For years, Ferrari insisted they would never build an SUV. When they finally did, they refused to call it one. The Ferrari Purosangue (Italian for “thoroughbred”) is what Maranello calls a “Ferrari Utility Vehicle” (FUV). It is a radical departure from the high-riding boxes we’ve grown accustomed to, favoring a front-mid-mounted V12 and a chassis that behaves like a supercar.
In this guide, we explore how the Purosangue maintains the soul of a racer while offering the first-ever four-door, four-seat experience in Ferrari’s history.
A Masterpiece of Aerodynamic Sculpture
The Purosangue doesn’t just cut through the air; it uses it. Ferrari’s engineers avoided the “boxy” SUV look to maintain a low center of gravity and optimal weight distribution.
The “Welcome” Doors: Perhaps the most striking feature is the rear-hinged “suicide” doors. They open backwards at a 79-degree angle, allowing for elegant entry and exit without compromising the car’s sleek profile.
Aero Bridge: Borrowed from the F12 Berlinetta, the hood features an “aero bridge” that directs air away from the front wheel arches, reducing drag and increasing downforce.
Carbon Fiber Roof: To keep the weight as low as possible, a carbon fiber roof comes as standard, though a panoramic glass roof with electrochromic tinting is available for those who prefer more light.
Performance: The Glorious Return of the V12
While its competitors have turned to turbocharging and hybridization, Ferrari went the opposite way. The Purosangue is powered by a 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine, providing an emotional, high-revving experience that no rival can match.
The Heart of the Beast
Power Output: A staggering 725 PS (715 HP) and 716 Nm of torque.
Acceleration: It reaches 100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds and 200 km/h in 10.6 seconds.
Top Speed: Over 310 km/h (193 mph), making it one of the fastest “utility vehicles” on earth.
Active Suspension Technology
The Purosangue features a revolutionary Ferrari Active Suspension Technology (FAST). Using electric actuators at each wheel, the system can proactively manage body roll and pitch during high-speed cornering. This allows the car to remain low and flat like a sports car when driven hard, but supple and comfortable during long-distance touring.
The Dual-Cockpit Interior
The interior of the Purosangue is a radical shift from typical luxury SUVs. There is no central infotainment screen; instead, Ferrari opted for a “dual-cockpit” layout.
The Driver’s Display: A 16-inch digital cluster provides all vital performance and navigation data directly in front of the driver.
The Passenger’s Display: The front passenger has their own 10.2-inch touchscreen, allowing them to participate in the driving experience by viewing performance metrics or managing media.
Individual Comfort: Unlike other SUVs with a rear bench, the Purosangue features four individual, heated, and electronically adjustable seats. This ensures every occupant feels like they are in a dedicated cockpit.
Sustainable Luxury: Ferrari uses high-tech materials like Alcantara made from recycled polyester and a specialized “bullet-proof” carbon fiber weave with integrated copper wires for a unique aesthetic.
Practicality Meets Prestige
Despite its performance credentials, the Purosangue is surprisingly usable.
- Cargo Space: At 473 liters, it features the largest trunk ever seen on a Ferrari.
- All-Wheel Drive: The 4RM-S system provides incredible traction in rain or snow, though it is tuned to maintain a rear-wheel-drive bias for driving purity.
- Four-Wheel Steering: This makes the large vehicle feel nimble in tight city streets and incredibly stable on the highway.
Why the Ferrari Purosangue is in a Class of Its Own
The Purosangue is not meant to be a high-volume family hauler. Ferrari has capped production at no more than 20% of their total annual output to ensure exclusivity. It is a vehicle for the person who has everything but wants the one thing that didn’t exist until now: a true V12 Ferrari that can comfortably carry four adults across a continent.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Ferrari Purosangue an SUV?
Ferrari officially avoids the term “SUV,” preferring “FUV” (Ferrari Utility Vehicle). Architecturally, it is a high-performance crossover with a 49:51 weight distribution, placing the engine behind the front axle like a sports car.
Does the Purosangue have a hybrid engine?
Currently, the Purosangue is only available with a naturally aspirated 6.5L V12. While Ferrari has hybrid technology in other models, the Purosangue focuses on the raw, traditional power of 12 cylinders.
How many people can sit in a Purosangue?
The Purosangue is strictly a four-seater. It features four individual bucket seats to provide the same level of support and luxury for all occupants.
Are the rear doors automatic?
Yes, the rear “Welcome Doors” are power-operated and can be opened or closed at the touch of a button, adding a level of theater to the vehicle.
Is the Ferrari Purosangue sold out?
Due to high demand and Ferrari’s 20% production cap, order books are often full for years in advance. Many prospective buyers must wait for an allocation to become available.