Aston Martin DBX S vs. Ferrari Purosangue: The Ultimate Super SUV Showdown for 2025
The automotive landscape has undergone a seismic shift. Gone are the days when the very definition of a supercar was inextricably linked to a low-slung silhouette and a dramatic, wedge-shaped profile. Today, the allure of extreme performance and unparalleled luxury is increasingly found cloaked within the practical, elevated form of the sport utility vehicle. This evolution has given rise to a new breed of automotive titan: the super SUV. In the realm of these high-octane, high-riding behemoths, two contenders stand head and shoulders above the rest, each representing the pinnacle of their marque’s engineering prowess and design philosophy. We’re pitting the formidable Aston Martin DBX S against the enigmatic Ferrari Purosangue in a no-holds-barred comparison to determine which truly reigns supreme in the super SUV segment.
My journey into the heart of this comparison began not in a sterile test facility, but in the raw, untamed beauty of the Lake District’s Hardknott Pass. As twilight descended, cloaking the already challenging single-track road in an inky blackness, the very essence of these vehicles was about to be tested. The Ferrari Purosangue, my chariot for this dramatic descent, suffered a seemingly insignificant puncture. Yet, on a remote stretch of road, with no cell signal and miles from civilization, this “tiny little pinch puncture slit” on its 23-inch rear tire felt like an insurmountable obstacle. Without a spare and modern sealants ill-equipped for the damage, I found myself contemplating the nocturnal inhabitants of the valley, a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that even the most advanced machines can face.
This unexpected interlude, however, offered a profound moment of reflection on the very nature of these luxury performance SUVs. Both the Ferrari Purosangue and the Aston Martin DBX S represent a bold departure from tradition. Ferrari, after considerable deliberation regarding its place in the market, has introduced the Purosangue: a bespoke, high-riding four-seater boasting a magnificent 6.5-liter V12 engine – a true supercar powerplant – more aligned with Ferrari’s sporting heritage than any traditional SUV lineage.
Meanwhile, Aston Martin has refined its already imposing DBX into the DBX S. The previous 550bhp DBX is a distant memory; the 707 model now serves as the baseline, with the S variant introducing faster steering, a more resolute suspension setup, a marginal power increase, and quad exhaust tips, all offered at essentially the same price point. It’s less an evolution and more a sharpening of focus, a declaration of intent.
On paper, the performance metrics are astonishingly similar. Both vehicles rocket from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 3.3 seconds and boast a top speed of 193 mph. Both utilize all-wheel drive, though their approaches differ significantly, and their weight is remarkably close. The standard DBX carries a 45kg advantage over the Ferrari, but with optional lightweight components like 23-inch magnesium wheels and a carbon fiber roof, the Aston Martin DBX S can actually shed 2kg from the Purosangue’s tally. For anyone seeking a high-performance SUV with prestige, these figures suggest parity. However, as my unscheduled pause on Hardknott Pass would soon reveal, statistics only tell a fraction of the story.
To truly understand what these two titans were made of, an extensive road trip was in order. Spanning hundreds of miles of varied terrain – A-roads, B-roads, motorways, and even the unforgiving confines of car parks – we subjected them to the ultimate test of usability, passenger comfort, software convenience, and, inevitably, their rather thirsty fuel consumption.
Steering clear of hyperbole, the Aston Martin DBX S unequivocally emerges as the more practical choice. It accommodates five occupants compared to the Ferrari’s four, and its boot space is a substantial 632 liters, nearly a third larger than the Purosangue’s 473 liters. The cargo area also offers a more accommodating space when the rear seats are folded flat. In terms of fuel efficiency, the Aston Martin is the clear winner, achieving nearly 23 mpg on the motorway, while the Ferrari languished around 18 mpg. Both, however, descended into single-digit figures when pushed to their limits, with fuel gauges plummeting as super unleaded was transmuted into raw noise and exhilarating momentum with the slightest flex of the right ankle.
For everyday driving, the Aston Martin DBX S provides a more serene experience. Its GT mode offers a plush, armchair-like ride. While the Ferrari Purosangue’s damping is arguably superlative – a topic we’ll explore further – it possesses a more edgy, athletic disposition in nearly every aspect. It’s akin to a Border Collie, perpetually agile and energetic, while the Aston Martin DBX S is a Rottweiler – brawny, powerful, and resolutely in command.
However, the true ambition was to push these machines beyond their intended comfort zones. And where better to do that than on the precipice of automotive extremity? The Hardknott Pass, near Ambleside, is not merely a road; it’s a formidable public thoroughfare, adorned with ominous warning signs at its base, riddled with potholes capable of swallowing dignity, and punctuated by hairpin bends so steep they’ll equalize your inner ear pressure. Its width barely accommodates these colossal vehicles. If they can conquer this, they can likely navigate any urban challenge with aplomb.
The Ferrari Purosangue, despite its inherent sophistication, demonstrates an astonishing aptitude for tackling adversity. Its damping system, featuring Multimatic spool valves, operates like miniature, electrically controlled clockwork gearboxes. This precision renders traditional anti-roll bars obsolete, offering an immense spectrum of adjustability between full comfort and track-focused stiffness, ensuring tires remain resolutely planted. Within the Purosangue, drivers can meticulously tailor these systems to the prevailing conditions. A subtle adjustment of the manettino dial, moving from ‘everything off’ to a forward press, can recalibrate the damping to a softer setting while retaining razor-sharp throttle response and steering inputs. The result is a car that gracefully navigates cambers and undulations rather than jarring against them.
It is on these challenging surfaces that the Purosangue’s dynamic responses truly justify its existence. It eschews the typical SUV persona. Its drivetrain feels predominantly rear-wheel-drive, with the front axle intervening only in genuinely slippery conditions. The steering is nothing short of immaculate for a vehicle of its stature, capable of tucking into the tightest bends with a dexterity that belies its considerable dimensions. Its eight-speed dual-clutch transmission shifts with the lightning-fast precision of a 296 GTB.
And then there is the sound. The symphony of its 6.5-liter V12 engine, transplanted into a chassis designed for all manner of roads, is nothing short of breathtaking. This is not an off-roader in the traditional sense, but on a rutted British B-road, it eclipses a conventional sports car. Its abundant low-end torque, a formidable 528 lb-ft, ensures it never feels wanting. The V12 wail reverberates off the hillsides with an operatic fervor, almost daring nature itself. Yet, the Ferrari Purosangue is an intense experience. While undeniably joyful and exhilarating, driving it “properly” can be a taxing endeavor. It unequivocally shines on smoother, faster roads, where I suspect it could even humble a dedicated low-slung sports car, its 8,250 rpm redline a constant siren call.
The Hardknott and its equally demanding neighbor, Wrynose Pass, are anything but smooth. These are angry, forgotten arteries of tarmac, more akin to rugged tracks than conventional roadways. Space is a precious commodity, with jagged rocks encroaching inches from the margins. Maintaining focus is paramount; the temptation to be lost in the awe-inspiring, breath-stealing landscape is a luxury one cannot afford for more than a fleeting moment. Driving here is less about pleasure and more about a visceral, teeth-clenching challenge.
Roads of this nature should, by all rights, be the undoing of a large, powerful machine like the Aston Martin DBX S. Too narrow, too bumpy, too claustrophobic. Yet, what transpired was nothing short of a revelation. The DBX S, in its ‘S’ guise, transcends the capabilities of the standard DBX 707. It’s not an entirely new vehicle, but one imbued with a potent dose of adrenaline. The previously serene commuting comfort can be instantaneously discarded with a few judicious button presses, recalibrating the suspension for optimal road engagement.
The steering boasts a four percent increase in responsiveness over the standard model – a seemingly minor increment, but when combined with more aggressive air spring settings and sophisticated electronic ride control, it imbues this substantial SUV with an unexpected level of agility and body confidence. It may not possess the instantaneous, darting reflexes of the Ferrari, but there’s a palpable flow, a subtle yet crucial degree of suspension articulation that allows the driver to intuitively explore the limits of grip. Its composure is unwavering, front to back, and its reactions are predictable and reassuring.
The steering, too, is precise, a critical attribute given that, much like the Purosangue, judging the extremities of the vehicle can be a challenge. However, with the precision of modern technology, the car can be placed with uncanny accuracy. The all-wheel-drive system works diligently to maintain stability, seamlessly adjusting torque distribution as road surfaces transition mid-corner. Propelling this behemoth is the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, delivering a guttural surge that perfectly complements its imposing aesthetic. A deep, resonant bass emanates from the engine, resonating within your chest and seamlessly transitioning through the nine-speed automatic gearbox with unbridled enthusiasm.
The Aston Martin DBX S incorporates the turbochargers from the Valhalla supercar, enhancing performance at the upper reaches of the rev range. Crucially, it offers superior low-end torque compared to the Purosangue, a difference that is palpably felt. While both vehicles are undeniably at their happiest on more expansive roads, where their prodigious speed can be unleashed without restraint, the DBX S impressively defies its considerable dimensions. The only minor quibble? The throttle response can feel marginally languid when not operating within the turbo’s boost threshold. This is a trivial concern on ordinary roads but becomes noticeable on tighter, more demanding tracks, exacerbating any slight delay.
Ironically, the prevailing assumption was that neither of these vehicles would truly excel in such challenging environments. Their size, immense power, and the sheer confinement of the terrain seemed an insurmountable challenge. Yet, both performed exceptionally. They are not merely compromised SUV derivatives of sports car platforms, but fully realized, formidable machines. And, crucially, they are utterly, brilliantly different. While their specification sheets might appear to occupy similar cells, their characters emanate from entirely disparate dimensions.
This brings us to the inevitable, and often contentious, question: which is superior? A sterile points-based draw is an insufficient conclusion for such titans. Our objective was to identify the definitive super SUV – a vehicle that masterfully blends practicality, usability, exhilarating performance, and undeniable prestige. Both contenders possess prestige and performance in abundance, albeit delivered through distinct methodologies. Honestly, I believe that on a mixed driving route, neither would concede significant ground to the other.
The interiors are equally exquisite, though the Ferrari continues to employ a smattering of perhaps unnecessary haptic feedback, while the Aston Martin DBX S occasionally stumbles with its CarPlay integration. However, the Ferrari simply cannot match the Aston Martin’s inherent practicality – a key consideration for any SUV buyer. Then there is the matter of price. The Aston Martin DBX S commands a base price of £210,000, with our comprehensively optioned test car reaching £255,390. The Ferrari Purosangue, in stark contrast, begins at a staggering £313,120, and the specific car featured in our photography commands a jaw-dropping £487,548. That equates to nearly £175,000 in optional extras alone. While press cars are typically adorned with the highest specifications, the sheer breadth of customization available on the Ferrari suggests a deliberate strategy of maximizing revenue. While not the sole determinant in this comparison, it is a salient point.
Nevertheless, a verdict must be rendered. The Ferrari Purosangue occupies a unique space in the automotive hierarchy. Ferrari’s prolonged narrative about it not being an “SUV” is, in many respects, accurate. Its engine is sourced from a bona fide supercar, its roofline is decidedly low, and its practicality is, at best, marginal. It operates within a much narrower performance envelope than the Aston Martin, and while it shines brilliantly within that window, it remains an entity unto itself, defying easy categorization.
The Aston Martin DBX S, conversely, embodies the archetype. With a few well-executed adjustments, the ‘S’ variant injects a visceral edge that the more bludgeoning DBX 707 lacked. It is feral, sonorous, and undeniably brutish. Yet, it also possesses an astonishing level of precision, is insanely fast, and remains perfectly practical. And, crucially, it achieves this for approximately 50% less cost. For these compelling reasons, the Aston Martin DBX S emerges victorious in this encounter. It may not be an objectively “better” car than the Ferrari Purosangue, but it is unequivocally the superior super SUV.
If you’re captivated by the prospect of owning a vehicle that redefines the boundaries of automotive performance and luxury, or if you’re ready to explore how a high-performance luxury SUV can elevate your driving experience, we invite you to connect with our expert team. Discover the unparalleled capabilities of the Aston Martin DBX S and explore financing options tailored to your needs. Your journey to automotive excellence begins now.
