Ferrari unveils V12 Purosangue SUV

Four-seater due on sale next year, priced around £350k in UK

- Steve Fowler

THE Ferrari the brand's AE first SUV, has been revealed - although the company is quick to claim that it's not actually an SUV. "It's unlike any other car," says Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna. "It's a sports car opening a new segment." The Purosangue is the firm's first-ever four-door four-seater, with access to the rear via a powered, rear-hinged 'welcome' door.

However, measuring 4,973mm long and 1,589mm tall, it's only slightly shorter and lower than a Lamborghini Urus. The Lamborghini is considerably more practical, though, with a 616-litre boot compared with the Ferrari's 473-litre luggage space.

But when it comes to the price, the Purosangue is indeed in a class of its own. While an Urus starts from £177,417 and even a Rolls-Royce Cullinan costs less than £300,000, the Purosangue is expected to cost around £350,000 after UK taxes when it arrives towards the end of next year.

Under its long, clamshell bonnet sits a new 6.5-litre 715bhp naturally aspirated V12 engine without a hint of electrification. Its mid-front position helps with weight distribution, and power is fed through an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox positioned at the rear, while a power transfer unit can shift thrust to the front wheels to give four-wheel drive if needed.