The Ferrari Purosangue SUV is a groundbreaking step for the legendary Italian automaker. Famous for its high-performance sports cars and Formula 1 pedigree, Ferrari shocked the automotive world by stepping into the SUV segment—a territory many believed it would never enter. However, with the Purosangue, Ferrari has not just entered the SUV world; it has redefined it.
This isn’t your everyday luxury crossover. The Purosangue (Italian for “thoroughbred”) lives up to its name with a mix of Ferrari’s traditional V12 power, dramatic styling, and a driver-focused cabin. Let’s dive deep into what makes the Ferrari Purosangue one of the most exciting ultra-luxury SUVs in the world today.
Table of Contents
1. A Bold Entry into the SUV Segment
When rumors first began circulating about Ferrari building an SUV, purists scoffed at the idea. After all, Ferrari has long stood for light, agile, low-slung sports cars. However, with Lamborghini’s Urus and Aston Martin’s DBX finding strong footing in the performance SUV segment, the move seemed inevitable.
Ferrari’s answer? Create an SUV that feels, drives, and looks like a Ferrari—not just a rebadged crossover. And with the Purosangue, they’ve arguably done exactly that. This isn’t a compromise; it’s a new chapter.
2. Engine and Performance: A Naturally Aspirated V12 Beast
At the heart of the Ferrari Purosangue SUV is a 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine—a bold decision in an era dominated by downsizing and turbocharging. This engine produces:
- Power: 715 hp @ 7,750 rpm
- Torque: 716 Nm @ 6,250 rpm
- 0-100 km/h: ~3.3 seconds
- Top Speed: Over 310 km/h
Unlike most performance SUVs that use turbocharged V8s, Ferrari Purosangue SUV insisted on keeping the emotion and purity of a high-revving V12. It’s not just powerful—it screams like a proper Ferrari.
The engine is paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and a unique all-wheel-drive system. At low speeds, power is sent only to the rear, while at high speeds, the front axle joins in for maximum grip.
3. Design: Ferrari’s DNA in an SUV Silhouette
Designing an SUV that still looks like a Ferrari was no small task. The Ferrari Purosangue SUV manages to maintain the brand’s core design language while adapting to a higher ride height and larger proportions. Some key highlights include:
- Long hood, short rear deck – A signature Ferrari trait
- Aggressive front fascia – Slim LED DRLs with aerodynamic channels
- Floating wheel arches – Visually reduce the SUV’s bulk
- Rear-hinged suicide doors (welcome doors) – A dramatic and practical touch
- 21-inch front and 22-inch rear wheels – Giving it a wide stance
Despite being an SUV, the Purosangue has a dynamic and aggressive shape. Ferrari Purosangue SUV didn’t go for a boxy silhouette but instead sculpted a design that looks fast even at a standstill.
4. Interior: Luxury Meets Functionality
Inside, the Ferrari Purosangue SUV delivers a mix of futuristic technology, luxury materials, and performance-inspired ergonomics.
Key Interior Features:
- 4-Seater Layout: A strict four-seater configuration ensures every passenger gets a sport seat.
- High-grade materials: Carbon fiber, Alcantara, fine leather, and real metal accents.
- Digital Cockpit: A driver-focused display with a separate passenger screen.
- Electrochromic Glass Roof: A full-glass roof that can switch from clear to opaque.
- Physical and Haptic Controls: Balancing traditional tactile feel with modern minimalism.
The rear-hinged rear doors improve ingress and egress, and there’s ample space in both rows. Despite being a Ferrari Purosangue SUV, this is a car you can drive every day, with luggage and family onboard.
5. Advanced Chassis and Handling Technology
Ferrari didn’t just want the Ferrari Purosangue SUV to be fast in a straight line. It had to handle like a Ferrari. To that end, it features a raft of advanced technology:
Suspension & Handling:
- Multimatic Active Suspension System: Uses electric motors at each corner to actively control body motion.
- All-Wheel Drive with Torque Vectoring: Improves grip and cornering precision.
- Rear-Wheel Steering: Enhances agility at low speeds and stability at high speeds.
- Carbon Ceramic Brakes: Standard, to ensure strong stopping power.
All of this combines to give the Purosangue handling characteristics more akin to a sports sedan than a tall SUV.
6. Technology & Features
While Ferrari typically stays lean on infotainment to avoid driver distraction, the Purosangue brings more tech to the table than any other Ferrari to date.
Noteworthy Features:
- Apple CarPlay & Android Auto (Wireless)
- Premium 21-speaker Burmester 3D Audio System
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- ADAS Features: Includes lane keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more.
- Adjustable Drive Modes: Including Wet, Comfort, Sport, and ESC-Off
This blend of luxury and performance features elevates the Purosangue above many of its rivals.
7. Practicality: A Ferrari You Can Live With
One of the biggest draws of the Ferrari Purosangue SUV is its everyday usability. It has:
- Boot Space: Around 473 liters, suitable for road trips.
- 4 Doors + 4 Seats: Practical for families.
- Ground Clearance: Adaptive, allows better clearance on rough roads.
- Fuel Economy (Claimed): Around 6–7 km/l – expected for a V12, but not a deal-breaker for buyers in this segment.
While it’s no off-roader, the Ferrari Purosangue SUV handles broken tarmac and long journeys with ease. It’s the most practical Ferrari ever built.
8. Pricing and Availability in India
The Ferrari Purosangue SUV is priced at a starting ex-showroom price of ₹10.5 crore in India (before customization). With options, this number can easily cross ₹12–13 crore.
Deliveries began globally in 2023, and bookings in India have been strong despite the steep price tag. Ferrari has capped production to ensure exclusivity.
9. Rivals: How Does It Stack Up?
While the Ferrari Purosangue SUV stands in a league of its own, it does face competition from several high-performance SUVs:
Lamborghini Urus Performante
- 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8, 666 hp
- 0–100 km/h in 3.3 seconds
- More aggressive styling, but less exotic engine
Aston Martin DBX707
- 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8, 707 hp
- Luxurious interior with great dynamics
Bentley Bentayga Speed
- W12 engine, luxurious and powerful
- More comfort-focused
Rolls-Royce Cullinan
- Ultra-luxury, not performance-oriented
- More of a status symbol than a driver’s car
Verdict:
The Purosangue is the only SUV with a naturally aspirated V12, offering unmatched engine character and Ferrari exclusivity. While rivals may offer more practicality or comfort, none can match the drama and emotional connection.
10. Ferrari Purosangue: Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Stunning design that stays true to Ferrari DNA
- Naturally aspirated V12 engine
- Exceptional performance and handling
- Luxurious and tech-rich interior
- Exclusive and limited production
Cons:
- Extremely expensive
- Lower fuel economy
- Not an off-roader despite SUV tag
- Limited rear cargo space compared to rivals
Final Thoughts: The Purosangue is a Game-Changer
The Ferrari Purosangue SUV isn’t just a luxury performance vehicle—it’s a statement. Ferrari didn’t compromise its ethos; instead, it evolved it to meet the demands of modern buyers. The result is a machine that’s just as thrilling on twisty roads as it is comfortable on highways.
With the Purosangue, Ferrari has blurred the line between supercar and SUV, creating a new category altogether. It’s a Ferrari for the modern era—fast, stylish, powerful, and practical. And while it might not be for everyone, those who get one are not just buying an SUV—they’re buying a piece of history.