Aston Martin DBX S vs. Ferrari Purosangue: The Ultimate Super SUV Showdown
For decades, the automotive landscape was defined by a clear dichotomy: sports cars were low-slung, aggressive machines built for pure driving pleasure, while SUVs occupied a different, more utilitarian realm. But as manufacturers pushed the boundaries of performance and design, a new breed of vehicle emerged, blurring those lines with intoxicating speed and commanding presence. Today, we’re not just talking about fast SUVs; we’re delving into the elite world of super SUVs, exploring two titans that redefine what’s possible: the Aston Martin DBX S and the Ferrari Purosangue.
Ten years of navigating the intricate world of automotive engineering and consumer desires have taught me that “best” is rarely an objective measure, especially when dealing with vehicles that embody passion, performance, and an almost defiant disregard for convention. The super SUV market has exploded, offering discerning drivers the intoxicating blend of supercar exhilaration and SUV practicality. This segment, once a niche curiosity, has become a focal point for innovation and aspirational motoring.
The recent journey into the heart of the English Lake District, specifically the formidable Hardknott Pass, proved to be more than just a scenic drive; it was an impromptu, high-stakes proving ground for these two automotive masterpieces. Under an inky sky, miles from civilization, the Ferrari Purosangue presented a rather unwelcome roadside spectacle: a minute but decisive puncture in its 23-inch rear tire. With no spare and no sealant solution capable of mending such a precise tear on its sidewall, our grand expedition faced an abrupt, albeit temporary, hiatus. This unexpected predicament, while momentarily inconvenient, served as a stark reminder that even the most advanced engineering can encounter the realities of the road.
Our objective for this deep dive into the best super SUV was to subject both the Aston Martin DBX S and the Ferrari Purosangue to rigorous testing. We aimed to move beyond mere specifications and delve into their true character, their usability, their comfort, and their sheer capability when pushed to their limits. This wasn’t just about raw acceleration figures or top speeds; it was about understanding how these machines perform in the real world, from the mundane to the extreme.
The Genesis of Two Legends: Unpacking the Philosophy
The Ferrari Purosangue, a name that translates to “thoroughbred,” arrived amidst considerable debate within the Maranello marque’s devoted fanbase. Its very existence challenged Ferrari’s traditional sports car ethos. Here we have a bespoke, high-riding four-seater, powered by a glorious 6.5-liter V12 engine – an powerplant unequivocally belonging to the supercar fraternity. The Purosangue was conceived not as a mere derivative of an existing SUV, but as a unique proposition, sharing more genetic material with Ferrari’s purebred sports cars than any vehicle with a typical off-road lineage. It’s a bold statement, a deliberate departure designed to appeal to a new demographic of Ferrari enthusiasts.
In stark contrast, the Aston Martin DBX S represents the evolution of an already established player in the luxury SUV segment. The original DBX, with its respectable 550 horsepower, has been superseded. The new baseline is the formidable DBX 707, a model already renowned for its brute force. The DBX S, however, takes things a step further. It introduces quicker steering, a more committed suspension setup, a slight bump in power, and the distinctive quad stacked exhausts, all offered at precisely the same price point as the 707. This isn’t merely an incremental upgrade; it’s a refinement, a sharpening of an already potent blade, tailored for those seeking an even more focused driving experience.
On Paper, They’re Neck and Neck: The Deceptive Allure of Statistics
On paper, the performance figures for both these performance SUVs are remarkably aligned, creating an intriguing parity that belies their distinct personalities. Both the Aston Martin DBX S and the Ferrari Purosangue achieve a blistering 0-60 mph sprint in a mere 3.3 seconds and share an identical top speed of 193 mph. Both employ all-wheel-drive systems, though their implementation and underlying philosophies differ significantly. Weight, often a critical factor in dynamic performance, is also closely matched. While the standard DBX initially tips the scales at 45kg more than the Ferrari, opting for lightweight components like magnesium 23-inch wheels and a carbon fiber roof on the Aston can actually result in a 2kg weight advantage.
These headline figures paint a picture of fierce competition, suggesting that in terms of sheer straight-line speed and ultimate velocity, these two high-performance SUVs are locked in a virtual tie. However, as any seasoned automotive enthusiast knows, the true character of a car is rarely revealed by numbers alone. Statistics can offer a foundational understanding, but they often fail to capture the nuanced driving dynamics, the emotional connection, and the overall experience that truly defines a vehicle. It is precisely these intangible qualities that we set out to uncover during our extensive road trip.
The Grand Tour: Navigating the Spectrum of Usability and Performance
Our journey spanned hundreds of miles, traversing a diverse tapestry of roads, from sweeping motorways to challenging B-roads and navigating the complexities of urban parking. We loaded both vehicles with ample luggage and passengers, meticulously evaluating their practicality, daily comfort, the sophistication of their infotainment systems, and, inevitably, their rather thirsty fuel consumption.
While avoiding a deep dive into purely consumer-focused analysis, it became evident that the Aston Martin DBX S holds a distinct advantage in terms of outright practicality. Its five-seat configuration, compared to the Ferrari’s four, offers greater flexibility for passengers. Furthermore, the DBX boasts a significantly larger boot capacity, a generous 632 liters compared to the Purosangue’s 473 liters, with a more accommodating space when the rear seats are folded flat. Even in terms of fuel economy, the Aston demonstrated a more frugal approach, achieving nearly 23 mpg on the motorway where the Ferrari registered closer to 18 mpg. It’s worth noting that under spirited driving conditions, both vehicles’ fuel gauges plummeted with alarming speed, transforming premium unleaded into a symphony of noise and motion with the slightest flex of the right ankle.
For everyday driving, the Aston Martin DBX S presents a more serenely comfortable experience. Its GT mode delivers a plush, armchair-like ride, offering a relaxing sanctuary for longer journeys. While the Ferrari’s damping is, in its own right, superlative – a testament to its cutting-edge engineering – its overall demeanor is decidedly edgier and more athletic. To draw an analogy, the Ferrari Purosangue is akin to a highly strung Border Collie, brimming with agile energy, while the Aston Martin DBX S is more of a powerful Rottweiler, exuding brawn and unwavering strength.
The Ultimate Gauntlet: Conquering the Hardknott Pass
The true test, however, lay in pushing these magnificent machines beyond their comfort zones. We sought a challenge that would expose any inherent limitations, a scenario far more demanding than the typical urban commute. The remote, winding tarmac of the Hardknott Pass in England’s Lake District, renowned as one of the country’s steepest and most treacherous roads, presented itself as the ultimate proving ground. With warning signs at its base, a surface littered with potholes that could swallow lesser vehicles whole, and hairpin bends that induce a disconcerting pressure change in your ears, the pass is a brutal test of any vehicle’s mettle. The road width itself is so restrictive that these imposing vehicles could barely navigate its confines. If they could conquer Hardknott, they could undoubtedly handle anything the King’s Road could throw at them.
The Ferrari Purosangue’s response to these dire conditions was nothing short of astonishing. Its advanced damping system, featuring Multimatic spool valves electronically controlled by what are essentially miniature, precision clockwork gearboxes, proved to be the key. These valves effectively render traditional anti-roll bars redundant, offering an immense variation between a luxuriously soft ride and a track-honed stiffness. This revolutionary technology allows the Purosangue to maintain an uncanny connection with the road surface, keeping its tires firmly planted even on the most uneven terrain. The driver can meticulously tailor the vehicle’s dynamics to suit the situation via the manettino control. A slight adjustment, moving from “everything off” to a forward click, can reconfigure the damping to a softer setting while retaining the sharp throttle response and precise steering inputs. This allows the wheels to absorb imperfections rather than being jarringly impacted by them, preserving momentum and control.
The Purosangue’s animated reactions become entirely logical in this context. It doesn’t present as a traditional SUV. Its drivetrain feels resolutely rear-wheel-drive biased, with the front axle intervening only when traction becomes critically compromised. The steering, given the car’s substantial dimensions, is nothing short of immaculate. The way it can effortlessly carve through the tightest of bends belies its considerable footprint. Coupled with the lightning-fast shifts of its eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, it feels remarkably akin to Ferrari’s dedicated sports cars, such as the 296 GTB.
And then there is the sheer auditory experience. Housing a 6.5-liter V12 within an all-road chassis creates a symphony of supercar sound that reverberates off the surrounding hillsides. This isn’t merely an off-roader; it’s a machine capable of tackling a severely compromised UK B-road with more confidence than a traditional sports car, bolstered by an unexpected surge of low-end torque. With 528 lb-ft on tap, the engine rarely feels wanting, and the iconic V12 wail is utterly captivating. However, the Ferrari Purosangue is an intensely focused machine. While undeniably joyful and exhilarating, driving it “properly” for extended periods can be a demanding undertaking. It undeniably thrives on smoother, faster roads, where it can truly challenge the capabilities of conventional low-slung sports cars, clawing its way to its stratospheric 8,250 rpm redline.
The Hardknott and its equally challenging companion, Wrynose Pass, are the antithesis of smooth A-roads. They are raw, forgotten arteries of tarmac, more akin to a rugged track than a public thoroughfare. There is precious little room for error, and the verges are lined with jagged rocks mere inches from the car’s bodywork. Maintaining unwavering concentration is paramount; the breathtaking, soul-stirring landscape must be observed in fleeting glances, lest a moment’s inattention lead to disaster. These are not roads for enjoyment in the conventional sense; they are a formidable challenge that demands every ounce of the driver’s skill and focus.
A Revelation on the Rocky Roads: The Aston’s Surprising Prowess
One might assume that such unforgiving terrain would be the ultimate undoing of a large, powerful vehicle like the DBX. Its considerable dimensions, the perceived limitations of its imposing presence, and the rugged nature of the pass should, by all accounts, render it ill-suited. Yet, what we encountered was nothing short of a revelation. The Aston Martin DBX S, with its subtle yet significant enhancements over the standard DBX 707, proved to be a revelation. It’s not a fundamentally different vehicle, but rather one imbued with an added layer of sporting intent. The leisurely commuting comfort of its GT mode can be easily set aside with a few judicious button presses, reconfiguring the sophisticated air suspension to better suit the demands of the road.
The steering system, now approximately four percent more reactive than its predecessor, might not sound like a monumental leap. However, when combined with more aggressive air spring settings and advanced electronic ride control, it transforms the perception of this large vehicle. It exhibits a newfound level of body confidence, surprising agility for its size. While it doesn’t possess the razor-sharp, instantaneous reflexes of the Ferrari, the DBX S offers a more fluid and forgiving experience. This slight, controlled movement in the suspension allows the driver to more intuitively explore the limits of grip, fostering a reassuring stability from front to back and predictable, reliable responses.
The steering is also remarkably precise, a crucial attribute given that, much like the Purosangue, judging the car’s extremities can be a challenge. However, the driver can meticulously place the DBX S with confidence, feeling the sophisticated all-wheel-drive system seamlessly manage traction as the surface conditions change mid-corner. The potent 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine propels the considerable mass with an authoritative, guttural surge that perfectly complements the car’s imposing aesthetic. The deep, resonant bass note emanates from the exhaust, building in the chest and firing through the nine-speed automatic transmission with unbridled enthusiasm.
The S model incorporates turbochargers derived from Aston Martin’s Valhalla supercar, delivering an even more potent surge of power at higher revs. Crucially, it offers superior low-end torque compared to the Purosangue, a tangible advantage that can be felt accelerating out of slower corners. While the Ferrari undeniably excels on its preferred open roads, the DBX S impressively belies its substantial size with its dynamic composure. The only minor quibble lies in the throttle response, which can feel fractionally lazy when the turbos aren’t actively engaged. This is largely imperceptible on normal roads but becomes more noticeable on tight, demanding tracks, where any slight lag is more acutely felt.
The Verdict: Distinct Personalities, Shared Excellence
The initial assumption was that neither of these formidable machines would truly excel on such constricted and challenging terrain. Too large, too powerful, too hemmed in by the unforgiving environment. Yet, both performed exceptionally, transcending their perceived limitations. They are not mere SUV derivatives or compromised compromises; they are fully realized, impeccably engineered vehicles, each offering a distinct yet equally compelling proposition. Their specifications might occupy similar cells on a spreadsheet, but their characters inhabit entirely different dimensions.
This brings us to the inevitable question: which is the “best” super SUV? To declare a draw would be to shy away from the essential task of differentiation. We must first consider our objective: to identify the ultimate super SUV. This implies a vehicle that seamlessly blends SUV practicality with supercar performance and undeniable prestige. Both the Aston Martin DBX S and the Ferrari Purosangue deliver generously on the latter two fronts, but their approaches are markedly divergent. On a varied selection of roads, I genuinely believe neither car would be left wanting against the other.
The interiors of both are exquisitely appointed. The Ferrari, while still embracing a somewhat overzealous application of haptic feedback, offers a luxurious and driver-focused environment. The Aston Martin DBX S, on the other hand, occasionally stumbles with its infotainment system, with CarPlay Ultra sometimes encountering brief moments of reluctance. However, the Purosangue simply cannot match the DBX’s inherent practicality, a fundamental consideration when evaluating an SUV.
Then there is the matter of price. The Aston Martin DBX S starts at a considerable £210,000, with our test model, highly specified, reaching £255,390. The Ferrari Purosangue commands a significantly higher entry price of £313,120, and the car pictured, adorned with an eye-watering £175,000 worth of optional extras, tipped the scales at a staggering £487,548. While press cars are invariably optioned to the hilt, the sheer breadth of customization available on the Ferrari suggests a strategic approach to maximizing revenue, a point worth noting, though not the sole determinant in this comparison.
Ultimately, the Ferrari Purosangue is a unique entity. Ferrari’s persistent insistence that it is not an SUV is, in many respects, accurate. Its engine is a bona fide supercar unit, its roofline is deliberately low, and its practicality is, by design, somewhat marginal. It possesses a narrower operating window than the Aston Martin, and while it shines brilliantly within that window, it remains something distinctly different.
The Aston Martin DBX S, conversely, embodies the archetype of the performance SUV perfected. With subtle yet impactful adjustments, the S variant injects a level of focused aggression that the 707, while immensely capable, sometimes lacked. It is raw, visceral, and undeniably loud, yet it simultaneously delivers astonishing precision, breathtaking speed, and unwavering practicality. And it achieves all of this at approximately half the price of its Italian rival. For these compelling reasons, the Aston Martin DBX S emerges victorious in this particular test. It may not be an objectively “better” car than the Ferrari Purosangue, but it is unequivocally the better super SUV.
Ready to experience the pinnacle of automotive engineering? Discover the unmatched blend of luxury, performance, and practicality that defines the Aston Martin DBX S. Visit your local Aston Martin dealer today to schedule a personal consultation and test drive, or explore the exclusive configurator online to craft your own masterpiece.
