Ferrari Purosangue Review: A Family Hauler That Thinks It’s a Supercar

Well, folks, it finally happened. Ferrari caved. The last holdout of the “we’ll never build an SUV” club has gone and done exactly that. Meet the 2024 Ferrari Purosangue, which happens to be the most controversial Ferrari since they put paddle shifters in the F355 and traditionalists had a meltdown.

Let’s be clear about one thing right away though, Ferrari does not want you calling this an SUV. Nope. It’s a “four-door, four-seater Ferrari.” You know, like the FF and GTC4Lusso, but with more ground clearance and actual usability.

So, is the Purosangue a sellout move, or is it the best thing to happen to Ferrari since Enzo himself? Let’s dig in and see what this performance SUV… oops, I mean “four door, four seat Ferrari”, is all about.

Supercar DNA With an SUV Body

At first glance, the Purosangue looks like a mutant offspring of an F12 Berlinetta and a Lamborghini Urus. It’s low-slung for an SUV, aggressive as all get-out, and dare we say it…pretty damn good-looking.

The proportions are sleek, with a long nose, wide haunches, and a stance that says, “I can drop your kids off at school… at 193 mph.” The suicide rear doors (yes, really) add a touch of drama, and the lack of traditional door handles keeps it looking sharp and modern.

Under the Hood: Because a Ferrari SUV Needs a Proper Ferrari Engine

Ferrari could have taken the easy route and shoved a twin-turbo V8 in this thing, but no. They decided to go all out with a naturally aspirated V12. And for that, we applaud them.

Specs That Matter:

• Engine: 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12
• Power: 715 horsepower @ 7,750 rpm
• Torque: 528 lb-ft @ 6,250 rpm
• 0-60 mph: 3.2 seconds
• Top Speed: 193 mph
• Drivetrain: All-wheel drive (with a rear-wheel bias, because Ferrari)
• Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic

Now, let’s be honest here, does anyone need a V12-powered, 715-horsepower SUV? No. But does that matter? Absolutely not.

The Purosangue’s V12 is a thing of beauty, revving out to a glorious 8,250 rpm with a soundtrack that makes even the most hardened SUV critics weak in the knees and giggle like little school girls. Unlike turbocharged competitors, there’s no artificial exhaust trickery present, it’s just pure, mechanical symphony.

Driving Experience: The SUV That Doesn’t Drive Like One

You’d expect a 4,800-pound Ferrari to feel… well, heavy. But somehow, it doesn’t. Thanks to an active suspension system that might as well be witchcraft, the Purosangue corners like a much smaller and nibblier car.

The new Multimatic True Active Spool Valve dampers (a fancy pants way of saying “really smart shocks”) keep body roll in check without needing traditional anti-roll bars. The result? A big SUV that feels as agile as a Ferrari should.

Steering is razor-sharp, response is immediate, and despite the all-wheel-drive system, it still feels like a rear-wheel-drive Ferrari when pushed hard.

Sure, it’s not a 296 GTB, but compared to other performance SUVs? It’s a whole different ballgame.

Interior: Luxurious, But Still All Ferrari

The Purosangue’s interior is a mix of familiar Ferrari touches and surprising practicality. Unlike other Ferrari models, it’s actually spacious—rear passengers get real legroom, and there’s even a respectable cargo area.

Interior Standouts:

• Digital Dash and Passenger Screen: The driver gets a full digital display, and the front passenger gets their own screen for entertainment and trip info.
• Suede-Lined Ceiling and Carbon Fiber Everywhere: Because of course.
• Four Individual Bucket Seats: No boring bench seats here…just four proper sport seats.
• Cargo Space: 16.7 cubic feet, so enough for luggage, but don’t expect Range Rover levels of practicality.

It’s a weird blend of luxury and sportiness, but Ferrari seems to pull it off. The tech is all cutting-edge, yet it still feels like a driver’s car inside.

Trims & Options: a Base Model Ferrari Doesn’t Really Exist

Ferrari doesn’t really do “trims” the way other car brands do. Instead, they offer a staggering amount of customization. You’re not picking between an “SE” and an “S-Line”, you’re choosing every detail down to the color of the stitching.

Interesting Options & Customizations:

• Endless Paint Options: Ferrari will paint your Purosangue in practically any color imaginable (for a hefty price, of course).
• Upgraded Audio System: A Burmester 3D surround sound system is available if you somehow don’t want to listen to the V12 melodies.
• Carbon Fiber Everything: Want a carbon fiber roof? Carbon fiber interior panels? Ferrari’s got you covered.
• Massaging Seats: Because even a V12 Ferrari SUV should have some comfort.

Starting price? Around $400,000. Pile on a few options though and don’t be surprised if you’re looking at $500k or more.

What Else Can You Buy for This Money?

The Purosangue is in a league of its own, but here’s what else you could get in the super-SUV world:

Lamborghini Urus Performante

• Power: 657 hp from a twin-turbo V8
• 0-60 mph: 3.0 seconds
• Top Speed: 190 mph
• Starting Price: $270,000
• The Verdict: The Urus is fast, wild-looking, and a solid performer, but it lacks the exclusivity and V12 magic of the Purosangue.

Aston Martin DBX 707

• Power: 697 hp from a twin-turbo V8
• 0-60 mph: 3.1 seconds
• Top Speed: 193 mph
• Starting Price: $245,000
• The Verdict: The DBX 707 is gorgeous and shockingly quick, but does it have Ferrari’s mystique? Not quite.

Bentley Bentayga Speed

• Power: 626 hp from a twin-turbo W12
• 0-60 mph: 3.1 seconds
• Top Speed: 190 mph
• Starting Price: $260,000
• The Verdict: Luxurious, but not as sporty or exciting as the Purosangue.

What We Wish Was Different

Look, we love the Purosangue, but no car is perfect. Here are a few things we’d tweak:

1. The Price: It starts at $400 big ones and that’s before you check any of the tempting option boxes. For a family hauler, that’s… a lot.
2. The Tech Interface: Ferrari’s infotainment system is still a bit clunky. For around a half a million bucks, it should be flawless.
3. No Plug-In Hybrid Option: Ferrari has good hybrid tech in the SF90 and 296 GTB, so why not offer it here for extra efficiency and power?

Verdict: A Super-SUV Done the Ferrari Way

The Purosangue is everything Ferrari fans feared, and everything they secretly hoped for. It’s fast, loud, impractical in all the best ways, and totally unnecessary…but that’s exactly what makes it so great.

Sure, it’s expensive. Sure, it’s an SUV that Ferrari won’t dare to call an SUV. But it’s also a Ferrari that delivers an experience no other high-performance SUV can.  If you want the ultimate family hauler with a prancing horse badge, this is it.

Now, what do you think? Is Ferrari’s SUV-for-people-who-don’t-call-it-an-SUV a masterpiece or a betrayal? Drop your thoughts below!

Ferrari SUV Review Photos:

Chris Edwards

Chris Edwards has loved everything cars since he was rocking Pampers and a pacifier. In his formative years, Chris spent much of his time soaking up one car magazine to the next ranging from Car & Driver to Truckin. Since college, Chris has written a number of automotive articles. His primary goal has been to entertain the reader while providing richly informative and accurate pieces. As a product of the 90’s, many of Chris’s favorite cars are from this decade, although he appreciates all automotive eras.