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This midsize luxury crossover SUV exemplifies the Ferrari's elegance, character, and performance.
"Ferrari" and "SUV" aren't usually words heard in the same sentence, but all that changed with the unveiling of the 2023 Purosangue in September 2022. Based on a front-mid engine layout, the Purosangue is Ferrari's first-ever SUV and comes well-equipped to propel itself forward rapidly.
Ferrari's 5-door SUV is named after the Purosangue Orientale, a rare Italian horse breed that was a cross between Arabian and Italian horses in Sicily. Like its equine namesake, the all-new crossover will be something of a rare breed, with total production said to be limited to between 12,000 and 15,000 units. Considering how this midsize luxury crossover SUV exemplifies the brand's elegance, character, and performance at its peak, we can well envision it being yet another collectible Ferrari years down the line. But let's not get bogged down in whether or not the Purosangue will be sought-after. Here are ten reasons why we love this luxury SUV.
When shopping for a high-performance SUV, your first priority is probably to ensure what's under the hood is commensurate with the steep asking price. Ferrari has grasped this exceptionally well. The Maranello-based luxury automaker equipped the Purosangue with an extremely powerful naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 putting out 715 horses and 528 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
As you might expect, all-wheel drive comes standard, meaning you can enjoy this midsize crossover SUV's beastly performance safely and reliably on virtually any terrain.
Ferraris have always been known for their astronomical speeds, and the 2023 Purosangue is in a long line of Italian speed machines to impress in that regard.
Despite attempting to be a small family hauler, the Purosangue manages to clock 60 mph in 3.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 192 mph. This is 2 mph faster than a 2023 Lamborghini Urus Performante or Bentley Bentayga, which both have a maximum speed of 190 mph. The Purosangue is also 5 mph faster than a Maserati Levante Trofeo (187 mph). While the rest of the class trail the Purosangue, the Aston Martin DBX 707 (193 mph) tops it with 1 mph.
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Between technological advancements and the EV revolution, the automotive industry has grown leaps and bounds, particularly in its capacity to provide a more comfortable driving experience. Adaptive suspensions, for instance, allow consumers to attain a greater level of ride quality, even on bumpy roads, by enabling them to switch between driving modes.
The unit in the Purosangue, the Ferrari Active Suspension Technology (FAST) system, can lower the vehicle's center of gravity, control pitch, and roll stiffness while accelerating, braking, or cornering to provide adequate traction and achieve the perfect balance of handling and driving pleasure. In rough conditions, the suspension optimizes contact between the tire and road surface to improve tire grip and road-holding in bends considerably. The system is so powerful that Ferrari thought anti-roll bars were unnecessary for this "SUV." Purosangue's suspension allows the driver to switch between Ice, Wet, Comfort, Sport, and ESC Off modes.
We always have our eye on the most beneficial automotive features, and the rear-hinged back doors in the 2023 Purosangue are a welcome addition. Coach doors have been absent from mainstream cars for years and were thought over. However, rather than disappearing, it appears they are gearing up to become an ever-present feature in expensive luxury cars.
Never-ending enthusiasm among some consumers is behind the trend's near immunity to extinction, and it's easy to see why. Coach doors make it easier for rear seat passengers to enter and exit a vehicle. Utilizing rear-hinged coach-style rear doors also allows manufacturers to maximize spaciousness by eliminating the B-pillar entirely without compromising body rigidity. Unlike some vehicles with a similar configuration, though, the Purosangue does come with a B-pillar to maintain body rigidity. In offering this feature, the Purosangue joins the likes of Rolls-Royce Cullinan, Rolls-Royce Ghost, and Rolls-Royce Phantom, which still offer suicide doors in their current models and may continue to do so.
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Behind the Purosangue's conventional front- and rear-hinged, power-operated doors, buyers will find an upscale interior layout where they can enjoy a warm welcome. Inspired by the Ferrari SF90 Stradale, the Purosangue's center console is angled toward the driver, helping to create a cockpit-like environment swathed in luxurious craftsmanship.
The Purosangue's dual-cockpit dashboard layout maximizes the feeling of space, while a sporty steering wheel helps owners to keep a firm grip. In addition, Ferrari used sustainable materials throughout the cabin, including on the carpets, roof-lining, and other areas. In fact, the Purosangue is the first car in the world to use a unique Alcantara that consists of 68% post-consumer recycled polyester.
Although its life is just beginning, the Purosangue has accomplished many firsts already, including being the first four-door, four-seater vehicle Ferrari has ever sold. This vehicle seats four passengers across two rows, providing comfort in a way only a Ferrari could offer.
Each of the four elegantly-styled seats can be independently adjusted/reclined for an impressive level of comfort and come well-bolstered to keep occupants snugly in place. The Purosangue also has ample and practical cargo space for a Ferrari, providing 16.7 cubic feet with all seats in use.
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As standard, the Purosangue offers heated, power-adjustable sport bucket seats front and rear. However, those seeking more luxury can fit the optional massaging front seats, which offer five different types of massage and three levels of intensity to allow occupants to adjust the speed of the massage and how firm it is.
Rear passengers will not be able to enjoy a massage, though, as this function does not extend to the back. All occupants can, however, expect to breathe in a bowl of fresh and clean air, since the Purosangue features an inbuilt air quality sensor that prevents allergens, dust, airborne bacteria/viruses, cigarette smoke, and other toxic pollutants from entering the vehicle.
The 2023 Ferrari Purosangue comes standard with a carbon fiber roof panel to keep the weight low; a panoramic sunroof is available as an option. By keeping the Purosangue lightweight, the automaker helps ensure it can handle like any smaller Ferrari.
Handling is also aided by low-profile tires measuring 22 inches in diameter up front and 23-inch at the rear. In addition, owners get ceramic brakes for added control.
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Such a performance car may not seem to pack loads of technology, but the Purosangue comes plenty capable, thanks to a lengthy list of features, including those developed in collaboration with Bosch, to keep passengers and other road users safe.
These features include automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind spot detection, automatic high-beam headlamps, rear cross-traffic alert, driver drowsiness and attention monitoring, traffic sign recognition, and a rear-view parking camera. It’s also worth noting that the Purosangue is the first Ferrari to offer Hill Descent Control as a standard safety feature.
In an attempt to keep users connected to the apps, data, and all the things they love while they're out on the road, Ferrari sells the Purosangue with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Purosangue is also equipped with two separate 10.2-inch screens: a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.2-inch screen for the front passenger.
Additional tech includes wireless device charging and a Burmester 3D high-end surround sound system.
Monday Goma delights in writing about cars. He has written buyer's guides, car reviews, product reviews, etc., for a bunch of car dealership sites in the U.S. When not writing about cars, Monday can often be found either playing FIFA or researching new automotive technologies. Monday is married to a very devout, hardworking, strong-willed, and truly remarkable woman.