Richard Hammond, drives the Ferrari Purosangue. Find out why he absolutely hates it in this in-depth

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 10:42:04 +1200

Richard Hammond FINALLY Drives the Ferrari Purosangue – And He Hates It

Ferrari’s Purosangue, the luxury carmaker's first-ever SUV, was highly anticipated by car enthusiasts and collectors alike. As a departure from Ferrari's traditional lineup of sleek sports cars and hypercars, the Purosangue promises to offer the performance Ferrari is known for with the practicality of an SUV. But when renowned automotive journalist and Top Gear legend Richard Hammond got behind the wheel, his reaction wasn’t quite what fans were expecting.

In a recent video, Hammond shared his honest thoughts on the Ferrari Purosangue, and to the surprise of many, it wasn’t all praise. Despite Ferrari’s reputation for creating some of the finest cars in the world, Hammond was far from impressed. Here’s why the Purosangue left him cold, and why he “hates it” more than expected.

A Ferrari SUV? The Wrong Direction
One of the main points of contention for Hammond is the very concept of an SUV bearing the Ferrari badge. Ferrari has long been synonymous with sleek, low-slung sports cars that prioritize speed, precision, and driving experience. The idea of a Ferrari SUV, according to Hammond, feels like a betrayal of the brand's core values.

“It’s just not Ferrari. Ferrari is about the art of performance driving, the thrill of being at one with the road,” Hammond says in his review. “But this… this is trying to blend luxury with sportiness in a way that feels wrong. The Ferrari Purosangue, despite its impressive specs, doesn't quite have that heart-pounding Ferrari magic.”

Lack of Driving Engagement
Another major disappointment for Hammond was the driving experience. Although the Ferrari Purosangue is equipped with a powerful V12 engine and Ferrari’s advanced suspension system, Hammond found the overall driving engagement lacking. He stated that while the car offers an impressive amount of power and performance, the driving dynamics didn’t match up to the level of exhilaration one might expect from a Ferrari.

"Yes, it’s fast, yes, it’s luxurious, but it doesn’t make you feel like you’re driving a Ferrari," Hammond explained. "For a car that’s supposed to offer Ferrari-level thrills, it doesn’t provide the connection to the road that I was hoping for. The steering doesn’t talk to you like a Ferrari should, and it feels a bit too... tame."

The Price Tag – Is It Worth It?
Perhaps the most shocking aspect of Hammond’s review is his critique of the Purosangue’s price. Ferrari’s Purosangue comes with a hefty price tag, starting well over $300,000. For that kind of money, Hammond feels that customers are paying for the Ferrari name rather than true performance driving.

"For that much money, you could get an Aston Martin DBX or a Lamborghini Urus, and both offer superior driving dynamics and presence," Hammond said. "The Ferrari Purosangue just doesn’t justify the price when compared to its rivals. It’s more about the badge than the actual driving experience."

Luxury Over Performance?
What also irked Hammond was the car’s heavy focus on luxury rather than pure performance. While the Purosangue is undoubtedly luxurious, with a beautifully crafted interior, cutting-edge tech, and a host of comfort features, Hammond felt it prioritized comfort over driving excitement.

"Ferrari has always been about performance over luxury, but with the Purosangue, it’s like they’ve shifted focus. It’s as if they want to offer you a luxury experience in a car that’s supposed to be a performer. I’m not sure that’s the Ferrari I want."

Is There Hope for the Purosangue?
While Hammond’s review was overwhelmingly negative, he did acknowledge that the Purosangue is likely to appeal to those who prioritize luxury and daily usability over the raw, unfiltered thrill of driving. For those seeking a Ferrari for family-friendly duties with the ability to comfortably cruise long distances, the Purosangue could still prove to be a solid choice.

However, for enthusiasts like Richard Hammond, who crave the raw performance and driving engagement that Ferrari is known for, the Purosangue may fall short. It’s clear that Hammond is not convinced that Ferrari’s first SUV lives up to the brand’s legacy of high-performance driving machines.

Conclusion: A Ferrari SUV – The Verdict
Richard Hammond’s review of the Ferrari Purosangue was one of disappointment, primarily due to its focus on luxury and lack of driving engagement. For him, the car feels like a compromise that doesn’t quite do justice to the Ferrari name.

While Ferrari may have created an impressive SUV in terms of luxury and technology, Hammond feels it sacrifices the core essence of what makes Ferrari so special: the emotion and thrill of driving. For those who are looking for a true Ferrari experience, the Purosangue might not be the car to choose.

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