Ferrari Purosangue Review: Sports Car or SUV?

Driving the Controversial Ferrari

The moment you grip the steering wheel of the Ferrari Purosangue, the SUV debate becomes irrelevant. What matters is how this machine transforms expectations. After driving it on challenging New Zealand roads similar to Australian conditions, I can confirm Ferrari's engineering achievement: they've created a vehicle defying categorization.

Priced from $728,000 before on-roads (reaching $1M fully optioned), this isn't just another luxury SUV. The rear-hinged doors open to reveal an interior that prioritizes driver engagement over utility. You sit low, surrounded by Ferrari's signature cockpit design with the Manettino dial at your fingertips. Even the left-hand drive configuration on right-hand roads quickly feels natural—such is the intuitive design.

The Heart of the Matter: V12 Performance

At its core lies Ferrari's masterpiece: a front-mid-mounted 6.5L V12 derived from the 812 Superfast. While slightly muted compared to pure sports cars, its 533kW and 716Nm outputs deliver brutal acceleration:

0-100km/h in 3.3 seconds
0-200km/h in 10.6 seconds

The engineering extends beyond raw numbers. By placing the engine behind the front axle and utilizing a dedicated chassis, Ferrari achieved near-perfect 49:51 weight distribution. This explains why the Purosangue corners without body roll—a revelation for a vehicle with 203mm ground clearance.

Design That Defies Convention

Ferrari's design team executed a near-impossible brief: create an elevated vehicle that looks unmistakably like a Ferrari. The Purosangue's roofline flows with sports car proportions, while functional aerodynamics manage airflow. Key design elements include:

Aggressive yet elegant front fascia
Carbon fiber wheel arches and roof (optional)
Rear-hinged "suicide doors" for easier rear access
Quad exhausts emphasizing performance intent

The cabin sets new standards with premium materials and four adult-friendly seats. Yet the boot space remains practical rather than cavernous—sufficient for two occupants' luggage but tight for four.

Behind the Wheel: Sports Car Soul

Driving the Purosangue reveals its true identity. The steering delivers razor-sharp feedback, while the suspension magically balances comfort and control. On twisty roads, it exhibits traits alien to traditional SUVs:

Immediate throttle response
Neutral balance during hard cornering
Braking power matching its acceleration
Absence of body roll despite height

Ferrari's claim that this isn't an SUV holds weight. It drives like a raised grand tourer, with a driving position lower than rivals and center of gravity that feels improbably grounded. The experience aligns with Ferrari's ethos: emotion over utility.

Practical Considerations for Buyers

While exhilarating, the Purosangue makes compromises versus traditional SUVs:

Rear seat space is generous but not limousine-level
Cargo capacity (473L) suits weekend trips, not family holidays
Ground clearance enables light gravel driving, not serious off-roading
Australian delivery timing still unconfirmed as of testing

Ownership Checklist:

Confirm right-hand drive delivery timeline
Prioritize carbon ceramic brakes for repeated hard stops
Select suspension-compliant wheel options
Budget for Australia's Luxury Car Tax
Join Ferrari ownership forums for dealer insights

The Verdict: A New Category

After extensive driving, I concur with Ferrari: labeling the Purosangue an SUV undersells its achievement. It's a high-riding grand tourer that preserves Ferrari's DNA while adding practicality. The V12 delivers theater, the chassis defies physics, and the design captivates.

For potential buyers, the decision hinges on priorities:

Choose this if you seek sports car thrills with occasional rear passengers
Consider alternatives (like Lamborghini Urus) if cargo space is critical

Ferrari hasn't built an SUV—they've created a new species. As electrification looms, the Purosangue may stand as the last V12 of its kind. What matters isn't the category, but how it makes you feel: like you're driving something truly special.

Which element would most sway your decision—the V12 soundtrack, Italian styling, or driving dynamics? Share your thoughts below. For detailed specifications and comparisons, visit Drive.com.au's super-SUV section.