Aston Martin DBX S vs. Ferrari Purosangue: The Ultimate Super SUV Showdown in 2025
For a decade, I’ve witnessed the automotive landscape evolve, particularly within the segment that was once considered sacrilege: the super SUV. Once upon a time, the very notion of a high-riding, family-friendly vehicle gracing the same conversation as a low-slung supercar was met with derision. Yet, here we stand in 2025, with two titans of this burgeoning class – the Aston Martin DBX S and the Ferrari Purosangue – vying for supremacy. These aren’t mere concessions to practicality; they are meticulously engineered machines that redefine what a premium, high-performance SUV can be, offering a tantalizing blend of blistering speed, luxurious comfort, and undeniable presence.
My recent excursion, a spirited drive through the rugged beauty of the Lake District, solidified the distinct personalities of these automotive behemoths. The dramatic backdrop of the winding Hardknott Pass, a notorious ribbon of tarmac renowned for its challenging gradients and unpredictable surface, served as the ultimate proving ground. It was here, under a brooding sky, that the Purosangue encountered a minor setback – a pinprick puncture in its substantial 23-inch rear tire. The absence of a spare, a common concession in modern high-performance vehicles, left us momentarily stranded, a stark reminder of the trade-offs inherent in such technologically advanced machines.
This unexpected pause, however, provided an invaluable opportunity to reflect on the journey leading us to this remote corner of England. Both the Aston Martin DBX S and the Ferrari Purosangue represent the pinnacle of their respective manufacturers’ endeavors to bridge the gap between supercar exhilaration and SUV utility. Ferrari, after considerable debate and industry rumination, introduced the Purosangue, a four-seater sporting a potent 6.5-liter V12 – a true supercar heart beating within a decidedly non-traditional silhouette. It eschews any association with traditional, utilitarian SUVs, aiming to deliver a Ferrari experience in a more versatile package.
On the other side of the garage stands the Aston Martin DBX S. Building upon the foundation of the already potent DBX 707, the “S” variant injects an extra dose of aggression and refinement. The previous baseline 550bhp DBX is now a distant memory, with the 707 serving as the entry point for this enhanced iteration. The DBX S further refines this formula with quicker steering, a more committed suspension setup, a modest power increase, and a distinctive quad-stacked exhaust system, all offered at a price point that makes it less of an upgrade and more of a considered preference for the discerning driver.
On paper, their performance metrics are remarkably aligned. Both vehicles rocket from 0 to 62 mph in a mere 3.3 seconds and boast a top speed of 193 mph. Both employ all-wheel-drive systems, though their implementation and philosophy differ significantly. Weight is also remarkably close; while the standard DBX carries a slight advantage, optional lightweight components on the DBX S, such as magnesium wheels and a carbon fiber roof, can actually render it marginally lighter than the Purosangue. These figures suggest parity, but as any seasoned driver knows, raw statistics often fail to capture the nuanced character and driving dynamics that truly differentiate exceptional vehicles.
To truly understand their mettle, we embarked on an extensive road trip, traversing motorways, A-roads, and the more challenging B-roads of the United Kingdom. We burdened them with ample luggage and passengers, scrutinizing their usability, daily comfort, infotainment systems, and, inevitably, their fuel economy – a concept that, when pushing these titans, quickly becomes rather theoretical.
While both excel in their own right, the Aston Martin DBX S undeniably leans towards superior practicality. Its five-seat configuration offers greater flexibility compared to the Purosangue’s four-seat arrangement. The boot space is also considerably more generous, offering nearly a third more capacity (632 liters versus 473 liters), with a more accommodating load area when the rear seats are folded flat. Fuel efficiency also favors the Aston; on the motorway, the DBX S managed a respectable 23 mpg, while the Purosangue hovered closer to 18 mpg. However, under spirited driving conditions, both vehicles saw their fuel gauges plummet with alarming alacrity, transforming premium unleaded into a symphony of noise and rapid forward momentum with a mere flex of the right ankle. This impressive MPG for a super SUV, especially when compared to its rivals, is a significant consideration for long-distance drivers.
In everyday driving scenarios, the Aston Martin DBX S offers a more cosseting experience. Its “GT” mode provides a plush, armchair-like ride, prioritizing comfort for extended journeys. While the Ferrari’s damping is nothing short of superlative – a testament to its advanced Multimatic spool valve technology – its overall demeanor is inherently edgier and more athletic. It’s akin to comparing a Border Collie, agile and relentlessly energetic, to a Rottweiler, powerful and undeniably brawny. Both possess remarkable capabilities, but their innate temperaments diverge significantly.
The true test, however, lay in pushing them beyond their comfort zones, venturing far from the predictable tarmac of urban arteries. The Hardknott Pass, with its treacherous hairpin bends, precipitous drops, and road surfaces that can charitably be described as rudimentary, presented a formidable challenge. This unforgiving environment, more akin to a rally stage than a public road, would expose any weaknesses in their composure and capability. If they could conquer this, they could undoubtedly handle any road the world might throw at them, including the bustling streets of New York City or the scenic routes around Los Angeles.
The Ferrari Purosangue, remarkably, excels in its ability to master even the most compromised surfaces. Its spool valve damping system, electronically controlled and incredibly precise, renders traditional anti-roll bars almost redundant. This technology allows for an astonishing spectrum of stiffness, from plush compliance to track-honed rigidity. Within the Purosangue, drivers can meticulously tailor the vehicle’s response to the prevailing conditions via the renowned Manettino dial. A subtle adjustment can shift the damping from a supple setting, allowing the wheels to gracefully absorb imperfections, to a more aggressive posture that maintains unwavering tire contact.
This sophisticated damping system allows the Purosangue’s dynamic reactions to feel utterly coherent. It doesn’t present itself as a conventional SUV. The drivetrain feels resolutely rear-wheel-drive biased, with the front axle intervening only when traction becomes a genuine concern. The steering is astonishingly precise for a vehicle of its size, enabling it to carve through the tightest of corners with an agility that belies its considerable dimensions. The eight-speed dual-clutch transmission shifts with the same lightning-fast rapidity as Ferrari’s dedicated sports cars, such as the acclaimed 296.
And then, there is the sound. The visceral roar of the 6.5-liter V12 engine, a true supercar powerplant, echoing off the surrounding hillsides, is an experience that transcends mere auditory pleasure. While not designed for off-road excursions, the Purosangue’s capability on challenging UK B-roads surpasses that of many traditional sports cars, aided by an abundance of low-end torque. With 528 lb-ft at its disposal, it pulls with relentless enthusiasm, culminating in a glorious V12 crescendo that is simply intoxicating. However, the Purosangue is an intense companion. While undeniably joyous and exhilarating, sustained “proper” driving can be demanding. It truly shines on smoother, faster roads, where it can effortlessly keep pace with, and perhaps even outpace, dedicated low-slung sports cars, especially as its 8,250 rpm redline beckons.
The Hardknott and its adjoining Wrynose Pass are anything but smooth. They are wild, forgotten arteries, more track than thoroughfare, with scant room for error and unforgiving rock formations mere inches from the road’s edge. Maintaining focus is paramount; even a fleeting lapse in concentration, an instant stolen by the awe-inspiring landscape, could have dire consequences. Driving here is less about pure enjoyment and more about a primal challenge that demands unwavering concentration.
One might expect such environments to be the antithesis of a large, brutish SUV. Yet, the Aston Martin DBX S revealed a surprising aptitude. While not an entirely different vehicle from the standard DBX 707, the “S” variant injects a potent dose of heightened dynamism. The comfortable, commuting-oriented suspension can be reconfigured with the press of a button to better suit the road ahead.
The steering, recalibrated for a four percent increase in responsiveness, may sound marginal, but when combined with more aggressive air spring settings and active ride control, it imbues this substantial vehicle with a surprising degree of agility and body control. While it may not possess the instantaneous, dart-like reflexes of the Ferrari, there’s a sophisticated fluidity to its movement that allows the driver to intuitively gauge the available grip. It feels remarkably stable from front to rear, exhibiting predictable and confidence-inspiring responses.
The steering is also precise, a crucial attribute given the difficulty in judging the car’s extremities, a challenge shared with the Purosangue. However, the DBX S can be placed with pinpoint accuracy, and the all-wheel-drive system expertly manages traction as surfaces transition mid-corner. The 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine propels the considerable mass with a guttural surge that perfectly complements the car’s imposing aesthetic. It delivers a deep, resonant bass note that vibrates through your chest, matched by seamless shifts from the nine-speed automatic transmission.
The S model benefits from turbochargers borrowed from the Valhalla supercar, providing an even more potent surge of power in the upper rev range. Crucially, it offers greater low-end torque than the Purosangue, a difference that is palpably felt. Like its Italian rival, the Aston Martin DBX S is most at home on larger, faster roads where its indecent pace can be unleashed without restraint. However, it skillfully belies its considerable dimensions with remarkable composure. The only minor quibble arises from a slightly languid throttle response when not operating within the turbochargers’ boost range. While this is largely unnoticeable on conventional roads, it becomes more apparent on the tight, demanding confines of mountain passes, where any fractional delay is amplified.
It was a genuine revelation to discover that neither of these formidable machines faltered in such demanding conditions. Far from being compromised compromises or mere SUV adjuncts to their supercar siblings, they proved to be fully realized, exceptionally capable vehicles. Yet, their characters, despite sharing similar specifications on a spreadsheet, emerged from distinctly different design philosophies.
This brings us to the inevitable, and often contentious, question: which is the superior vehicle? A draw, based on a points system, is a disservice to the unique qualities each possesses. Our objective was to identify the best super SUV – a practical, usable SUV that also delivers uncompromising performance and prestige. Both models undeniably achieve this, albeit through vastly different means. It’s my firm conviction that on a diverse mix of roads, neither vehicle would significantly outclass the other in overall performance.
The interiors of both are exquisite. The Ferrari still harbors a penchant for a somewhat superfluous array of haptic controls, while the Aston Martin’s CarPlay integration can occasionally stutter. However, the DBX’s inherent practicality, a key consideration for any SUV purchase, remains unmatched by the Purosangue. Then there’s the matter of price. The Aston Martin DBX S starts at approximately $245,000, with our extensively optioned test car reaching around $300,000. The Ferrari Purosangue, on the other hand, begins its ascent at roughly $390,000, and the pictured example, laden with nearly $200,000 in optional extras, commands a staggering $580,000. While press cars are typically equipped with the highest specifications, the sheer breadth of optional customization available on the Purosangue suggests a deliberate strategy by Ferrari to capitalize on its exclusivity. While not the sole determinant, this significant price disparity warrants consideration.
Ultimately, a verdict must be rendered. The Ferrari Purosangue stands in a category of its own. Ferrari’s persistent narrative that it isn’t a “true” SUV holds considerable weight. Its engine is sourced directly from a bona fide supercar, its roofline is elegantly low, and its practicality, while improved, remains somewhat marginal. It possesses a narrower operational window than the Aston Martin, and while it shines brilliantly within that aperture, it remains an entity apart.
The Aston Martin DBX S, conversely, embodies the archetype. With subtle yet impactful adjustments, the “S” variant introduces a level of visceral engagement that the more blunt instrument of the 707 perhaps lacked. It is ferocious, sonorous, and undeniably brutish, yet it also possesses a remarkable degree of precision and blistering speed, all within a perfectly practical package. And it achieves this for a significantly lower cost. For these compelling reasons, the Aston Martin DBX S emerges victorious in this particular contest. It may not be an objectively “better” car than the Ferrari Purosangue in every conceivable metric, but it is unequivocally the superior super SUV.
Are you ready to experience the future of high-performance utility? Explore the Aston Martin DBX S or the Ferrari Purosangue at your nearest authorized dealer and discover which of these extraordinary machines best aligns with your driving aspirations.
