The Pinnacle of Performance and Practicality: Aston Martin DBX S vs. Ferrari Purosangue – Redefining the Super SUV Landscape
The automotive world has witnessed a dramatic evolution. Once, the very definition of a supercar was synonymous with low-slung silhouettes and aggressive, wedge-shaped designs. Fast forward to today, and the lines have blurred considerably, with manufacturers ingeniously transplanting supercar DNA into the more capacious and versatile form of the sport utility vehicle. This shift has given rise to a new breed of automotive marvel: the super SUV. As an industry professional with a decade immersed in the high-octane world of performance vehicles, I’ve seen firsthand how these machines are not just a fleeting trend, but a fundamental reimagining of what a luxury performance vehicle can be.
This year, two titans have emerged, each vying for the coveted title of the ultimate super SUV: the Aston Martin DBX S and the Ferrari Purosangue. While both occupy this burgeoning segment, they represent diametrically opposed philosophies, offering drivers a stark choice between raw, unadulterated emotion and meticulously engineered, versatile luxury. My recent extensive testing, including an unforgettable, albeit challenging, expedition into the rugged heart of the Lake District, has provided a unique perspective on these formidable machines.
Our journey began under an ominous sky, on a remote, single-track road near the infamous Hardknott Pass. It was here, in the inky blackness of an encroaching night, that the Ferrari Purosangue encountered an unfortunate setback: a nearly imperceptible puncture on its gargantuan 23-inch rear tire. In a vehicle of this caliber, devoid of a spare or a conventional repair kit, such a minor flaw felt like a colossal impediment. Stranded with no mobile signal and miles from civilization, the wait for assistance became a stark reminder of the absolute reliance we place on modern automotive engineering, and the occasional fragility of even the most robust systems.
This unexpected interruption, however, only amplified the anticipation for what lay ahead. We were about to pit two of the most compelling high-performance SUV offerings against each other, vehicles meticulously crafted by their respective iconic manufacturers to deliver an unparalleled driving experience. Ferrari’s Purosangue, a project shrouded in considerable debate, has arrived as a bespoke, high-riding four-seater, packing a formidable 6.5-liter V12 engine – a genuine supercar powerplant – and bearing a closer kinship to Ferrari’s traditional sports cars than to any vehicle with a more utilitarian lineage. Its very existence challenges conventions, making it a fascinating contender in the luxury SUV comparison.
In the opposing corner stands the Aston Martin DBX S, the latest iteration of Aston Martin’s commanding presence in the SUV market. The previous 550bhp DBX has been superseded, with the potent 707 model now serving as the baseline. The ‘S’ variant introduces a faster steering ratio, a more resolute suspension setup, a marginal increase in power, and quad-stacked exhausts, all offered at a remarkably similar price point. Rather than a drastic overhaul, it represents a refinement, a sharpening of an already formidable tool, making it a compelling option for those seeking the best super SUV.
On paper, both vehicles present a compelling case for the best luxury SUV. They are unequivocally, astonishingly fast. Both achieve the benchmark 0-62mph sprint in a mere 3.3 seconds and boast a top speed of 193mph. Their all-wheel-drive systems, though engineered with distinct approaches, ensure immense traction. Weighing in at virtually identical figures – the DBX in standard trim is marginally heavier, but optional lightweight elements can even tip the scales in its favor against the Ferrari – their performance metrics appear remarkably aligned. However, as any seasoned automotive enthusiast knows, statistics rarely tell the full story of a vehicle’s character and its true capabilities.
To truly understand the soul of these performance SUVs, we embarked on an ambitious road trip, traversing hundreds of miles of diverse terrains – from sweeping A-roads to challenging B-roads, and even the unforgiving narrowness of the Lake District’s steepest inclines. We loaded them with luggage and passengers, scrutinizing their practicality, daily comfort, software intuitiveness, and, inevitably, their rather thirsty fuel consumption.
While eschewing the traditional consumer review format, the Aston Martin DBX S unequivocally emerges as the more pragmatic choice for everyday utility. Its five-seat configuration contrasts with the Ferrari’s four, and its boot offers a substantial nearly third more capacity (632 liters versus 473), with a more accommodating space when the rear seats are folded. It also exhibits superior fuel economy, achieving close to 23mpg on the motorway compared to the Ferrari’s approximate 18mpg. However, both vehicles saw their fuel gauges plummeting into the single digits when pushed to their limits, their premium fuel rapidly transforming into exhilarating noise and ferocious momentum.
For day-to-day driving, the Aston Martin DBX S offers a more pliant and comfortable experience. In its GT mode, it cocoons occupants in an armchair-like embrace. The Ferrari, while possessing superlative damping capabilities – a topic we’ll delve into shortly – presents a more immediate, athletic, and edgier response to virtually every input. One might describe the Ferrari as a highly energetic Border Collie, agile and perpetually eager, while the Aston Martin embodies the powerful, dependable Rottweiler – brawny, strong, and reassuringly stable.
Our ultimate objective was to push these machines beyond their perceived comfort zones. And what greater test could there be than the notorious Hardknott Pass in England’s Lake District? This public road, renowned for its treacherous twists, precipitous drops, and deep potholes, presents a formidable challenge even for dedicated off-road vehicles. Its narrowness barely accommodates these colossal machines, and its severe gradients test the mettle of any driver. If they can conquer this, they can undoubtedly navigate any urban jungle or coastal highway with aplomb. The Aston Martin DBX S and the Ferrari Purosangue are truly luxury performance cars of the highest order.
The Ferrari Purosangue demonstrates an almost preternatural ability to manage adverse conditions. Its advanced damping system, featuring Multimatic’s spool valves, operates like miniature, electrically controlled clockwork gearboxes within the dampers. This precision effectively renders traditional anti-roll bars obsolete, offering a remarkable spectrum of stiffness, from plush comfort to track-day aggression. The Purosangue allows for intricate customization of these systems via its manettino dial. A slight twist to “everything off” loosens the reins, while a forward push recalibrates the damping to a softer setting, all while retaining sharp throttle response and precise steering inputs. This ingenious setup allows the wheels to follow the contours of the road, absorbing imperfections rather than being jarringly affected by them.
This dynamic adaptability makes the Purosangue’s animated reactions understandable; it simply does not behave like a conventional SUV. The drivetrain feels distinctly rear-wheel-drive biased, with the front axle only engaging when traction is severely compromised. The steering, considering the vehicle’s dimensions, is nothing short of immaculate. It carves through even the tightest hairpins with a nimbleness that belies its considerable size, and its eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox shifts with the same lightning-fast precision as a dedicated Ferrari sports car. The auditory experience is equally breathtaking. A 6.5-liter V12 engine, nestled within an all-road chassis, unleashes a symphony that resonates with the very soul of a supercar. This is not an off-roader, but rather a machine exceptionally capable on a rutted UK B-road, offering far more low-end torque than one might expect from a naturally aspirated V12. With 528 lb-ft on tap, it never feels wanting. The V12 wail, echoing off the surrounding hillsides, is an intoxicating auditory spectacle. Yet, the Ferrari is an intense experience. It’s undeniably joyful and exhilarating, but driving it “properly” can also be demanding. It truly shines on smoother, faster roads where it can effortlessly keep pace with traditional low-slung sports cars, its engine eagerly climbing towards its stratospheric 8,250rpm redline.
However, Hardknott and the adjacent Wrynose Pass are anything but smooth. These are forgotten arteries of the road network, more akin to challenging tracks than paved routes. Space is at an absolute premium, with formidable, jagged rocks encroaching mere inches from the verges. Sustained attention is paramount; there is no room for distraction, regardless of the majestic scenery. These roads demand a primal focus, a challenge that elicits a grimace of determination.
One might assume such arduous conditions would be the undoing of a large, imposing vehicle like the DBX. Too narrow, too bumpy, too claustrophobic. Yet, what we witnessed was a revelation. The DBX S transcends the capabilities of its 707 predecessor, not by fundamentally altering its nature, but by injecting a potent dose of refined aggression. While its inherent comfort for leisurely commuting can be dialed back with a few strategic button presses, reconfiguring the suspension to suit the road conditions, the steering’s four percent increased reactivity, when combined with more aggressive air spring settings and sophisticated electronic ride control, imbues this substantial vehicle with a level of body control that defies its size. It may not possess the instantaneous, dart-like agility of the Ferrari, but it exhibits a fluid confidence, allowing the driver to explore the limits of grip. Its stability, both fore and aft, and its predictable responses inspire immense trust.
The steering, too, is remarkably precise, a necessity given that, like the Purosangue, judging the car’s extremities can be challenging. Yet, with the advanced all-wheel-drive system working seamlessly to temper any loss of composure when surfaces shift mid-corner, this Aston Martin can be placed with surgical accuracy. The 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 propels the DBX S with a guttural surge that perfectly complements its imposing aesthetic. A deep, resonant bass note builds within the chest, transmitted through the nine-speed automatic transmission with unbridled enthusiasm. The S variant incorporates turbos derived from the Valhalla supercar, delivering a more potent surge in the upper rev range. Crucially, it offers more accessible low-end torque than the Purosangue, a palpable advantage. Like its Italian rival, it is undeniably at its best on open roads where its immense speed can be fully unleashed. However, the DBX S skillfully disguises its considerable dimensions. The only minor quibble concerns the throttle response, which can feel a touch lethargic when not on boost. This is a non-issue on standard roads but becomes more apparent on the tight, demanding tracks we traversed, highlighting a subtle disparity.
Curiously, our initial assumption was that neither of these vehicles would truly excel in such demanding environments. Too large, too powerful, too confined. However, both performed exceptionally. They are not mere automotive afterthoughts, the slightly awkward, yet financially lucrative, SUV siblings of sports car lineages, but fully realized, highly competent machines. And they are, in their essence, profoundly and brilliantly different. While their specifications might occupy similar cells on a spreadsheet, their characters hail from entirely different galaxies. This makes the question of which is truly the best super SUV all the more compelling.
This brings us to the ultimate question: which reigns supreme? A points-based draw would be a disservice to the distinct personalities of these exceptional machines. We must first consider our initial premise: the search for the ultimate super SUV. This implies a vehicle that seamlessly blends practicality and usability with the unadulterated performance and prestige typically associated with supercars. Both vehicles possess an abundance of both performance and prestige, albeit delivered through vastly different lenses. I am convinced that on a mixed array of roads, neither would be left wanting in the company of the other.
The interiors are equally exquisite. Ferrari continues its penchant for a sometimes overwhelming array of haptic feedback, while the DBX occasionally stumbles with its CarPlay integration. However, the Aston Martin’s inherent practicality, a key consideration for any SUV, is a significant advantage. Then there’s the matter of price. The Aston Martin DBX S starts at a base of £210,000, with our highly specified test car reaching £255,390. The Ferrari Purosangue, however, begins at a staggering £313,120, with the example pictured commanding a breathtaking £487,548 – a testament to nearly £175,000 in optional extras. While press cars are invariably adorned with every conceivable option, the sheer magnitude of available customization on the Ferrari hints at a company that understands its clientele’s desire for personalization, even if it comes at a significant premium. While not the sole deciding factor, it is an important consideration.
So, to the verdict. The Ferrari Purosangue is, in essence, a singular entity. Ferrari’s long-held public relations stance of vehemently denying it’s an SUV is, in many respects, accurate. Its engine is undeniably from a bona fide supercar, its roofline is low, and its practicality is, at best, marginal. It operates within a far narrower window than the Aston Martin, and while it shines brilliantly within that window, it remains an altogether different proposition.
The Aston Martin DBX S, conversely, is an archetype. With subtle but significant refinements, the ‘S’ variant imbues the DBX with a sharp edge that the more blunt 707 model lacked. It is feral, sonorous, and undeniably brutish. Yet, it is also remarkably precise, astonishingly fast, and perfectly practical. And crucially, it achieves all this at approximately half the price of the Ferrari. For these compelling reasons, the Aston Martin DBX S emerges victorious in this head-to-head contest. It may not necessarily be a better car than the Ferrari Purosangue in every conceivable metric, but it is unequivocally the best super SUV for the discerning driver seeking the ultimate fusion of performance, practicality, and enduring appeal.
If you’re ready to explore the pinnacle of automotive engineering and experience the thrill of a machine that defies expectations, we invite you to schedule a personal consultation with our Aston Martin and Ferrari specialists. Discover which of these extraordinary vehicles best aligns with your own automotive aspirations.
