FERRARI Purosangue marks a bold new chapter for the Italian automotive brand that bears the Prancing Horse.
As Ferrari’s first-ever four-door, four-seater production model, this sports utility vehicle (SUV) redefines the boundaries between supercar performance and practicality.
With a starting price of RM5mil (inclusive of duties and taxes, before personalisation), the Purosangue (translates to pure blood or thoroughbred in Italian) takes aim at the likes of the Lamborghini Urus and Aston Martin DBX – all within the luxury SUV that doesn’t compromise on driving dynamics.
While staying true to the brand’s heritage, Ferrari chief design officer Flavio Manzoni and his team meticulously considered every surface, curve and line before crafting something entirely new without the usual convention associated with SUVs – boxy and bulky.
Rather, the Purosangue comes with the grace of a grand tourer featuring arched wheel arches and a cabin that’s been set as rearward as possible.
This provides a long front hood that opens from the rear and fits that powerful naturally aspirated direct injection 6.5-litre F140IA V12 engine that uses the 812 Competizione’s cylinder heads.
Together with a completely redesigned intake, timing and exhaust system, the mid-front mounted engine cranks out 725PS and 716Nm of torque.
The punch is managed by a wet eight-speed F1 dual-clutch transmission (DCT) situated at the rear to help create that 49:51 front-rear weight distribution for improved handling.
Power gets distributed by an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system that also includes an independent four-wheel steering system.
Visually, this Italian SUV doesn’t seem large despite measuring 4,973mm in length, 2,028mm in width, 1,589mm in height and a wheelbase of 3,018mm.
Given the vehicle’s dimensions, there’s an absence of a traditional front grille to accord a distinctive appearance while blending SUV-styling with Ferrari’s signature aesthetics.
This brings about an unmistakably Italian concept that’s sculpted and athletic through its sleek proportions – all while rolling on front 22-inch and rear 23-inch wheels with front 255/35 and rear 315/30 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres.
Even then, the combination of wheels and tyres don’t seem to fill the large wheel arches enough.
Inside, the driver-centric cabin is all about luxury and technology, while the provision of four individual bucket seats ensure everyone is well-tucked in during high-speed turns.
Meanwhile, the coach-style doors definitely facilitate easy ingress and egress for rear passengers while maintaining the SUV’s sleek profile.
Premium materials define the blacked-out cabin, where soft leather is used for the dashboard and headliner, glossy carbon fibre finds its way onto the Nappa-wrapped steering wheel, accented by bright yellow stitching that immediately catches the eye.
The combination of piano black inserts and black leather for the dashboard and headliner adds a refined, upscale touch to enhance the overall sense of luxury and sophistication.
While showcasing a fully-digital instrument cluster, most of the controls have been integrated into the steering wheel for that minimalist design that emphasises driving engagement.
Although the cabin might feel tight for some, the optional glass roof adds a sense of airiness.
Outright, the Purosangue’s performance is all-exhilarating with the V12 engine providing linear power delivery as it screams throughout the rev-range before shifting right before its 8,200rpm redline.
Shifting through the eight-speed DCT, it’s nothing short of lightning-quick and able to deliver an abrupt burst of power when wanted.
The vehicle’s adaptive suspension and four-wheel steering provide agility and composure, whether manoeuvring through urban locations or tackling winding roads.
To rein in the speed are carbon-ceramic brakes that deliver exceptional stopping power with continuous consistency, regardless of how much abuse gets thrown at them.
The firm pedal has an excellent initial bite before providing a progressive feel that communicates rather well with the driver.
This inspires confidence to carry more speed into corners.
Even under heavy braking, this SUV has plenty of composure and precision that allows novices and connoisseurs the ability to manhandle it according to their abilities – and still provide high levels of control that’s associated with a performance vehicle.
Within urban settings, the Purosangue’s compact turning radius makes it surprisingly nimble, and highway drives offer a refined experience that’s paired with ample power reserves for those overtaking moments.
Beyond its rated performance figures, the Purosangue also provides everyday practicality that starts with a 473-litre boot capacity for small items of luggage or perhaps purchases from a high-end boutique.
Regardless, this blend of practicality and performance ensures the Purosangue is as suited to daily commutes as it is to spirited drives.
In short, this particular Italian thoroughbred is more than just Ferrari’s first SUV.
Rather, it’s a statement that performance, practicality, and Italian styling can coexist.
From its naturally aspirated V12 engine to its sculpted, aerodynamic design and luxurious yet somewhat pragmatic cabin, the Purosangue delivers an experience that’s both emotional and functional at the same time.
It provides owners with a statement that they demand sophistication from their vehicle, the unique driving dynamics associated with the brand from Maranello and the ability to tag three more persons along for the journey.
For that, the Purosangue stands ready to delight and awe.
SPECIFICATIONS
Ferrari Purosangue
Engine: 6,496cc, naturally aspirated direct injection V12 (F140IA), mid-front mounted
Maximum power: 725PS at 7,750rpm
Maximum torque: 716Nm at 6,250rpm
Transmission: 8-speed DCT (wet)
Acceleration (0-100kph): 3.3 seconds
Acceleration (0-200kph): 10.6 seconds
Top speed: over 310kph
Weight (kerb): 2,033kg
Wheels and tyres (front): 22-inch with 255/35 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S
Wheels and tyres (rear): 23-inch with 315/30 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S
Brakes (front): 395mm carbon-ceramic with 4-piston Brembo aluminium brake calliper
Brakes (rear): 380mm carbon-ceramic with 4-piston Brembo aluminium brake calliper
Features: 10 airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS) ‘evo’, traction control, electronic stability control, independent 4-wheel steering system, 6-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor, air quality sensor, red brake callipers, anti-stone chipping film, carbon exterior kick plates, panoramic roof, suspension lifter, Cavallino stitched into headrests, carbon fibre inserts for cabin, black tailpipe tips, powered front seats with ventilation and massage function, powered rear seats with massage function, carbon fibre steering wheel with LED shift-markers, glossy forged diamond wheels, surround camera view, titanium wheel stud bolts, sport tyres, leather headliner in Nero 8500, wireless smartphone charger, active matrix headlights, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, auto high beam, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert, traffic sign recognition, driver drowsiness and attention detection, hill descent control (HDC) and rearview parking camera
Price: from RM5mil
Warranty: 3-year unlimited mileage - valid internationally with full coverage for replacement parts and labour. Extendable by up to 15 years as optional extra.
