Aston Martin DBX S vs. Ferrari Purosangue: Decoding the Pinnacle of Super SUVs
The automotive landscape of 2025 is a far cry from the low-slung, wedge-shaped exotics that once defined the supercar segment. Today, the allure of unparalleled performance and luxury has been masterfully integrated into the versatile and increasingly capable form factor of the sport utility vehicle. This evolution has given rise to a new breed of automotive titans: the super SUV. As an industry veteran with a decade of hands-on experience navigating the intricacies of high-performance automotive engineering and market trends, I’ve witnessed firsthand the rapid advancement and fierce competition in this rarefied stratum. This year, two titans stand poised to redefine the very essence of what a super SUV can be: the Aston Martin DBX S and the Ferrari Purosangue.
The very concept of a “super SUV” sparks debate, a delightful tension between tradition and innovation. For years, purists argued that the very definition of a supercar precluded the elevated ride height and inherent practicality of an SUV. Yet, manufacturers like Aston Martin and Ferrari, brands synonymous with purebred performance, have embraced this challenge, meticulously crafting machines that blend the soul-stirring dynamics of their sports cars with the everyday usability of an SUV. This isn’t merely about bolting a more powerful engine into a taller chassis; it’s about a holistic re-imagining of performance, luxury, and utility.
Our journey to understand these automotive marvels began with a deliberate immersion, a testament to the spirit of thorough evaluation that underpins genuine expertise. We ventured into the rugged, unforgiving terrain of the Lake District, specifically targeting the notoriously challenging Hardknott Pass. This iconic stretch of tarmac, with its precipitous inclines, unpredictable surface changes, and razor-thin margins for error, serves as the ultimate proving ground. It’s a place where the true character of any vehicle, especially one aspiring to be the best super SUV, is laid bare. Amidst the brooding skies and the chilling realization of a punctured tire on the Ferrari Purosangue – a seemingly minor inconvenience that, at 11 PM on a remote, signal-less road, felt like an insurmountable obstacle – the true test began. The absence of a spare tire, a common trait in modern performance vehicles, underscored the reliance on advanced engineering and the potential fragility of even the most robust machines when pushed to their limits.
The narrative of this comparison is rooted in the very inception of these two extraordinary vehicles. Ferrari’s entry into this segment, the Purosangue, arrived amidst considerable industry discussion. The marque’s decision to produce a four-seater with a genuine 6.5-litre V12 – a powerplant that unequivocally belongs in the realm of supercars – challenged conventional wisdom. It’s a vehicle that draws more from Ferrari’s storied sports car heritage than from any perceived “mucky industrial bloodline” often associated with SUVs. Its design prioritizes a high-riding, yet sleek, silhouette, aiming to deliver an unparalleled driving experience without compromising the brand’s core DNA.
On the other side of the ring stands the Aston Martin DBX S. Building upon the formidable foundation of the DBX line, the S represents a significant evolution. The previous 550bhp DBX is now relegated to history, with the potent 707 model serving as the new baseline. The DBX S further refines this already impressive package, incorporating quicker steering, a more committed suspension setup, a marginal increase in power, and the distinctive quad-stacked exhaust system – all delivered at essentially the same price point as its predecessor. This isn’t simply an incremental upgrade; it’s a carefully curated enhancement, a preference for an even sharper, more engaging driving dynamic.
On paper, both machines present a compelling case for superiority. Both achieve a blistering 0-62 mph sprint in a mere 3.3 seconds, and both cap out at an electronically limited 193 mph. Their all-wheel-drive systems, while employing distinct philosophies, are engineered for maximum traction and performance. Astonishingly, their weight figures are remarkably similar. The standard DBX holds a slight advantage in weight over the Ferrari, but when optional lightweight components, such as 23-inch magnesium wheels and a carbon fiber roof, are specified on the DBX, it actually tips the scales to be lighter than the Purosangue by a mere 2 kilograms. These figures, while impressive, are merely a prelude. The true story of these performance SUVs unfolds when they are liberated from the confines of specification sheets and unleashed onto the real world.
To truly ascertain their mettle, we embarked on an extensive road trip, traversing hundreds of miles of diverse British landscapes. From the sweeping vistas of A-roads to the intimate embrace of B-roads, the exhilaration of motorways, and the challenging confines of car parks, we pushed these vehicles to their limits. We loaded them with an abundance of luggage and passengers, scrutinizing their usability, daily comfort, the seamless integration of their software interfaces, and, inevitably, their rather thirsty fuel consumption. While our objective wasn’t to delve into the minutiae of typical consumer journalism, the findings were illuminating.
In terms of sheer practicality, the Aston Martin DBX S emerges as the more accomplished contender. It boasts a five-seat configuration, a distinct advantage over the Ferrari’s four-seat arrangement. Its boot space is nearly a third larger, offering a substantial 632 liters compared to the Purosangue’s 473 liters. Furthermore, the cargo area presents a more user-friendly proposition, even when the rear seats are folded flat. Fuel economy also favors the Aston, achieving a respectable 23 mpg on the motorway where the Ferrari languished around 18 mpg. It’s crucial to note that both these figures plummeted into single digits when the cars were driven with the gusto their performance capabilities command. The sensation of watching the fuel gauges plummet with mere throttle inputs, transforming premium unleaded into a symphony of noise and exhilarating momentum, is a shared, albeit intoxicating, characteristic of these luxury SUVs.
For everyday driving, the Aston Martin DBX S offers a more cosseting and comfortable experience. Its “GT” mode provides a plush, armchair-like ride, making it an ideal companion for long journeys. The Ferrari, while possessing superlative damping capabilities (more on that later), presents a more immediate, athletic, and edgier disposition to nearly every input. If the Aston Martin is a powerful, steadfast Rottweiler, the Ferrari is a hyper-agile Border Collie – brimming with boundless energy and an almost unsettling eagerness to engage.
Our objective, however, was not merely to assess daily usability, but to push these ultra-luxury SUVs beyond their comfort zones. And where better to do so than on the aforementioned Hardknott Pass? This isn’t merely a road; it’s an audacious challenge, a ribbon of tarmac clinging precariously to the mountainside, punctuated by warning signs, cavernous potholes capable of swallowing lesser vehicles, and hairpin bends so acute they’ll recalibrate your inner ear. The road width often barely accommodates these substantial machines. If they can conquer this unforgiving terrain, they can undoubtedly navigate the most demanding urban environments with aplomb.
The Ferrari Purosangue exhibits an almost otherworldly ability to cope with compromised surfaces. Its advanced damping system, featuring Multimatic spool valves, is nothing short of revolutionary. These electrically controlled actuators function like miniature, precision clockwork gearboxes within the dampers, enabling an unprecedented variation between a luxuriously soft ride and track-honed stiffness. This technology renders traditional anti-roll bars largely redundant, ensuring tires maintain steadfast contact with the ground, even on the most agitated surfaces. The Purosangue allows for an extraordinary level of customization, enabling drivers to dial in the damping to perfectly suit the immediate conditions. A flick of the manettino dial can transition from a setting that preserves exhilarating throttle response and razor-sharp steering to one that prioritizes wheel articulation over broken tarmac, preventing jarring impacts.
It is in these demanding scenarios that the Purosangue’s dynamic responses truly come into their own, defying its classification as a conventional SUV. The drivetrain exhibits a distinctly rear-wheel-drive bias, with the front axle only engaging to provide assistance during moments of extreme slip. The steering, for a vehicle of this stature, is nothing short of immaculate. It possesses an uncanny ability to tuck into even the tightest of bends, seemingly shrinking its considerable dimensions. Its eight-speed dual-clutch transmission shifts with the lightning-fast precision reminiscent of Ferrari’s dedicated sports cars.
And then there is the aural symphony. This is a 6.5-liter V12 engine, a true supercar powerplant, residing within a chassis designed for enhanced capability. It’s not an off-roader, but its proficiency on a rutted British B-road surpasses that of many dedicated sports cars. The abundance of low-end torque – a formidable 528 lb-ft – ensures effortless acceleration, and the glorious V12 wail, echoing off the surrounding hillsides, is utterly captivating. However, the Ferrari demands intense focus. While exhilarating and joyful, driving it “properly” can be an engaging, albeit tiring, experience. On smoother, more open roads, it can genuinely challenge the pace of a traditional low-slung sports car, reaching for its breathtaking 8,250 rpm redline with unbridled ferocity.
The Hardknott and the adjacent Wrynose Pass are anything but smooth, open roads. They are the embodiment of forgotten byways, more akin to rugged tracks than civilized thoroughfares, with unforgiving, jagged rocks lining the verges mere inches from the vehicle’s extremities. Maintaining unwavering concentration is paramount; there is no room for distraction, regardless of the breathtaking scenery. The experience is less about outright enjoyment and more about a primal challenge that elicits a bared-teeth, deep-breath reaction.
One might assume that such treacherous conditions would be the undoing of a large, imposing vehicle like the DBX S. Too narrow, too bumpy, too claustrophobic – these are the logical conclusions. Yet, we bore witness to a genuine revelation. The DBX S transcends the inherent limitations of its size, exhibiting a different character than the already formidable DBX 707. While not an entirely different creation, it possesses a significantly amplified sense of urgency and aggression. With judicious manipulation of the vehicle’s controls, the suspension can be reconfigured to masterfully adapt to the road surface.
The steering system, boasting a four percent increase in responsiveness over the standard model, might not sound dramatic on paper. However, when coupled with more aggressive air spring settings and sophisticated electronic ride control, it endows this large vehicle with a level of body control that defies its dimensions. It may not possess the instantaneous, dart-like agility of the Ferrari, but it exhibits a flowing confidence that allows the driver to explore the limits of grip. Its stability, front to rear, and the predictability of its reactions instill a profound sense of trust.
The steering precision is essential, as, much like the Purosangue, judging the extremities of the car requires a keen eye. However, the DBX S can be placed with remarkable accuracy, and its all-wheel-drive system adeptly manages surface changes mid-corner, maintaining composure. The 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine propels the substantial mass with a guttural surge that perfectly complements the car’s imposing presence. The deep, resonant bass notes resonate within your chest, and the nine-speed automatic transmission shifts with unbridled abandon.
The S model benefits from turbos sourced from the Valhalla supercar, delivering an even more potent surge in the upper reaches of the rev range. Crucially, it offers superior low-end torque compared to the Purosangue, a tangible advantage that is immediately apparent. Like the Ferrari, it is undeniably more at home on expansive, open roads where its immense power can be unleashed. However, the DBX S astonishingly belies its size with remarkable agility. The only minor criticism is a slight tardiness in throttle response when the turbos are not actively engaged. While imperceptible on more accommodating roads, this characteristic is exacerbated on tight, challenging tracks, becoming notably apparent.
Curiously, the prevailing assumption was that neither of these performance SUVs would truly excel in such demanding conditions. Their size, power, and inherent limitations suggested they would be ill-suited. However, both proved to be exceptional. They are not merely utilitarian compromises or less-than-ideal siblings to their sports car brethren, but rather fully realized, brilliantly executed machines. Their similarity on a spreadsheet evaporates when their distinct characters are examined; they are, quite literally, from different dimensions.
This brings us to the crucial, and often contentious, question: which is the definitive best super SUV? A points-based draw is an insufficient resolution. We must first reaffirm our objective: to identify the most accomplished super SUV, a vehicle that masterfully blends practicality, usability, performance, and undeniable prestige. Both vehicles undeniably possess an abundance of the latter two attributes, delivered through vastly different philosophies. Frankly, on a mixed array of roads, neither vehicle would feel outmatched by the other.
The interior craftsmanship of both is equally exquisite. However, the Ferrari continues to employ a bewild-ering array of what often feel like superfluous haptic controls, while the Aston Martin DBX occasionally falters in its integration of Apple CarPlay. Yet, when considering the fundamental attributes of an SUV, the Aston Martin’s superior practicality is a significant advantage. And then there is 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, conversely, begins its ascent at a formidable £313,120, with the depicted example commanding an astonishing £487,548 – a figure inflated by nearly £175,000 in optional extras. While press cars are invariably adorned with a plethora of enhancements, the sheer magnitude of optional expenditure on the Ferrari hints at a deliberate strategy of extracting maximum value from its clientele. While not the sole determinant, it is a noteworthy consideration.
Nevertheless, a verdict must be rendered. The Ferrari Purosangue stands as a singular entity. Ferrari has long navigated a delicate public relations dance, disavowing the “SUV” label, and in this instance, they are arguably correct. Its powerplant is undeniably from a bona fide supercar. Its roofline is comparatively low, and its practicality, while present, is admittedly marginal. It operates within a significantly narrower performance envelope than the Aston Martin. While it shines brilliantly within that envelope, it remains, by its very nature, something fundamentally different.
The Aston Martin DBX S, conversely, embodies an archetype. With subtle yet impactful refinements, the S injects a visceral edge that was not as pronounced in the more blunt-instrument approach of the 707. It is a machine that is at once feral, vociferous, and brutish, yet simultaneously precise, astonishingly fast, and perfectly practical. And it achieves all this for approximately half the price of its Italian counterpart. For these compelling reasons, the Aston Martin DBX S emerges as the victor in this rigorous test. It may not necessarily be a “better” car than the Ferrari Purosangue in an absolute sense, but it is, without question, the superior super SUV.
The world of performance car sales and luxury automotive investments is constantly evolving. If you’re contemplating an acquisition in the high-performance SUV market or seeking to understand the nuances of owning a V12 Ferrari or an Aston Martin V8 twin-turbo, engaging with a specialist advisor can provide invaluable insights. Let us guide you through the complexities and help you make an informed decision that aligns with your desires and expectations.
