Name: Ferrari 296 GTB and GTS | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: Ferrari 296
Rating: 71.0

Summary

Proof that not even luxury supercar brands can escape the surge in automotive electrification, the Ferrari 296 is a mid-engined V6 super-coupé GTB or targa-roofed GTS that also happens to be a plug-in hybrid.

The 296 is the second Ferrari series production model to arrive in the UK that can travel on electric power alone, after the SF90 Stradale. It’s also the first road-going V6 model that Ferrari has produced since the Dino 246 GTB ended production in 1974.

However, having fewer cylinders doesn’t mean that the 296 is any less powerful than the V8 models in the Ferrari arsenal. The 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged engine is capable of producing more than 650hp and works in tandem with a 165hp electric motor. That produces a combined output of more than 800hp, almost 100hp more than the combustion-powered Ferrari F8 which the 296 replaced. Plus it has an official electric range of around 16 miles.

Described by Top Gear as the supercar that will give McLaren “sleepless nights”, the Ferrari 296 GTB has had an overwhelmingly positive reception from British reviewers, universally highlighted for what Car calls “accessible high performance, mind-blowing dynamics and style crammed with real substance.” Journalists have also shared their enthusiasm for the coupé’s exterior design, which Ferrari says is inspired by the 250 LM sports car from the 1960s.

While the majority of reviewers were impressed by the Ferrari’s ability to cruise in near silence, others are not as impressed by the electrified evolution of modern Ferrari models. The Telegraph comments that “the hybrid system is adding performance far more than it’s saving the planet.” Some reviews also reported that the battery drains quickly, meaning that the car is mostly operating purely on petrol power.

Some motoring outlets also found the 296’s touch-sensitive steering wheel controls to be rather irritating; however, from mid-2025, these can be replaced by conventional buttons. Limited boot space means there isn’t much room to accommodate shopping bags or travel luggage. The price is also steep, with optional extra packages that cost more than a full Ford Focus.

The Ferrari 296 GTS was launched several months after the GTB coupé, but has scored similarly high praise from critics. The driving experience is almost unchanged despite losing the roof, while adding an open-top experience to further enhance summer driving.

As of July 2025, the Ferrari 296 range (including both GTB coupé and GTS targa versions) holds a New Car Expert Rating of B with a score of 71%, making it the highest-scoring Ferrari in our Expert Rating Index. It has outstanding media review scores – even by Ferrari’s usual high standards – and Ferrari’s warranty offering is second to none. The plug-in hybrid aspect of the 296 also means it gets good grades for its low CO₂ emissions, but it will inevitably be an expensive car to own and run.

More Ferrari ratings, reviews, news and features

Ferrari 296 highlights

Enormous performance from hybrid powertrain
Agile handling and body control
More appealing styling than many recent Ferraris
Able to coast in eco-friendly silence

Ferrari 296 lowlights

Very expensive base price with many pricey options
Touch-sensitive switchgear is irritating
Not particularly practical for day-to-day use

Key specifications

Body style: Two-door, mid-engined coupé
Engines: petrol/electric plug-in hybrid
Price: From £241,550 on-road

Launched: Spring 2022
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Featured reviews

“Ferrari’s first V6-powered road car redefines the £200,000 supercar with blistering pace and an entertaining chassis”

Model reviewed: GTB coupé

Score: 10 / 10

Read full review

Evo

Adam Towler

“Given the incredible level of power, the Ferrari 296 GTB is so easy to drive quickly but, importantly, so much fun, too. The clever chassis electronics give it an approachability that means you can make the most of the glorious powertrain, which sounds superb. Yet again Ferrari has put clear water between it and its rivals – if this is how Ferrari will approach electrification in the future, there’s nothing to worry about.”

Model reviewed: GTB coupé

Score: 10 / 10

Read full review

Auto Express

Sean Carson

More reviews

Auto Express

Model reviewed: 296 GTS
Score: 10 / 10
“Any concerns that chopping the roof off the Ferrari 296 might dent the excitement it can generate disappear the first time you make the most of that 819bhp output. In terms of speed, sophistication and refinement, the 296 Spider remains an incredible piece of engineering. That it also maintains the theatre and thrills of the great Ferraris sends it right towards the top of the supercar pile.” (Alex Ingram)
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Car

Model reviewed: GTB coupé
Score: 10 / 10
“Oozing power, poise and panache from every pore, this Ferrari challenges and satisfies all six senses. The steep price, long waiting list and compromised daily-driver appeal will rule out the 296 GTB for most, but the elite minority should be forming a disorderly queue for the finest Ferrari sports car in years. Accessible high performance, mind-blowing dynamics and style crammed with real substance. Truly the Ferrari 296 GTB has it all.”
Author: Georg Kacher
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Model reviewed: 296 GTS Spider
Score: 10 / 10
“Complex cabin aside, the new Ferrari 296 GTS is an indisputable triumph for Ferrari and one that joins a long list of legendary Maranello drop tops. Whereas some could accuse the GTB of being a touch too serious, the GTS is not. Taking the roof of a car is a simple idea, but one that’s difficult to execute.”
Author: James Dennison
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Daily Mail

Model reviewed: GTB coupé
“The new Ferrari 296 GTB is a significant new entrant for the iconic Italian brand. That’s because at its heart is a new V6 engine that marks a leaner, cleaner – but no less meaner – chapter for Ferrari, which it declares to be ‘epoch-changing’.”
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Driving Electric

Model reviewed: GTB coupé
Score: 10 / 10
“The second plug-in hybrid supercar to emerge from Maranello is another triumph, showing Ferrari fans have nothing to fear from electrification.”
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Evo

Model reviewed: 296 GTS
Score: 9 / 10
“The Ferrari 296 GTS shows near-no compromise to its tin-top relative, and is a staggeringly good open-top supercar as a result.”
Author: Jethro Bovingdon
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The Sun

Model reviewed: GTB coupé
“Good Lord, this car is blinding. It’s the mutt’s nuts. Front-end grip is mega. The steering scalpel-sharp. The brakes like anchors. And it’s fast. Crazy fast. The Ferrari 296 is easy to drive fast and easy to drive slow. It’s a ballerina with an iron fist. We all know Ferrari has to be seen to be doing the right thing as we rush head-first towards electrification. But actually this car is genius.”
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The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: 296 GTB
“One and a half tonnes of explosively fast fun” (Jeremy Clarkson)
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Model reviewed: 296 GTS
Score: 10 / 10
“The Ferrari 296 GTS is an astounding creation, using its electrification to the benefit of performance while retaining the high level of engagement and usability for which Ferrari supercars have become known. That it can be driven and enjoyed by those of all skill levels, in everyday scenarios as much as on the racetrack is a remarkable achievement.” (Shane O’Donoghue)
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 10 / 10
“Having the ability to cruise around in silent, stealthy electric mode will be an advantage for some customers, but the 296 GTB is at its best when the hybrid system is used for performance. Do that, and the Ferrari becomes one of the best and most spectacular supercars that money can buy.”
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The Telegraph

Model reviewed: GTB coupé
Score: 8 / 10
“I’ve got a feeling this is the future for supercars and while I admire the engineering and skill that goes into them, I’m not entirely sure I’m going to enjoy driving them that much.”
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Top Gear

Model reviewed: GTB coupé
Score: 10 / 10
“A huge accomplishment. A successor to the legendary Dino. A genius bit of technical development. A warning shot across McLaren’s bows. Proof downsizing can improve the breed. Evidence that Ferrari has fully got its head around hybrid and electricity. Any and all are true. But this is probably the one that matters most: the Ferrari 296 GTB is the best supercar available today.”
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Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

No safety rating

As of July 2025, the Ferrari 296 has not been tested by Euro NCAP. Due to its price and exclusivity, it is unlikely to undergo crash testing.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of July 2025, the Ferrari 296 has not been assessed by Green NCAP. Again, we’re not expecting it to happen anytime soon – so you’ll just have to imagine how eco-friendly an 800hp supercar (albeit a plug-in hybrid) is likely to be.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of July 2025, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Ferrari 296 GTB to generate a reliability rating.

The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops.

As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the 296, we’ll publish the score here.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumption	Average	Score
Plug-in hybrid models	44 mpg	C

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Plug-in hybrid models	151 g/km	B

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	50	F

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£0	A
Year 2	£0	A
Year 3	£0	A
Year 4	£0	A
Year 5	£0	A

There’s good and bad news on running costs for the Ferrari 296. All new Ferraris include seven years of scheduled servicing and maintenance, which means there’s no excuse for owners not to get their cars serviced on time, every time.

Being a plug-in hybrid, the official CO₂ emissions score is very low. Over time, this may prove to be valuable as governments start to regulate cars more heavily based on their emissions outputs.

Of course, insurance bills are going to be exactly as expensive as you’d expect on a mid-engined Ferrari with a price tag exceeding a quarter of a million pounds. Meanwhile, if you drive the 296 nicely then fuel economy is likely to be reasonable (again, helped by the plug-in hybrid system as long as you have electricity in the battery). But if you have any plans to unleash its considerable performance, that fuel economy will deteriorate quickly.

Warranty Rating

New car warranty information for the Ferrari 296 GTB and 296 GTS

Hybrid or plug-in hybrid modelsA100%
New car warranty duration4 years
New car warranty mileageUnlimited miles
Battery warranty duration16 years
Battery warranty mileageUnlimited miles

For a plug-in hybrid model, Ferrari’s new car warranty is the best in the business. In addition to the usual four-year/unlimited-mileage warranty that is offered on Ferrari’s pure petrol models, the battery component of the Ferrari 296 gets up to 16 years of coverage from Ferrari, again without any mileage restrictions.

Ferrari will replace the 296’s battery after eight years with a brand-new battery, and will do the same again after 16 years. No other manufacturer offers this level of support for its batteries.