Ferrari Purosangue review: A supercar disguised as an SUV?

Boasting a 715-bhp V12 and a sub-4 second 0-60 mph sprint, Ferrari’s high-riding Purosangue blurs the boundaries of the SUV segment. But what does Vicki Butler-Henderson make of it?

This is the Purosangue, and it’s a car full of firsts for Ferrari. First four door, first SUV (though Maranello argues otherwise), first with folding seats… the list goes on. And, before you get ready to storm the streets in protest, yes, there really is a true Ferrari hiding under that lofty body. Even the name — which we’re still not sure how to pronounce — means thoroughbred when loosely translated.  

So how have they done it? Well, as Vicki explains, it all starts with that beautifully sculpted exterior. Despite riding far higher than anything else in the stable, this Ferrari doesn’t posses the brick-like aerodynamic properties of some SUVs. From the slashes in the wings and the cutouts in the bonnet, to the specially designed undertray and rear diffuser, the Purosangue has been engineered to glide through the air with remarkable efficiency.  

Not that its engine needs much help to rocket up to the 193-mph top speed. Displacing 6.5 litres and firing a formidable 715 bhp to all four wheels, the Purosangue is quicker than many bona fide supercars — Porsche 911 GT2 RS and Aston Martin DB12 included.

But does it handle like a Ferrari should? In a word: yes. To counteract the physics of Purosangue’s vast size and weight, the Italian chassis engineers have pulled out all the stops. Starting with a strong foundation, Ferrari has wrapped those gorgeous 22-inch two-tone alloys in Bridgestone Potenza Sport tyres — offering superb wet and dry performance thanks to an asymmetrical tread design and new reinforcement technology. Then, helping put all that grip to good use, there’s active suspension, rear-wheel steering, and an engine that’s mounted towards the centre of the chassis to aid agility.  

It’s not all sunshine and roses, though. Hit the video to find out what Vicki doesn’t like about the new Purosangue, and how she rates it compared to Bentley’s Bentayga and Lamborghini’s Urus.

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