Used Ferrari Purosangue buyer's guide
Ferrari's first-ever SUV arrived a few years back, and it's nothing short of spectacular. The Ferrari Purosangue combines the legendary performance you'd expect from Maranello with the practicality of four doors and genuine everyday usability. But is this ÂŁ313,000 super-SUV worth considering?
Whether you're captivated by its naturally aspirated V12 engine or simply curious about what makes this prancing horse gallop differently, this guide will help you understand everything about the Purosangue—from its pricing and performance to its luxurious interior and what to look for when buying.
Is the Ferrari Purosangue a good car?
The Ferrari Purosangue isn't just good—it's exceptional. This four-door, four-seater represents Ferrari's bold entry into the luxury SUV market, but calling it an SUV doesn't quite do it justice. Ferrari prefers the term "FUV" (Ferrari Utility Vehicle), and once you experience it, you'll understand why.
At its heart lies a naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12 engine producing 715bhp, making it one of the most powerful SUVs ever created. This powerplant enables the Purosangue to sprint from 0-62mph in just 3.3 seconds, with a top speed exceeding 193mph. The soundtrack alone justifies the price tag—that glorious V12 howl is something electric rivals simply can't replicate.
Beyond raw performance, the Purosangue offers genuine practicality. The four-door configuration with rear-hinged back doors provides easy access to the rear seats, whilst the 473-litre boot expands to accommodate weekend luggage or shopping trips. It's a Ferrari you can actually use every day without compromise.
The driving experience balances Ferrari's sporting DNA with surprising comfort. Active suspension adapts to road conditions, whilst the four-wheel steering system ensures agility that belies the car's size. You get the thrilling driving dynamics of a sports car with the elevated driving position and space of an SUV—a combination that's genuinely unique.
What is the Ferrari Purosangue?
The Purosangue represents Ferrari's first genuine four-door, four-seater production car. Launched in 2022, it targets buyers who want Ferrari performance without sacrificing practicality or passenger comfort.
Built on an entirely new platform, the Purosangue features front-mid-engine layout (the V12 sits behind the front axle for optimal weight distribution), carbon-ceramic brakes as standard, and Ferrari's Side Slip Control 8.0 system that helps manage the considerable power delivery.
The name "Purosangue" translates to "thoroughbred" in Italian—a fitting description for a vehicle that refuses to compromise Ferrari's sporting heritage despite its family-friendly format. With production deliberately limited to maintain exclusivity, securing one requires patience and, typically, an existing relationship with Ferrari.
Pricing Overview
Base Price and Variants Available
The Ferrari Purosangue price starts at approximately £313,000 in the UK. However, that's merely the starting point. Ferrari offers extensive personalisation through its Tailor Made programme, allowing buyers to specify unique colours, materials, and finishes. Most buyers add £50,000–£100,000 worth of options, pushing the typical transaction price well beyond £400,000.
Currently, Ferrari offers the Purosangue in one core specification with the V12 engine. Unlike some manufacturers who offer multiple engine options, Ferrari has committed to the naturally aspirated V12 as the sole powerplant—at least for now. This approach maintains exclusivity and ensures every Purosangue delivers the ultimate Ferrari experience.
Standard equipment is comprehensive and includes adaptive suspension, carbon-ceramic brakes, a premium sound system, advanced driver assistance features, and Ferrari's latest infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
Comparing Prices with Competing Models
At over ÂŁ300,000, the Ferrari Purosangue for sale sits at the pinnacle of the luxury SUV market. Its closest rivals include the Lamborghini Urus Performante (around ÂŁ220,000), Aston Martin DBX707 (approximately ÂŁ190,000), and Bentley Bentayga Speed (roughly ÂŁ200,000).
What separates the Purosangue is its naturally aspirated V12 engine. Whilst competitors rely on turbocharged V8s, Ferrari's flagship powerplant delivers a more linear power delivery and that intoxicating soundtrack that's become increasingly rare. You're paying a significant premium, but you're getting the only V12-powered luxury SUV on the market.
The pricing also reflects Ferrari's deliberate production limitations. The company caps Purosangue production at 20% of total output, ensuring it remains genuinely exclusive and maintains strong residual values. This scarcity means used examples often trade at or above list price, making the Purosangue not just a purchase but potentially a sound investment.
Performance Highlights
Engine Specifications
The Purosangue's beating heart is a 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine producing 715bhp at 7,750rpm and 528lb-ft of torque at 6,250rpm. These figures place it among the most powerful SUVs ever created, but the numbers only tell part of the story.
Unlike turbocharged engines that deliver power in surges, the V12's naturally aspirated character provides progressive, predictable power delivery. The engine revs freely to its 8,250rpm redline, accompanied by an orchestral exhaust note that's pure Ferrari. An eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels, with torque split managed electronically to favour rear-wheel drive characteristics when conditions allow.
Ferrari claims 10.6mpg combined fuel economy and CO2 emissions of 341g/km—figures that reflect the engine's performance focus rather than environmental credentials. However, if economy is your priority, the Purosangue probably isn't the vehicle for you.
Driving Dynamics and Experience
The Purosangue delivers a driving experience that's remarkably faithful to Ferrari's sporting heritage. Despite weighing over 2,000kg, it feels agile and responsive thanks to clever engineering solutions.
Four-wheel steering sharpens turn-in and enhances stability at higher speeds, whilst the active suspension system (Ferrari's first) continuously adjusts damping to maintain composure over varied road surfaces. The system offers multiple driving modes—from comfortable Wet and Sport settings to the more aggressive Race mode—each progressively sharpening throttle response, gear changes, and suspension behaviour.
The elevated driving position provides excellent visibility without compromising the sporting feel. The steering is weighted beautifully, communicating road surface changes whilst remaining manageable during parking manoeuvres. Body control is exceptional for such a tall vehicle, with minimal roll through corners despite the raised centre of gravity.
Braking performance is phenomenal, with standard carbon-ceramic discs providing fade-free stopping power that instils confidence during spirited driving. The brake pedal feel is progressive and easy to modulate, whether you're negotiating traffic or approaching a corner at speed.
Interior Features and Comfort
Seating Arrangements and Materials Used
The Ferrari Purosangue interior represents a masterclass in luxury and craftsmanship. Four individual seats provide genuine comfort for adults, with the rear seats offering surprising space—even tall passengers can sit comfortably on longer journeys.
The rear-hinged back doors (which Ferrari calls "welcome doors") swing open wide to reveal easy entry and exit. Unlike conventional suicide doors, these are electrically operated and can only open when the front doors are already ajar—a safety feature that also adds to the theatre of ownership.
Materials throughout are exquisite. Premium leather covers most surfaces, with options for Alcantara on the headliner and pillars. The dashboard features a clean, driver-focused design with minimal physical buttons—most functions are controlled through touchscreens or steering wheel-mounted controls.
The driving position is excellent, with 18-way electrically adjustable seats providing comprehensive support. The steering wheel features Ferrari's signature manettino drive mode selector alongside other essential controls, keeping your hands on the wheel during spirited driving.
Infotainment and Technology
Ferrari has equipped the Purosangue with its most advanced technology suite yet. The central 10.2-inch touchscreen handles infotainment functions, whilst a passenger screen allows your co-pilot to control navigation, music, and various vehicle functions.
The digital instrument cluster provides clear, configurable displays, including a traditional rev counter that takes centre stage—reminding you this is primarily a driver's car. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard, ensuring seamless smartphone integration.
The Burmester sound system delivers exceptional audio quality, whilst advanced driver assistance features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and traffic sign recognition. However, these systems are intentionally unobtrusive—Ferrari understands buyers want engagement, not over-assistance.
Climate control is sophisticated, with four-zone temperature management ensuring all passengers remain comfortable. The generous glass area floods the cabin with natural light, though acoustic glass keeps wind and road noise impressively suppressed at motorway speeds.
What to Look For When Buying
When browsing used Ferrari Purosangue listings, several key factors deserve attention:
Service History: Insist on complete Ferrari main dealer service history. These complex vehicles require specialist care, and skipping services can lead to expensive problems. Check that all recalls have been addressed.
Specification: Given the extensive personalisation options available, verify exactly what's included. Original purchase invoices showing factory options add significant value and provide peace of mind about authenticity.
Mileage: Whilst Ferraris are built to be driven, extremely low mileage might indicate the car has sat unused for extended periods—potentially causing issues with seals and fluids. Conversely, very high mileage examples may require substantial maintenance investment.
Condition: Examine the carbon-ceramic brake discs carefully—replacement costs exceed £10,000. Check for stone chips on the front paintwork and inspect wheel condition, as kerbing damage is expensive to repair properly.
Tyres: The Purosangue requires specific high-performance tyres. Check tread depth and age—tyres older than five years should be replaced regardless of remaining tread.
Test Drive: Experience the full range of driving modes and listen for any unusual noises from the engine, transmission, or suspension. The V12 should sound glorious, not rattly. Ensure all electronic systems function correctly.
Warranty: Ferrari offers extended warranty programmes. Check whether the car remains covered or if cover can be reinstated. This provides invaluable peace of mind given potential repair costs.
Provenance: Documentation proving the car's history adds value. Original order forms, delivery photos, and service records create a comprehensive ownership narrative that appeals to future buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Ferrari Purosangue released?
Ferrari unveiled the Purosangue in September 2022, with first customer deliveries beginning in early 2023. The development process took several years, as Ferrari wanted to ensure their first four-door vehicle maintained the performance and driving dynamics expected from the brand. Production remains deliberately limited—Ferrari caps Purosangue manufacturing at 20% of total company output to maintain exclusivity and protect residual values.
How much is a Ferrari Purosangue?
The Ferrari Purosangue price starts at approximately £313,000 in the UK for the base specification. However, most buyers specify extensive personalisation options through Ferrari's Tailor Made programme, typically adding £50,000–£100,000 to the final price. Used examples currently trade at or above original list price due to limited availability and strong demand. Additional ownership costs include insurance (expect £5,000+ annually), servicing (around £2,000–£3,000 per service), and fuel—though running costs are unlikely to deter potential buyers at this price point.
Is Ferrari Purosangue a SUV?
Technically yes, though Ferrari prefers calling it an FUV (Ferrari Utility Vehicle) to distinguish it from conventional SUVs. The Purosangue features the elevated driving position and practicality associated with SUVs, including four doors, four seats, and a decent-sized boot. However, its engineering philosophy remains pure Ferrari—the focus on driving dynamics, naturally aspirated V12 engine, and performance-first design separate it from typical luxury SUVs. The result is a vehicle that drives more like a sports car than a traditional SUV whilst offering genuine everyday practicality.
Is the Ferrari Purosangue electric?
No, the Ferrari Purosangue is not electric. It's powered by a naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12 petrol engine producing 715bhp. Ferrari has deliberately chosen to keep the V12 engine for the Purosangue, bucking the trend towards electrification and turbocharging adopted by many rivals. This decision reflects Ferrari's commitment to delivering an authentic, emotional driving experience with that distinctive V12 soundtrack. However, Ferrari is developing electric vehicles—the company's first fully electric model is expected around 2025—though the Purosangue will likely remain V12-powered throughout its production run.
