We drive Ferrari’s rather exclusive R12-million Purosangue

The Ferrari Purosangue is a unique blend of a supercar and a family car, with a price tag of R12 million. Only a select few have the privilege to drive such a vehicle, and the Citizen Motoring was fortunate enough to spend a morning on one of the best roads in the Western Cape - the Du Toit’s Kloof Pass via the old R101 road - behind the wheel of this exclusive model.

The Purosangue produces an impressive 533kW of power at 7,750rpm and 716Nm at 6,250rpm, making it far more powerful than any other SUV in its segment. Its 6.5-liter, naturally aspirated V12 engine is renowned for its loud, throaty sound and excels in providing instant throttle response and an almost endless feeling of power.

The claim of being supercar fast is no exaggeration, as it can go from 0-100km/h in just 3.3 seconds, 0-200km/h in 10.6 seconds, and has a top speed of 310km/h. The eight-speed dual clutch transmission is lightning fast, especially when shifted into Sport Mode, making the Purosangue feel even more like a supercar than an SUV. However, Ferrari hasn't neglected its roots. Switching to Comfort Mode instantly transforms the car into a family-friendly vehicle, offering a calmer driving experience.

The Purosangue’s AWD system, known as 4RM-S, concentrates power to all four wheels until 200km/h, at which point the front axle disengages, and the car becomes rear-wheel drive, providing a balance of SUV traction for city driving and supercar agility for highway speeds. Advanced technologies such as a new ABS ‘evo’ controller co-designed with Bosch, a six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor, and a Multimatic’s True Active Spool Valve system all contribute to the Purosangue’s agile and dynamic performance, making it a commanding presence on the road.

The interior of the vehicle features a mix of comfort and premium materials with a motorsport-inspired design, complete with a dual-cockpit layout, a 10.25-inch passenger display, and a digital interface for each rear seat passenger, allowing everyone to interact with the car in their preferred manner. Despite being larger and more expensive than alternatives such as the Lamborghini Urus Performante or Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, the Ferrari Purosangue caters to ultra-high net worth individuals who prioritize exclusivity over cost.