Aston Martin DBX S vs. Ferrari Purosangue: The Ultimate Super SUV Showdown
The automotive landscape has undergone a seismic shift. Once defined by their low-slung, aerodynamic silhouettes, supercars have now boldly embraced the commanding presence and inherent utility of the SUV form factor. This evolution has given rise to a new breed of elite vehicles – the super SUV. These aren’t your average family haulers; they are behemoths of engineering, blending blistering supercar performance with the practicality and road presence that only an elevated driving position can offer. In the vanguard of this revolutionary segment stand two titans: the Aston Martin DBX S and the Ferrari Purosangue. For discerning enthusiasts seeking the zenith of automotive engineering, the question isn’t if these vehicles can perform, but how they redefine the very essence of a high-performance utility vehicle.
For a decade now, I’ve been immersed in the exhilarating world of automotive journalism, scrutinizing the nuances that separate the exceptional from the merely competent. My career has been dedicated to dissecting the soul of cars, understanding not just their specifications on paper, but the visceral experience they deliver behind the wheel. This journey has taken me through countless road tests, from the refined elegance of European grand tourers to the raw power of American muscle cars, and now, to the cutting edge of super SUV innovation. My focus has always been on delivering an unvarnished, expert perspective, offering insights that go beyond surface-level observations.
The Genesis of the Super SUV: A Shift in Paradigm
The concept of a high-performance SUV has been around for a while, but it’s the recent integration of true supercar DNA that has truly electrified the market. We’re talking about vehicles that possess the agility, speed, and auditory drama of their two-door counterparts, all while offering a level of comfort and space that makes them viable for everyday use and longer journeys. This is where the Aston Martin DBX S and Ferrari Purosangue enter the fray, each representing a distinct philosophy in this nascent segment.
The Ferrari Purosangue, in particular, has been a focal point of discussion. Maranello’s deliberate approach to its foray into this market was met with considerable anticipation and, arguably, some trepidation. Ferrari has long maintained a sacred lineage of pure sports cars. Their initial declaration that the Purosangue is not an SUV, but rather a “four-door V12,” speaks volumes about their commitment to preserving their brand identity while embracing a new architectural form. Underpinning this statement is a 6.5-liter V12 engine – a powerplant that evokes the very essence of Ferrari’s heritage, delivering a symphony of sound and fury that few manufacturers can replicate. This is a machine engineered from the ground up to eschew the typical SUV bloodline, aiming instead for a kinship with their iconic V12 grand tourers.
Contrast this with the Aston Martin DBX S. Aston Martin, a marque steeped in British luxury and performance, approached the DBX platform with a different intent. While the original DBX laid a strong foundation, the ‘S’ designation signifies a significant evolution. It represents not just an incremental upgrade, but a fundamental re-engineering for enhanced dynamism. The base 550bhp DBX is now a memory, with the 707 model serving as the baseline. The ‘S’ version further refines this, introducing faster steering ratios, a more resolute suspension setup, a subtle uptick in power, and a quartet of exhaust outlets that hint at the formidable force contained within. Crucially, Aston Martin has positioned the DBX S as a more potent, more engaging iteration of an already capable vehicle, offered at a price point that suggests a different value proposition.
On Paper: A Tale of Two Super SUVs
At first glance, the specifications of the Aston Martin DBX S and Ferrari Purosangue might appear remarkably similar. Both are engineered to achieve a blistering 0-62 mph sprint in a mere 3.3 seconds, and both possess a top speed capped at an exhilarating 193 mph. Their all-wheel-drive systems, while fundamentally different in their execution, aim to deliver maximum traction and control. Weight figures are also surprisingly close; the standard DBX carries a slight advantage in weight over the Purosangue, but when equipped with performance-oriented options like 23-inch magnesium wheels and a carbon fiber roof, the DBX S can actually tip the scales at a couple of kilograms less than its Italian counterpart.
On paper, this suggests a fierce competition where raw performance metrics are nearly indistinguishable. However, as any seasoned driver can attest, the true character of a car extends far beyond numerical data. Paper statistics, while informative, can often obscure the intricate tapestry of a vehicle’s driving dynamics, its emotional resonance, and its fundamental purpose. It is this deeper understanding, this appreciation for the intangible qualities, that truly separates the elite from the rest. To truly gauge the mettle of these two super SUVs, a rigorous and comprehensive road trip was in order, pushing them across varied terrains and challenging conditions to uncover their true essence.
The Road Less Traveled: Pushing the Limits
Our journey took us north, through the serpentine embrace of A-roads and the more challenging intimacy of B-roads, interspersed with the relentless monotony of motorways and the unforgiving reality of unkempt tracks. We loaded them with an abundance of luggage and a full complement of passengers, scrutinizing their practicality, their day-to-day comfort, the seamlessness of their digital interfaces, and, inevitably, their rather thirsty fuel consumption.
Stepping away from the pure performance metrics and into the realm of everyday usability, the Aston Martin DBX S emerges as the more pragmatically appointed choice. Its cabin configuration offers a five-seat layout, a distinct advantage over the Ferrari’s four-seat arrangement. Furthermore, its boot space is a full third larger, boasting a generous 632 liters compared to the Purosangue’s 473 liters, with a more accommodating and less awkward load area when the rear seats are folded. Fuel economy, too, leans in Aston’s favor. On the motorway, the DBX S consistently returned closer to 23 mpg, while the Purosangue hovered around 18 mpg. It’s worth noting that both figures plummeted into single digits when driven with any degree of enthusiasm, the surge of acceleration transforming premium unleaded into a potent cocktail of noise and kinetic energy with the mere flex of a right ankle.
For conventional driving, the Aston Martin DBX S offers a more forgiving and comfortable experience. In its ‘GT’ mode, it adopts a plush, armchair-like demeanor. While the Ferrari Purosangue’s damping is, as we’ll discuss, superlative, its overall disposition is decidedly more athletic and reactive. It’s akin to the difference between a placid, yet powerful, Rottweiler – the Aston Martin – and an agile, energetic Border Collie – the Ferrari.
However, our ultimate objective was to extricate these vehicles from their comfort zones and expose them to environments that would truly test their mettle. And where better to achieve this than on one of the most formidable and unforgiving roads in the United Kingdom? The Hardknott Pass, nestled in the Lake District, presents a public thoroughfare that is less a road and more a test of wills. With warning signs at its base, potholes large enough to swallow a lesser vehicle whole, and hairpin bends so steep they make your ears pop, its width is barely sufficient to accommodate these behemoths. If they can conquer the Hardknott, they can surely navigate the most demanding urban jungles.
Ferrari Purosangue: The Art of Controlled Chaos
The Ferrari Purosangue, it must be said, is uncannily adept at managing adversity. Its damping system, featuring Multimatic’s spool valves, operates like miniature, electrically controlled clockwork mechanisms within the suspension. This intricate precision renders traditional anti-roll bars almost redundant, providing an astonishing range between plush compliance and track-bred stiffness. This allows for a ruthless, unwavering connection between tire and tarmac, ensuring optimal contact even on the most treacherous surfaces. The Purosangue’s driver can meticulously tailor these systems to suit the immediate conditions. A subtle twist of the Manettino dial, moving it just before the ‘all systems off’ setting, followed by a forward nudge to re-engage soft damping, allows for a remarkable duality. The driver retains the visceral throttle response and razor-sharp steering inputs, but the wheels masterfully absorb cambers and undulations, rather than jarring against them.
It is within these challenging environments that the Purosangue’s dynamic and engaging reactions truly come into their own. It defies the conventional notion of an SUV. Its drivetrain feels predominantly rear-wheel drive, with the front axle intervening only when extreme slippage is detected. The steering, for a car of its dimensions, is nothing short of immaculate. It possesses an uncanny ability to tuck into even the tightest of corners, a feat that belies its considerable footprint. Its eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox shifts with the same lightning-fast precision as found in the legendary 296 GTB.
And then there is the sound. The throaty roar of its 6.5-liter V12 engine, nestled within an all-road chassis, is a masterpiece of automotive acoustics. This is not merely an off-roader, but a machine far more capable on a sinuous UK B-road than any traditional sports car. Its low-end torque is prodigious, delivering a substantial 528 lb-ft that ensures no shortage of propulsion. The V12 wail, echoing off the hillsides, is a sound to behold, a visceral experience that ignites the senses. However, the Ferrari Purosangue is an intensely focused machine. While undeniably joyful and exhilarating to drive at its limits, sustained spirited driving can be somewhat demanding. It unquestionably thrives on smooth A-roads, where it can genuinely challenge, and perhaps even humble, a conventional low-slung sports car as it scales its stratospheric 8,250 rpm redline.
The Hardknott and adjacent Wrynose Pass are emphatically not smooth A-roads. These are forgotten ribbons of tarmac, more akin to rugged tracks than modern thoroughfares. Space is at an absolute premium, and jagged rocks line the verges, mere inches from the car’s painted surfaces. The breathtaking, soul-stirring landscape demands an unwavering focus; a moment’s inattention is simply not an option, no matter how majestic the panorama. Driving here is less about enjoyment and more about a primal test of skill and nerve, demanding bared teeth and sharp intakes of breath.
Aston Martin DBX S: The Art of Refined Ferocity
One might reasonably assume that roads of this caliber would present an insurmountable challenge for a vehicle as substantial as the Aston Martin DBX. Too narrow, too uneven, too claustrophobic. Yet, here we find ourselves in the presence of a revelation. The DBX S is a distinct and compelling evolution from the standard DBX 707. While not an entirely different species, it possesses a significant infusion of added dynamism. With judicious button-pressing, the car’s suspension can be reconfigured to a more sporting bias, moving away from its languid commuting comfort.
The steering system boasts a four percent quicker ratio than its predecessor. While this may sound modest on paper, when combined with more aggressive air spring settings and sophisticated electronic ride control, it imbues this large vehicle with an unexpected level of body confidence. It may not possess the instantaneous, housefly-like reflexes of the Ferrari, but there is a tangible sense of flow. This is facilitated by a subtle degree of suspension movement, which allows the driver to explore the limits of grip with confidence. Its front-to-rear stability is unwavering, and its reactions are predictable and reassuring.
The steering, too, is commendably precise, a necessity given that, much like the Purosangue, discerning the car’s extremities requires significant spatial awareness. However, through the application of the car’s myriad electronic aids and driver-selectable modes, one can precisely place this vehicle. The all-wheel-drive system works diligently to maintain composure as grip levels fluctuate mid-corner. Powering this formidable machine is a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, delivering its potency with a guttural surge that perfectly complements the car’s imposing aesthetic. It produces a deep, resonant bass note that vibrates through your chest, seamlessly relayed through the nine-speed automatic transmission with unbridled enthusiasm.
The S variant incorporates the turbochargers from the Valhalla supercar, contributing to a more potent surge in the upper rev range. However, it’s the more abundant low-end torque, noticeably greater than that of the Purosangue, that truly distinguishes it. Yes, like its Italian rival, the DBX S is most at home on expansive roads where its prodigious speed can be unleashed without restraint. Yet, it astonishingly belies its considerable dimensions with remarkable agility. The only minor quibble is that the throttle response can feel marginally delayed when the turbos are not actively engaged. This is rarely an issue on everyday roads, but on these tight, demanding tracks, any such slight hesitation is amplified and becomes noticeably apparent.
A Revelation: Unexpected Prowess
Curiously, our initial assumption was that neither of these colossal machines would truly excel in such confined, demanding environments. Their size, power, and inherent complexity seemed ill-suited to the treacherous topography. However, both proved to be nothing short of exceptional. They are not simply automotive compromises, the slightly awkward, yet financially expedient, SUV siblings of their respective sports car lineages. Instead, they are fully realized, deeply compelling propositions in their own right. And in their realization, they are utterly, brilliantly, and fundamentally different. Their specifications might occupy similar cells on a spreadsheet, but their characters hail from entirely different dimensions.
The Verdict: Redefining Super SUV Excellence
This brings us to the pivotal question: which of these magnificent machines reigns supreme? A points-based draw would be a disservice to the distinct philosophies at play. To deliver a definitive verdict, we must first re-evaluate our initial objective: to identify the best super SUV. This necessitates a vehicle that is practical and useful, yet imbued with the performance and prestige befitting its elite status. Both the Aston Martin DBX S and the Ferrari Purosangue undeniably possess the requisite prestige and performance, albeit delivered through vastly different means. I firmly believe that on a mixed-terrain evaluation, neither vehicle would concede ground to the other in terms of overall capability.
The interiors of both vehicles are equally exquisite. However, the Ferrari still harbors an unfortunate reliance on a plethora of unnecessary haptic feedback controls, while the Aston Martin DBX occasionally falters with its CarPlay integration. Yet, in terms of the core attributes one seeks in an SUV, the Ferrari cannot match the sheer practicality of the Aston Martin. Then there is the matter of price. The Aston Martin DBX S commences at approximately £210,000 for the base model, with the generously specified example we tested reaching £255,390. In stark contrast, the Ferrari Purosangue begins its journey at a formidable £313,120, and the meticulously optioned example photographed here commands a staggering £487,548. This represents nearly £175,000 in optional extras alone. While press cars are invariably equipped with the highest specifications, the very existence of such extensive and costly optional packages suggests a deliberate strategy by Ferrari to maximize revenue. While not the sole determinant, it is a factor worthy of serious consideration.
Ultimately, a verdict must be rendered. The Ferrari Purosangue occupies a unique and singular position in the automotive pantheon. Ferrari’s persistent insistence that it is not, in fact, an SUV, is more than mere marketing spin; it is a statement of intent. Its V12 engine is undeniably sourced from a bona fide supercar, its roofline is lower than convention dictates, and its practical concessions are, by design, marginal. It operates within a considerably narrower window of application than the Aston Martin. And while it shines with unparalleled brilliance within that window, it remains an entity that defies easy categorization.
The Aston Martin DBX S, on the other hand, embodies a near-archetypal super SUV. With a few judicious refinements, the ‘S’ model injects a vital edge that was perhaps less pronounced in the blunter instrument that was the 707. It is at once feral, vociferous, and brutally powerful, yet it also possesses an astonishing level of precision and an almost preternatural practicality. Furthermore, it achieves this for approximately half the price of the Ferrari. For these compelling reasons, the Aston Martin DBX S emerges as the victor of this particular contest. It is not definitively a “better” car than the Ferrari Purosangue, but it is, unequivocally, the better super SUV.
In a world increasingly demanding versatility without compromise, the Aston Martin DBX S stands as a beacon of what is possible when luxury, performance, and everyday usability converge. If you are ready to experience the pinnacle of super SUV engineering and discover a new dimension of automotive excellence, we invite you to explore the Aston Martin DBX S further and schedule your personal demonstration today.
