To truly immerse yourself in the experience of exploring the scenic French countryside in the first-ever four-door Ferrari, you need to do it from the back seat. This is precisely what Ferdi de Vos did (although not entirely by choice) when he joined the European leg of the Purosangue Tour in France.
The unique steeds from Maranello, gleaming in bright colours under a cloudless Mediterranean sky, were awaiting us at the Regina Experimental Biarritz Hotel on the rocky foreshore of the exclusive resort town in the south of France, not far from the Spanish border.
As the first four-door model from the Prancing Horse, the concept presented a considerable challenge for Ferrari’s Styling Centre, as Flavio Manzoni and his team had to translate the Ferrari DNA into a more versatile, high-riding GT car. During its development, rumours of a Ferrari SUV abound, but seeing it in the flesh, it is clear this description does not fit.
Its sleek, athletic exterior epitomises a new and different view of what a modern GT should look like, and in this regard, the Purosangue name (pure-bred or thoroughbred) is perfect in describing the car’s architecture. In essence, it is, in concept, more of an adversary for the Porsche Panamera and Mercedes-AMG GT four-door than a Porsche Cayenne or Lamborghini Urus.
The thoroughbred theme is further enhanced by a completely different layout and proportions compared to other GT archetypes – with a mid-front-mounted engine position adopted and the gearbox at the rear for a transaxle layout, while the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) is coupled in front of the engine to provide a unique 4×4 transmission. This layout delivers an optimal 49:51% weight distribution.
The front styling is dominated by blown aero ducts rather than headlights, and these aerobridges create a sense of continuity between the Purosangue’s long, sculpted bonnet, rippled with gently rounded muscles which flow into wing-profile surfaces, and the flanks. The aerodynamic wheel arch trim treatment introduces a second visual layer, creating the impression of an almost floating coupé.
EXPLORING THE VIGNERONS
After lunch, we were allocated our cars and started our tour on spectacular and winding roads through the breathtaking landscapes and quaint Bastide towns (small medieval planned towns dating from the time of the hundred-year war between France and England) of Nouvelle Aquitaine.
The sonorous throng of Maranello’s iconic naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12 under the Purosangue’s hood was exciting on the open road and strangely comforting, as it emphasised the newcomer’s ties with a 75-year-long Ferrari tradition.
Delivering 533 kW at 7,750 rpm and 716 Nm of torque at 6,250 rpm, with 80% available at low revs, the Purosangue was indecently quick off the line for a four-seater GT, thanks to a world-first active suspension system, and a chassis that is not only lighter but also stiffer (+25%) and more rigid (+30%) than Ferrari’s previous four-seaters, despite being larger.
Yet, the best of this class-leading power delivery was the riveting and intoxicating engine soundtrack that could be manipulated via the Manettino settings and down or upshifts of the ultrafast-shifting eight-speed DCT to reach an enthralling crescendo close to the 8,250 rpm redline.
Further adding to the Purosangue’s allure is the ensconcing SF90 Stradale-inspired cockpit that features the same digital interface as already adopted in the rest of the Ferrari range. However, this layout is almost exactly replicated on the passenger side – complete with a 10.2” display with all the information required to help the front occupant participate in the driving experience.
The well-designed cabin, trimmed with well-chosen high-quality materials, offers unprecedented occupant space and comfort for a Ferrari four-seater, and with the “welcome doors” opened, a surprisingly generous amount of space is revealed. However, one needs to watch out for the lower back door extension when getting in.
BESPOKE DYNAMIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
Further contributing to the exalted driving experience was the latest vehicle dynamic control systems from Ferrari, such as independent four-wheel steering and ABS ‘evo’ with six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor (6w-CDS), as well as Maranello’s new active suspension system that debuted in the Purosangue.
This system effectively controls body roll in corners and the tyre contact patch over high-frequency bumps, delivering the same performance and handling response as in a supercar. However, this did not help me, as on a very narrow back road and even narrower bridge, I did not leave enough space for an oncoming car, resulting in a slow-speed bumper-bash.
It was a silly mistake and entirely my fault (after 35 years of accident-free motoring), but with the front of the beautiful blue Purosangue damaged, I completed the day’s trip – at the stately and stunning historic Le Monastère de Saint-Mont Boutique Hotel and Spa – in the back seat of another car.
An outstanding dinner, accompanied by some excellent wines from the area, helped to lift my mood… more so as the back seats in the Purosangue (for the first time in Ferrari history, the cabin has four separate and independently adjustable seats) turned out to be snug and comfortable – in stark contrast with the small and tight seats in a GTC4 Lusso.
Comfort-focused components, such as variable density foams and the bespoke suspension system, further added to my well-being, more so as the backseats can be heated, adjusted and reclined independently. Yes, legroom is still somewhat limited, but it is not at all claustrophobic in the back. Also, luggage capacity is significantly increased with the seats fully raked forward.
We were now in the heart of French wine country, and after a sumptuous lunch featuring local specialities at the charming Château Hotel and Spa Grand Barrail in Saint-Émilion, the convoy of Purosangues made their way to the Burdigala Hotel Bordeaux in downtown Bordeaux. This was followed by another highlight – a visit to the exclusive Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion, where we enjoyed tasting some of their spectacular, and pricey, wines.
LAST WORD
With the Purosangue, Ferrari has created a car that is quite unique not only in terms of performance, but also in terms of driving pleasure and comfort, peerlessly encapsulating the iconic DNA of the Prancing Horse in a different form.
It is a Ferrari for a new generation of owners who want to share unique experiences with family and friends, such as a bespoke road trip in the French countryside. The Purosangue is perfectly positioned for this, and although it now pays homage to its heritage with V12 power, the model range will most likely expand in the near future – to broaden its appeal even further.
Report by FERDI DE VOS | Images © FERRARI MEDIA
