Ferrari Purosangue: Not an SUV?
Ferrari has finally entered the market of high-riding vehicles, but the Italian automaker is adamant about one thing: Do not call the Purosangue an SUV. While it has four doors, four seats, and lift capacity, Ferrari insists this is a distinct breed of sports car. With a screaming V12 engine and a price tag that eclipses its competition, the Purosangue claims to be in a class of its own. We look at the engineering and driving dynamics to see if this “thoroughbred” truly handles like a supercar or if it is just another luxury hauler.
The Heart of the Beast: A Naturally Aspirated V12
The most distinct feature of the Purosangue is what lies under the hood. While competitors like the Lamborghini Urus Performante and the Aston Martin DBX707 rely on twin-turbocharged V8 engines, Ferrari refused to compromise.
They equipped the Purosangue with a massive 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine. This is a massive statement in an era of downsizing and electrification. The engine produces a staggering 715 horsepower and 528 lb-ft of torque.
Because it lacks turbochargers, you do not get the immediate low-end shove found in the Urus. Instead, you get a linear, unending build of power that screams all the way to an 8,250 rpm redline. It creates a soundtrack that no SUV competitor can match. This engine choice is the primary reason Ferrari argues this vehicle is a sports car first and a utility vehicle second.
Performance Statistics
- Engine: 6.5L Naturally Aspirated V12
- Horsepower: 715 hp
- 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h): 3.3 seconds
- Top Speed: Over 193 mph
- Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch transaxle
Engineering Magic: The Active Suspension
The main reason large SUVs usually fail to handle like supercars is physics. They are tall and heavy, leading to body roll in corners. Ferrari solved this with a piece of technology called the Multimatic True Active Spool Valve (TASV) suspension system.
This system uses 48-volt electric motors at each corner of the car. These motors are strong enough to actively push and pull the wheels. In a corner, the car does not just resist leaning; the suspension actively pushes against the G-forces to keep the body flat.
During spirited driving, this technology makes the 4,850-pound vehicle feel significantly lighter. It eliminates the need for traditional anti-roll bars. When you are cruising on the highway, the motors allow the wheels to move independently, smoothing out bumps with surprising comfort. This duality allows the Purosangue to behave like a GT car on the freeway and a mid-engine sports car in the canyons.
Design and Layout: Function Over Form
Ferrari made specific architectural choices to ensure the Purosangue drives like a Ferrari. Most SUVs place the engine over the front axle and the gearbox directly behind it. This makes the car nose-heavy.
The Purosangue uses a front-mid-engine layout. The massive V12 is shoved far back against the firewall. Furthermore, the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is mounted at the rear axle (a transaxle layout).
This results in a weight distribution of 49% front and 51% rear. This is almost unheard of for a vehicle of this shape. It provides the neutral handling balance usually reserved for two-seat coupes.
The “Welcome Doors”
Access to the rear seats is provided by rear-hinged “suicide” doors, which Ferrari calls “welcome doors.” They are motorized and open backward to reveal a strictly four-seat cabin.
There is no bench seat option. The rear consists of two individual bucket seats that look nearly identical to the front seats. This reinforces the idea that this is a driver’s car that happens to hold passengers, rather than a family hauler.
Driving Impressions: Does it Handle Like a Supercar?
When you get behind the wheel, the seating position tells the story. You sit lower in the Purosangue than in a Lamborghini Urus or Bentley Bentayga. It feels like a slightly lifted GTC4Lusso rather than a truck.
The steering is classic modern Ferrari: incredibly fast and light. Small inputs result in immediate direction changes. Thanks to the four-wheel steering system (borrowed from the 812 Competizione), the rear wheels turn slightly to help rotate the car into corners.
Does it handle like a supercar? The answer is a qualified yes. It defies its weight in a way that feels unnatural but exhilarating. The V12 response is razor-sharp. You can adjust the car’s line mid-corner with the throttle, something most SUVs struggle to do without intervention from stability control.
However, physics is still present. Under very heavy braking, you will feel the mass of the vehicle. But compared to any other high-performance SUV on the market, the Purosangue feels the most like a track weapon.
The Price of Exclusivity
Ferrari has positioned the Purosangue well above its rivals in terms of pricing. The starting price in the United States is approximately $398,350. However, once buyers add mandatory options, carbon fiber trim, and personalization, most examples leaving the showroom floor cost well over $500,000.
Despite the half-million-dollar price tag, demand has far outstripped supply. Ferrari stopped taking orders shortly after the reveal because the waitlist exceeded two years. They have stated that the Purosangue will never account for more than 20% of their total annual production to maintain exclusivity.
Conclusion
Ferrari may be splitting hairs by refusing to call the Purosangue an SUV, but the driving experience backs up their claims. By using a V12 engine, a transaxle layout, and revolutionary active suspension, they have built a vehicle that drives unlike anything else with four doors. It is faster, louder, and sharper than the competition. It is a Ferrari first, and a practical car second.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Ferrari Purosangue have off-road capabilities? Technically, yes. It has all-wheel drive and a hill descent control feature. However, it is designed for snowy roads or gravel driveways, not rock crawling. The ground clearance is limited compared to a Range Rover.
How does the Purosangue compare to the Lamborghini Urus? The Urus is powered by a V8 turbo and shares a platform with the Audi RS Q8 and Porsche Cayenne. The Purosangue uses a unique Ferrari chassis and a V12 engine. The Ferrari is significantly more expensive and exclusive, while the Urus is slightly more practical for daily family use.
Can the Purosangue tow a trailer? Ferrari does not advertise a tow rating for the Purosangue in the US market. While it has the power to tow, the vehicle is not designed with a tow hitch receiver as a standard utility feature.
Is the Purosangue a hybrid? No. The current version relies solely on the 6.5-liter V12 combustion engine. There is no hybrid assist for the powertrain, though the suspension uses a 48-volt electrical system.
How much cargo space does it have? The trunk offers about 16.7 cubic feet (473 liters) of space. This is significantly less than the Lamborghini Urus (21.7 cubic feet) or Aston Martin DBX. It is enough for a weekend trip but tight for a long family vacation.