, thanks to its V-12 engine, rear-biased weight distribution, and advanced suspension technology.
The Purosangue is equipped with a 6.5-liter V-12 engine generating 715 horsepower and 528 lb-ft of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0-60 mph in an estimated 3.2 seconds. The engine’s high-revving nature and distinctive sound significantly enhance the driving experience. However, the vehicle’s weight of over 4,700 pounds means drivers must put in effort to achieve its full performance.
In terms of handling, the Purosangue impresses with its Multimatic-designed True Active Spool Valve (TASV) suspension system, which virtually eliminates body roll in “Hard” mode. The steering feels remarkably light and precise, and the carbon-ceramic brakes deliver strong, consistent stopping power.
While the Purosangue excels in on-road performance, it lacks true off-road capability, lacks sand or rock driving modes and features large, low-profile tires unsuitable for rough terrain. Additionally, the touch-capacitive controls for the climate and infotainment systems are described as frustratingly fiddly and inconsistent, presenting a significant drawback, particularly for daily driving.
Overall, the Ferrari Purosangue stands as a unique and highly capable performance SUV. However, its high price tag of over $500,000 as tested and some ergonomic issues may limit its appeal to all but the most dedicated Ferrari enthusiasts.
