When it comes to handling, the Purosangue has a balanced and driveline that gives it a distinguished feel that is typical of a car of this type or any type, to be honest. Although it doesn’t feel significantly lighter than it is, its handling character is very much in line with the high-status super-GT style. The short gearing allows the V12’s 8250rpm redline to be reached and the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox is excellent. However, the brake pedal is a bit sensitive at first.

This unique Ferrari has four seats and a relatively high ride, but the driving experience is more complex than that of many genuine sports cars. It’s almost as if it has managed to blend the best of both the SUV and supercar worlds – although that’s a bit of an oversimplification. Firstly, is the suspension really natural feeling? It’s hard to say. Part of its allure is that it lacks transparency. Nonetheless, the system is remarkable in many aspects, fits this application perfectly, and plays a crucial role in the Purosangue surpassing the very capable air-sprung set-up of the DBX in terms of ride and handling prowess. In short, it’s quite revolutionary.

But is the Purosangue truly practical enough to fulfill the SUV requirement? That’s debatable. No one expected it to rival a Range Rover, and yet… If you take out the rear seats from the equation, the sense of occasion that the Purosangue so effectively evokes is not far from that of an 812 Superfast – which is not exactly what most of us desire on a day-to-day basis.

Ferrari Purosangue vs Aston Martin DBX: Practicality

Within city limits, the Ferrari often feels cumbersome – downright intimidating. And, to be mundane for a moment, the imprecise pedal response at walking speed and somewhat unpredictable creep function can turn parallel parking into a costly game of chance. While it does have a decent boot, it still isn’t all that spacious.

The DBX is not exactly a shopping cart, but it’s easier to just hop in and head anywhere. It’s more imposing, less objectively refined, yet somehow more relaxing and doesn’t attract nearly as much attention (positive or otherwise). Additionally, it offers a more generous back row, not to mention a boot the size of a Mercedes E-Class.