The Ferrari Purosangue is the brand’s first foray into SUV territory, but it does not abandon its roots. At its core is a 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12, producing 715 horsepower and 716 Nm of torque. That is not an engine configuration one expects from a four-door vehicle with a high seating position, yet Ferrari has done it without apology.
Engineering Without Compromise
The powertrain is front-mid mounted for weight distribution. It is paired with an all-wheel-drive system that disengages the front wheels above fourth gear and 200 km/h, reverting to rear-wheel drive. The transmission is an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic, with rapid shifts that mimic those of its two-door siblings.
The Purosangue reaches 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds and has a top speed of over 310 km/h. Despite its 2,033 kg curb weight, it handles more like a grand tourer than a crossover. There is no hybrid tech, no turbos, just displacement and revs, peaking at 8,250 rpm.
Reimagining Design Standards
Unlike competitors, Ferrari didn’t opt for a coupe-style SUV shape. The proportions are clean. Aerodynamic channels run through the bodywork instead of bolt-on spoilers. The Purosangue sits on adaptive suspension using Multimatic’s True Active Spool Valve dampers. They read the road and respond without leaning on traditional anti-roll bars.
Interior
Inside, it seats four in individual buckets. There’s no central screen. The driver gets a digital dash, while the passenger has their display. Materials are premium but not dripping in excess. The rear-hinged back doors improve access while keeping proportions tight. Boot space stands at 473 litres, modest by SUV standards, but enough for a weekend run.
An Evolution Of Purpose
Ferrari insists this isn’t a utility vehicle but a performance machine that happens to have space. It’s not chasing market share. It exists because clients wanted a daily driver without giving up the soundtrack of a V12. The Purosangue is limited in production, deliberately. Around 20 per cent of Ferrari’s annual output will include it, keeping its presence balanced against coupes and spiders.
Conclusion
The Ferrari Purosangue marks a shift without losing essence. It bends category definitions but refuses to dilute engineering values. The V12 lives on, and it roars through the trees. This time, from the seat of an SUV.
