Ferrari Purosangue is a sports car-inspired SUV

Just a few years ago, Ferrari insisted it would never make an SUV. However, the booming segment looks like it was too much for the Italian brand to resist and has now revealed its first model in the category, the Purosangue.

Ferrari maintains that the new model isn’t an SUV or crossover but rather a sports car. It’s also the first ever four-door four-seater the carmaker has created.

Starting with its name, Purosangue is Italian for “thoroughbred” and was chosen because the model encapsulates the brand’s DNA, says Ferrari.

Speaking of DNA, one of the highlights of the Purosangue is its mid-front mounted 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12 that makes 533kW and 715Nm. It sends power through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission to all four wheels, helping it achieve 100km/h from a standing start in 3.3 seconds. It can also reach a top speed of 309km/h. Still think it’s an SUV?

A completely new chassis made from aluminium alloy has been developed for the Purosangue which is said to be lighter than Ferrari’s previous four-seat models. With everything else added on top, albeit with weight reducing materials like its carbon fibre roof, total dry weight comes to 2033kg. However, an optional glass panoramic roof can be fitted if luxury is more your thing than weight saving.

In terms of handling, it still aims to drive like a sports car while offering usability and comfort for occupants. In light of this, Ferrari has fitted the Purosangue with trick active suspension that can counteract body roll with the use of an electric motor actuated spool valve.

The Purosangue features same brake-by-wire system as found on the 296 GTB which is put to use by 398mm front brake discs and 380mm rears. 22-inch wheels cover the brakes up front while 23-inch wheels are found at the back.

Aerodynamics have also been paid attention to with the vehicle’s design featuring sleek and flowing body lines. Instead of a conventional rear door, the Purosangue features rear-hinged doors that open as if to welcome you into the cabin.

Stepping inside and you’ll find there’s only room for four with each passenger getting an electronically adjustable massaging bucket seat featuring 10 inflatable cushions. Up front, the driver and passenger are provided with a “dual cockpit” dashboard design which essentially mirrors each side.

On the driver’s side, a flat-bottomed steering wheel houses a drive mode selector switch and large flappy paddles. A fully digital display features all essential information. The passenger also gets a 10.2-inch touchscreen to play with. Wireless charging for smartphones and USB sockets can also be found in the cabin while Android Auto and Apple CarPlay also come as standard.

The interior is clad in 85 per cent sustainably sourced materials like recycled polyester and newly formulated Alcantara, also made from recycled polyester. Optional high-strength fabric used in military uniforms of all things can also be optioned over leather.

As the Purosangue is larger than your average Ferrari, boot storage comes to 473-litres.

Pricing for Ferrari’s new sports car-inspired SUV starts from approximately $NZ650,000 based on current exchange rates.

Manufacturers like Lamborghini and Aston Martin have been reaping the rewards for a number of years now with their respective SUV models contributing a majority to overall sales. Interestingly, Ferrari only plans for the Purosangue to make up 20 per cent of its yearly sales.

Although it’ll be more scarce than the other aforementioned SUVs, the model is expected to arrive next year with New Zealand customers now able to make enquiries on Ferrari’s website.