What’s the Ferrari GTC4Lusso like inside?
Perhaps the GTC4Lusso’s only minor stumbling block is the cabin. It looks fantastic, particularly with our car’s exquisite tan leather upholstery.
The steering wheel, with its drive mode switch, engine start/stop button and indicator buttons looks decidedly F1-inspired, and there’s a large, high-definition screen in the centre.
However, that screen could do with being pushed further away and being angled more towards the driver, and the physical buttons and dials on the centre console feel a bit cheap and flimsy.
There are also other minor niggles, such as catching the dashboard trim above the pedals occasionally when going from throttle to brake, or questionable ergonomics for features such as the cruise control.
However, while you wouldn’t expect such grumbles from German equivalents – or from a car that’s the best part of £250k before options – the GTC4Lusso’s spine-tingling engine will likely be enough to make keen driver’s overlook the odd frustration.
What’s under the bonnet?
The enormous V12 engine remains, but it’s been refined to offer more power and slightly lower emissions. Don’t let this eco-friendly tweak fool you into thinking the powertrain is anything other than a sensational, performance focused unit, though.
There’s 690hp and 697Nm of torque available, up about 30hp and 15Nm on before. This is achieved through redesigned piston heads, multi-spark ignition technology and reduced component weight.
The result is a gloriously rev-happy engine – with a red line above 8,000rpm and peak torque at 5,750rpm, it goads you into keeping the throttle floored, howling as you’re catapulted into the distance.
What’s the Ferrari GTC4Lusso like to drive?
As you might expect, this Prancing Horse isn’t a one trick pony. The GTC4Lusso doesn’t just woo you with its sonorous V12 in a straight line, it also handles brilliantly for an estate.
The four-wheel-drive system and wide tyres ensure there’s always grip to punch you out of a corner, while the rear-biased set-up means it’s surprisingly agile.
However, the GTC4Lusso’s ability to transform into a comfortable long-distance cruiser is also worthy of note – this is the car Ferrari hopes owners will use for cross-continent holidays, after all.
For all the obnoxious showmanship at full throttle, it settles down brilliantly. Fairly hard seats and a not-quite spot-on driving position mean it isn’t quite as perfect a companion as, say, a Porsche Panamera Turbo, but that car lacks the Italian’s theatre.
Verdict
It’s tough not to fall under the spell of the Ferrari GTC4Lusso. There are a few quirks to its interior that could grate over time, but they’re mere foibles in an otherwise totally addictive package.
The exterior might lack the impact of the Italian marque’s supercars, but it’s still evocative in a way few other brands could match. And at its heart is the utterly gorgeous V12 engine that simply loves to be revved out with a soul-satisfying howl.
The fact it’s practical and can happily drop into boring motorway miles when needed is merely the icing on the cake.
Key specifications
Model as tested: Ferrari GTC4Lusso
Price (on-road): £240,402
Engine: 6.3-litre V12 petrol
Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 690 hp
Torque: 697 Nm
Top speed: 208 mph
0-60mph: 3.2 seconds
Fuel economy (combined): 19 mpg
CO2 emissions: 350 g/km
