Ferrari has finally joined the elite SUV club, albeit the Purosange is being dubbed by social media as Ferrari’s first FUV. Ferrari Utility Vehicle. At first sight, it looks like a supersized two-door sports coupe. The size of the Ferarri Purosangue is closer to that of a compact SUV than it is to a Bentley Bentayga. Indeed, as a comparison, the Nissan Juke stands taller next to the Purosangue. The length of Ferraris’s first FUV is governed by the bulk of the naturally aspirated V12. Take the engine out of the equation and you have interior and cargo space no bigger than the Juke. So why would you spend over $350,000 on the Purosangue when a Nissan Juke is slightly bigger?

One reason is the 725 bhp, 716 Nm torque naturally aspirated 6.5 litre V12. If you are a motoring purist you will know that a naturally aspirated V12 is the Mecca of all engines, a dying breed in the face of climate change agenda-driven politics. Nothing can beat the arrangement of a V12 being driven hard, it is a musical composition like no other. Unfortunately, the Purosangue is bought only by the Count Almaviva types of this world. The rest of us can literally go Figaro.

Elite social constructs aside, the Ferrari Purosangue is more giant compact crossover than a Bentley Bentayga rivaling monstrosity. And because Ferrari kept the exterior dimensions compact they have instantly created one of the most sought-after luxury performance SUVs on the market right now.

That’s primarily because the Purosangue looks quite striking, it seems the Ferrari FF was used as a basis for the designer’s mood board, others cite the Roma as inspiration. Purosangue is Italian for Thoroughbred, and the use of a V12 is a hallmark, a signature to reinforce the meaning of the chosen name. Later Ferrari could introduce V6 and V8 hybrid derivatives.

For now, the front-mounted 6.5 litre naturally aspirated engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission sending most of the all-wheel drive system power to the rear wheels. Ferrari being Ferrari sacrificed some of the rear passenger space for handling because the transmission is mounted to the rear for equal weight distribution.

While most prospective new owners will not venture off-road, except to watch a Royal Polo match, the Purosangue is equipped with Hill Descent to cope with the highest of speed bumps. The FUV is also equipped with electronically controlled active anti-roll bars to rubber stamp peerless ride and handling.

The interior is strictly four-seaters and lined in leather, carbon fibre, and Alcantara trim. Ferrari has dispensed the central touch screen leaving the center of the dashboard for heating controls. The driver and passenger get their own separate digital displays.

And I do like that concept because Ferrari is saying the focus of the Purosangue is first and foremost about the driving, the technology, be it digital or mechanical is merely a tool.

Like it or not bigger Ferrari SUVs will follow, the Purosangue is an opening act to a 3 part FUV trilogy.