Don't call it an SUV: The Ferrari Purosangue review

Ferrari's most usable four-seat car to date is now available for purchase.

Ferrari has unveiled the Purosangue, a four-seat, five-door vehicle that the company insists is not an SUV but an FUV (Ferrari Utility Vehicle). This new model offers enhanced usability compared to previous four-seater Ferraris, featuring rear-hinged doors for improved access to the rear bucket seats. While it has a rear hatch, the cargo area is separated from the cabin by a firewall and the rear seats do not fold flat, limiting its practicality for large cargo. The Purosangue is powered by a 6.5 L naturally aspirated V12 engine producing 715 hp and 528 lb-ft of torque, with a front-mid engine layout and all-wheel drive. Despite its substantial size and weight of 4,784 lbs, the vehicle is designed to be easily driven, with a focus on driver feedback and comfort modes, though it also offers a Sport mode for a more aggressive driving experience. The interior includes a passenger infotainment screen and a complex climate control system operated by a rotating dial.

The Purosangue represents Ferrari's most significant departure from its traditional sports car identity, entering a segment previously dominated by rivals like Lamborghini's Urus and Bentley's Bentayga. By creating a "Ferrari Utility Vehicle," the marque is directly challenging the notion that high-performance luxury can only be offered in two-door formats, potentially broadening its customer base significantly.

This move by Ferrari signals a strategic expansion into a lucrative market segment, leveraging its brand prestige to compete with established SUV offerings from other ultra-luxury automakers. The emphasis on maintaining a distinct "Ferrari driving experience" despite the increased size and utility suggests a focus on technical innovation to balance performance with practicality, a key differentiator in this competitive space.