# Ferrari's four-seat gamble: the Purosangue

> Ferrari's first true utility vehicle trades two seats for practicality, but keeps the V12 drama.
- Title: Ferrari's four-seat gamble: the Purosangue · Ars Technica
- Summary: Ferrari's first true utility vehicle trades two seats for practicality, but keeps the V12 drama. The Purosangue proves Ferrari can build a usable four-seat…
- Keywords: ferrari, purosangue, luxury cars, v12 engine, all-wheel drive, four-seat sports car, automotive review, italian automaker, performance vehicles, car design, technology, science
- Source: Ars Technica — https://arstechnica.com/cars/2026/09/dont-call-it-an-suv-the-ferrari-purosangue-review
- Published: 2026-09-20T10:00:02+00:00
- Read time: 3 min
- Topics: ferrari, purosangue, luxury cars, v12 engine, all-wheel drive, four-seat sports car, automotive review, italian automaker, performance vehicles, car design, technology, science
## Ferrari's four-seat history
Ferrari started building rear-seat cars in the 1960s with the 250 GT 2+2, but those back seats were cramped. The Purosangue is the first Ferrari to truly prioritize rear passenger comfort.
## Not an SUV, an FUV
The Purosangue has four doors, a rear hatch, and rear bucket seats with direct access. But an immovable firewall separates cargo from passengers, and rear seats don't fold flat.
## Mid-mounted V12 power
A 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 sits far back in the chassis, producing 715 horsepower and 528 pound-feet of torque. This front-mid engine layout helps achieve a near-perfect 49-51 front-to-rear weight balance.
## All-wheel drive Ferrari
An eight-speed dual-clutch transaxle drives the rear wheels while a separate power transfer unit drives the front. This all-wheel drive system is rare for Ferrari but essential for a four-seat family car.
## Massive but manageable
At nearly 196 inches long, 80 inches wide, and weighing 4,784 pounds, the Purosangue is huge. Yet it shrinks around the driver in traffic, with a stop-start system and torquey engine that rarely exceeds 2,000 rpm in Comfort mode.
## Drive modes from ice to sport
The steering wheel dial offers Comfort, Sport, and Ice modes, but no Race mode. Sport unlocks the engine's full 8,250 rpm redline and tightens chassis control for sharper handling.
## Paddle shifters and manual mode
Large, tactile paddle shifters let you override the automatic transmission or switch to true manual mode via a center console switch. Reverse is also found on the console.
## Steering with real feedback
The steering is heavier than Ferrari's 296 but direct, with good road feedback. In Sport mode, you can feel the electronic differentials tightening your line when steering and accelerating together.
## Rear-hinged doors change everything
Rear passengers can enter and exit without front occupants moving, thanks to rear-hinged doors. This is the most usable four-seat Ferrari ever built.
## Quality interior materials
The cabin uses no rubbery trim that turns sticky over time. Everything feels premium and built to last, befitting a Ferrari that owners might actually drive daily.
## Physical buttons beat touchscreen
The multifunction steering wheel uses real physical buttons instead of capacitive touch, making it safe to control Apple CarPlay without taking your eyes off the road.
## Climate control gets complicated
A pop-up rotating dial controls seat temperature, fan speed, ventilation, and massage via a small touchscreen. It's clever when parked but difficult to use while driving.
## Passenger screen, driver focus
A polarized front-passenger screen shows media apps but can't display Apple CarPlay. The driver's display prioritizes the digital tachometer over infotainment.
## Stunning paint, endless options
This Purosangue wears Rosso Portofino, a lustrous red that turns heads. Ferrari's Atelier and Tailor Made programs let buyers customize virtually every exterior and interior finish.
## Fuel economy reality check
The Purosangue achieves 12 miles per gallon combined. For daily driving, Ferrari's battery-electric Luce might be the smarter choice, though this V12 is better for sharing the experience.
## Premium pricing for exclusivity
Starting at $393,350, the Purosangue costs significantly more than rival SUVs like the Aston Martin DBX or Lamborghini Urus. The test car topped out at $576,544 with options.

> It's a huge amount of money for a car, but the Purosangue does feel adequately special when you drive it or ride in it.
## Key takeaway

The Purosangue proves Ferrari can build a usable four-seat car without sacrificing the brand's core identity, though at a premium price.