Introduction
Ferrari is a name that evokes images of low-slung, high-revving supercars tearing down Italian mountain roads and dominating race tracks worldwide. For decades, the Maranello-based marque resisted the global shift toward SUVs, focusing instead on perfecting its lineup of exotic sports cars and grand tourers. However, as the luxury automotive market evolved and customer demand for high-performance SUVs surged, Ferrari took on the challenge of creating an SUV — but in true Ferrari fashion, it had to be more than just a luxury truck. It had to be a true Ferrari.Enter the Ferrari Purosangue — the Prancing Horse’s first-ever SUV.
Design: The Art of Functional Elegance
The Purosangue breaks away from the conventional SUV silhouette, presenting a shape that reflects Ferrari’s supercar heritage. Every line, crease, and curve serves a functional purpose, optimizing aerodynamics and high-speed stability while maintaining Ferrari’s signature elegance.
Key design elements include:
Long hood, short overhangs — Reinforcing the front-mid-engine layout
Coupé-like roofline — Creating a dynamic and aggressive stance
Hidden rear door handles — Preserving the smooth, uninterrupted profile
Aerodynamic vents and diffusers — Enhancing downforce and cooling
The front grille is split by a functional air duct that channels airflow toward the underbody, reducing drag and increasing downforce. The aggressive LED headlight design resembles the Ferrari Roma, creating a visual connection to the brand’s sports car lineage.
Rear-Hinged “Suicide” Doors
In a bold departure from typical SUV design, the Purosangue features rear-hinged back doors (or “suicide doors”). This not only enhances the vehicle’s sporty proportions but also improves ease of entry and exit for rear-seat passengers. The rear doors open at a 79-degree angle, providing a dramatic entry experience.
Wheels and Tires
The Purosangue rides on large, performance-focused wheels:
22-inch wheels at the front
23-inch wheels at the rear
The staggered setup ensures maximum grip and balance. Ferrari collaborated with Pirelli to develop a bespoke version of the P Zero tire, designed to handle the Purosangue’s extreme speeds and cornering forces while maintaining comfort and low road noise.
Powertrain: A Naturally Aspirated V12 Beast
The Heart of a Ferrari
While many luxury SUVs rely on turbocharged V8s or hybrid-assisted engines, Ferrari stayed true to its roots by fitting the Purosangue with a 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 — the most powerful engine ever fitted to an SUV.
Powertrain Specifications:
Engine: 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12
Maximum Power: 715 hp (533 kW) @ 7,750 rpm
Maximum Torque: 716 Nm (528 lb-ft) @ 6,250 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Drivetrain: All-wheel drive (AWD)
Performance Stats:
Despite weighing over 2,033 kg (4,482 lbs), the Purosangue delivers blistering performance:
0–60 mph (0–100 km/h): 3.3 seconds
0–124 mph (0–200 km/h): 10.6 seconds
Top Speed: Over 193 mph (310 km/h)
Front-Mid Engine Layout
Unlike most SUVs that position the engine above the front axle, the Purosangue’s V12 sits behind the front axle in a front-mid-engine configuration. This allows for a 49:51 weight distribution, giving the Purosangue exceptional handling balance — more akin to a Ferrari GT car than a traditional SUV.
Active All-Wheel Drive and Torque Vectoring
Ferrari’s 4RM-S system (four-wheel-drive system) ensures optimal traction and power delivery under all conditions. At high speeds, the system sends power primarily to the rear wheels for a sporty driving feel, but it can engage the front wheels when additional grip is needed.The Purosangue also features an advanced torque-vectoring system that can direct power to individual wheels, enhancing cornering precision and stability.
Suspension and Handling: Defying Physics
Ferrari Active Suspension Technology (FAST)
The Purosangue is the first Ferrari to feature a groundbreaking new suspension system known as Ferrari Active Suspension Technology (FAST). This system uses:
Electric motors to adjust damping at each wheel in real-time
48-volt electric actuators that actively counteract body roll
Predictive algorithms that adjust suspension settings based on driving style and road conditionsThe result is a level of body control and cornering precision that no other SUV can match.
The Purosangue features four-wheel steering, which enhances both low-speed maneuverability and high-speed stability. At low speeds, the rear wheels turn opposite to the front for a tighter turning radius. At high speeds, they turn in the same direction for improved cornering stability.
Interior: Luxury Meets Performance
Unlike most SUVs with bench rear seating, the Purosangue features four individual sport seats. Each seat is upholstered in premium leather and features:
Heating and ventilation
Massage functionality
Power adjustments
Cockpit Design
The driver-focused cockpit includes:
Digital 10.2-inch instrument cluster
Passenger-side display with real-time performance data
Carbon fiber and aluminum accents
Drive mode selector (Manettino) for adjusting suspension, steering, and power delivery
Panoramic Glass Roof
A full-length electrochromic glass roof is available, providing a sense of openness and natural light. The glass can be electronically tinted to reduce glare and heat.
Technology and Infotainment
Advanced Infotainment
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Premium Burmester Sound System with 21 speakers and 1,420 watts
Head-Up Display with performance and navigation data
Safety and Driver Assistance
Adaptive cruise control
Lane-keeping assist
Blind-spot monitoring
Traffic sign recognition
360-degree camera system
Pricing and Exclusivity
Ferrari has positioned the Purosangue as an ultra-luxury offering, with a starting price of approximately $400,000 — making it the most expensive production SUV on the market.
Despite the high price tag, demand has been so strong that Ferrari temporarily closed the order books to manage supply. Production will be capped to ensure exclusivity, with Ferrari stating that SUVs will never exceed 20% of total output.
Conclusion
The Ferrari Purosangue is more than just a luxury SUV — it’s a statement of intent from Ferrari. By combining the raw, high-revving power of a naturally aspirated V12 with advanced handling technology and a sumptuous interior, Ferrari has redefined what a high-performance SUV can be. The Purosangue delivers a driving experience that stays true to the Prancing Horse’s DNA while offering the practicality and comfort expected from a modern luxury SUV.