2020 Ferrari GTC4Lusso

A four-wheel-drive Ferrari. If you're a purist, this is your cue to click over to a different article. The Ferrari FF, the car that this GTC4Lusso replaced, was the marque's first-ever model with an all-wheel-drive setup that some felt diluted the Ferrari brand. However, with SUVs becoming a necessity for the companies that previously focused exclusively on sports cars and supercars, the other major talking point on this Ferrari is one we can get behind wholeheartedly: it's a shooting brake. In the truest sense of the term, this means a swooping roofline, only two passenger doors, and a wagon-esque tail. The GTC4Lusso hits all of these marks, and with the exception of the Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Shooting Brake (a tricky name to get out, especially when your jaw is on the floor when you see it), this AWD Ferrari is in a class of its own. Powered by a 6.3-liter V12 in the front, the GTC4Lusso produces 680 horsepower and 514 lb-ft of torque. Combined with a seven-speed dual-clutch, 0-62 mph can be dispensed within as little as 3.4 seconds. A practical Ferrari this may be, but it's still a true Prancing Horse.

The GTC4Lusso is essentially identical to the 2019 car in all respects.

Ferrari typically avoids year-on-year updates, as is the case with the 2019 GTC4Lusso which remains unchanged.

The V12-powered GTC4Lusso remains unchanged for the 2018 model year. The standard model is joined by a new RWD V8 model in the lineup, the GTC4Lusso T, which we review separately.

The Ferrari GTC4Lusso launches as a 2017 model and is an evolution of its revolutionary predecessor, the FF. For the GTC4Lusso, the V12 engine's 6.3-liter displacement is retained but power output is upped to 680 hp. The 4RM all-wheel-drive system is further refined and now dubbed 4RM Evo. Four-wheel steering is added to it and the integrated system is called 4RM-S.

In order to qualify as a true shooting brake, the GTC4Lusso bears two passenger doors with a slanted roof and a hatch-like tailgate. The front features LED running lights along with a large air dam bearing the Ferrari insignia. The fenders do away with mesh grilles and rather feature three gills each. The raised haunches wrap around into the trademark quad lights in typical rounded fashion. Other notable features are a subtle roof spoiler, a massive rear diffuser with quad-exit exhaust tips, and 20-inch wheels. A glass roof is available too.

The dimensions of the GTC4Lusso are similar to those of the FF, with the wheelbase identical at 117.7 inches. It measures 193.8 inches from nose to tail, with a height that is lofty for a Ferrari - at least until their Purosangue SUV comes along - at 54.5 inches. Width is massively imposing, with a figure of 78 inches across. Curb weight is similarly hefty, with the car tipping the scales at 4,233 lbs.

A number of color options are available, with the iconic Rosso Corsa red and Giallo Modena yellow as first choice for those who wish to stick with tradition. Other colors include shades of blue, white, black, orange, and even a take on Racing Green, named Verde British (weird name, indeed). Beige, Sky Blue, Metallic Gray, and Silver are also available. Azzurro California is a subtle sky blue shade, while Rosso California and Bianco Italia are rich pearl finishes, while a trio of metallic blues bear the names Blu Abu Dhabi, Blue Mirabeau, and Blue Tour de France.

The GTC4Lusso's magnificent 6.3-liter V12 harks back to the GT Ferraris of old, with a lofty red line of 8,250 rpm, something you'll want to exploit at every opportunity. A seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox controls shifts with lightning speed when you're giving it the beans, but at lower speeds, it can be a little slow to react. Leaving the car in Sport mode and changing gears yourself fixes this problem, and with adaptive dampers as standard, ride quality is befitting of a grand tourer such as this was designed to be. Thanks to rear-wheel steering, a system debuted on the F12, turn-in at low speeds is brilliant. However, this car's system is different from that of the F12, as power is sent to all four wheels at speeds below 124 mph. After that, the GTC4Lusso is rear-wheel-drive only. The result is a vehicle that can take on slippery roads en route to your favorite ski resort and also provide outstanding traction when you're threading corners together. In the right conditions, 0-62 mph will be dispatched in 3.4 seconds, with top speed arriving at 208 mph.

The 6.3-liter V12 in this shooting brake GT is a masterpiece, with phenomenal responses and blistering acceleration. 680 hp and 514 lb-ft of torque are on tap. This means that you don't have to wring the V12 out to get going, as entertaining as that may be. For now, turbocharging and electric assistance are thankfully nowhere to be found in the V12's engine bay. Thus, you can enjoy a crescendo of unadulterated noise and naturally-aspirated throttle response. Getting off the line is a breeze, with the engine and gearbox working seamlessly once you're moving to get you flying with minimal effort. However, that seven-speed dual-clutch transmission can be a little less than inspiring when left to its own devices. Downshifts can take a little longer than we'd like when burying the loud pedal to overtake, and at low city speeds, the gearbox is similarly inefficient, taking its time to move from one gear to the next. Left in Sport mode, however, you are the master of your own destiny, pulling the column-mounted paddles at will to select the gear of your desire, with the DCT proving an obliging partner and shifting smoothly and sharply.

This is a GT car - the Ferrari that you buy for long drives and trips to Aspen. However, that racecar DNA is still there, and thanks to active rear-wheel steering coupled with a light tiller, changing direction is effortless. The darty nature of the setup helps mask the heft of this vehicle, making it feel lighter than it is. On the downside, this also means that the speed-sensitive steering can feel overly assisted, but that is more as a by-product of the rear end swinging around at lower speeds, with the back wheels turning in the opposite direction to the front to effectively shorten the wheelbase. Driving dynamics aside, the GTC4Lusso exists to ferry the wealthy along in comfort while still being a true Ferrari. Adaptive magnetic dampers on the front suspension help make this possible, easily soaking up undulations and switching to bone-shaking firmness when required. A button is also included to temporarily soften the suspension in Sport mode if you encounter road imperfections. In the snow and on ice, the Side Slip Control 4 system, electronic rear differential, and F1-inspired traction control system work together to determine how much power you should get. You can bury your right foot in the firewall and the car will still prefer to avoid sliding, limiting the throttle and only giving you as much as the surface can take. Naturally, you can switch the ESC off completely, but that would likely be a recipe for snowy sideswipes.

If you're expecting gas mileage figures typical of a supercar, particularly one with a huge V12 and a heavy all-wheel-drive system, the GTC4Lusso lives up to those expectations. EPA figures are 12/17/13 mpg on the city/highway/combined cycles. By comparison, Porsche's Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo, the closest thing to a super shooting brake, gets 18/23/20 mpg on the same cycles. Nevertheless, Ferrari owners won't care about the fact that they'll have to fill up every 400 miles or so.

Despite being a more practical Ferrari, there are no compromises in the GTC4Lusso. Perfectly stitched leather is liberally applied to almost every panel, with the exception of those that already feature carbon fiber or brushed aluminum. The craftsmanship and attention to detail are simply incredible, and with the inclusion of modern features like a passenger touch display to supplement the main 10.25-inch touchscreen, the blend between timeless elegance and modern innovation is as seamless as the cow-hide on the dash and headlining. A configurable cluster blends analog and digital displays, while the multi-function steering wheel first seen on the 458 is further enhanced to keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. Dual-zone climate control and heated front seats add to the quality and comfort of the gorgeous cabin.

The GTC4Lusso is a four-seater and, despite its tapered roofline, there is enough space in the back for a six-footer, provided someone taller is not seated in front of said individual. Getting in and out of the rear can be a little tricky, but front occupants will have no complaints. 14-way power-adjustment with four-way lumbar support, as well as a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, make for easy navigation of the seating position, with the view all around aided by a large glasshouse featuring decent three-quarter windows. As you'd expect of a Ferrari meant for long-distance driving, the seats are supportive and comfortable.

Leather is the dominant material in the GTC4Lusso's cockpit, with even the headliner covered in the stuff. The seats, dash, door panels, center consoles front and rear, and the steering wheel are covered in the stuff, with aluminum pedals and switchgear, and the option of carbon fiber accents on the dash and steering wheel. The seats are available in three different styles, with diamond cross-stitching available. Color choices are bountiful too, with leather available in Tortora, Charcoal, Carta da Zucchero, Cioccolato, Beige Tradizione, Crema, Blue Medio, and other shades of red, beige, blue, and grey.

The most practical of the current lineup of Ferraris, the GTC4Lusso has a cargo area of 15.9 cubic feet, volume enough for four carry-on bags. For a genuine supercar, that's incredible. Should that still not be enough, however, the rear seats can be folded, although not completely flat. With these down, available cargo space increases to 28.2 cubic feet.

In the cabin, a pair of cupholders exists for the front and the rear passengers, with console storage in both areas of the cockpit too. The door panels don't offer any pockets, but the area beneath the infotainment screen is large, with a decent glove box for overflow items.

The GTC4Lusso is heavily equipped with features, with rear-wheel steering, Side Slip Control 4, an electronic rear diff, and adaptive magnetic dampers. Cruise control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a power liftgate with remote access, auto high beams with adaptive headlights, and heated front seats are among the more common features available. Park sensors at the front and rear of the car supplement the rearview camera, with a dual-view front parking camera available. A lifting system for the nose is also available. Dual-zone climate control and heated mirrors are standard, while a panoramic glass roof is available. Unlike many others, this is a solid pane of glass that cannot be opened. If you spec the carbon interior accents, you also get illuminating shift lights in the steering wheel, helping make the interior of the GT more racecar-like.

A 10.25-inch touchscreen manages infotainment duties, while a secondary 8.8-inch display on the passenger side can access the standard navigation system, change the music played through the eight-speaker system, or just view the speed of the car and the engine. An upgraded sound system is also available for a more immersive audio experience. Annoyingly, Apple CarPlay is an option, although most buyers will find the added cost of the convenience feature negligible. Bluetooth and USB connectivity, as well as a CD player and SiriusXM satellite radio, are standard, as is a 30 GB hard drive. If that's not enough storage for you, a 128 GB upgrade is available.

The 2017 GTC4Lusso was subject to two recalls, one for doors that may not open and the other for airbag replacements under the Takata airbag recall. Both recalls extend to the 2018 model and are joined by an additional one for a fuel vapor separator that may crack and leak fuel. For 2019 models, both the vapor separator and unopenable doors remain on the recall list. No recalls have been issued since then and the car should be relatively trouble-free.

A three-year/unlimited mileage warranty covers the car against powertrain and other defects including corrosion, with roadside assistance included for the same period. An astonishing seven-year/unlimited mileage maintenance plan is also included.

As is typical for vehicles of this sort, no crash tests have been conducted by either the IIHS or the NHTSA.

Most of the focus in cars like this is generally on luxury and performance, with little heed paid to driver aids. As such, the safety equipment is limited to an advanced traction and stability control setup, and a pair of front- and side-impact airbags for the front occupants. Seatbelt pretensioners are also standard along with the rearview camera and parking sensors at the front and rear. A forward parking camera is also available, as are adaptive headlights.

Unlike the FF that this car replaced, the GTC4Lusso has been lauded for its cohesiveness. Even Ferrari itself admitted that the FF "wasn't their finest hour", but they've made strong improvements, and the Ferrari feel is there. With blistering performance, a mesmerizing soundtrack, and hyper-advanced stability and traction systems guaranteeing all-weather capability with the assistance of all-wheel-drive, this is a Ferrari that can be used even in a blizzard. With a capacious trunk area and a much more resolved and beautiful design than that of its predecessor, the GTC4Lusso is both functional and form-following. It's not the ultimate sports car, and it's not the biggest wagon-like performance vehicle either, but it has genuine Ferrari DNA and arguably the best practicality and comfort that anyone could expect from a Maranello-manufactured shooting brake. A capable and comfortable daily driver with phenomenal power, astonishing acceleration, and a naturally-aspirated V12 - what could be better?

Pricing starts around the $300,000 mark, but with numerous paint finishes, interior configurations, and optional convenience features, that price is likely to easily exceed $330,000 if you get too carried away. Something like the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo, even heavily specced, will cost far less - but that doesn't have a Ferrari badge or a V12 engine. In this market, value is far outweighed by image and heritage.

The Ferrari GTC4Lusso is well-equipped to take on the streets of Monaco and the slopes of the Alps as standard, but some options are available. These include a lifting system for the front nose, helping you get over speedbumps with ease. A dual-view parking camera at the front can also be specced to help prevent paint transfer between your car and that of the fellow millionaire parked in front of you on the high street. A panoramic glass roof can be added to make the cabin feel even roomier. Also available is a carbon fiber interior package that adds illuminating lights on the steering wheel, thus allowing you to know when to shift without redirecting your gaze to the central rev-counter.

Since this car is focused more on luxury and comfort than on performance - although it is a 200 mph Ferrari - we'd avoid adding carbon fiber accents to the body or the interior. Instead, we'd opt for the gorgeous diamond-quilted seats and spec the glass roof to make the GTC4Lusso feel more like a super-fast sunroom. We'd also tick the box for the lifting system to save the nose and opt for the front parking camera to protect our investment. We'd also improve the connectivity with Apple CarPlay, and keep things relatively restrained with the standard exhaust system.

With a base price around half that of the Ferrari's $300,000 price tag, the Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo is a blisteringly fast and even more practical super-GT. Powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, it doesn't produce as much grunt as the Fezza, developing only 550 hp. Nevertheless, what it lacks in power and noise it makes up for in torque, with 567 lb-ft of the stuff compared to the GTC4Lusso's 514. With the seats up, it has 18.3 cubic feet of volume (15.9 in the Ferrari) and with them down, it has 49.1 cubes of volume - almost 20 more than the Ferrari can boast. The Porsche is without a doubt more practical, more economical, and with a slew of driver aids as well as quad-zone climate control, ventilated massaging and heated front seats, and more headroom and legroom, it's a better car overall. Nevertheless, the figures are not what comes into play when considering a Ferrari; it's the experience that matters. For many, that raucous V12 and the ultimate Italian crest will be more than enough persuasion.

If that huge 6.3-liter V12 doesn't quite stir the butterflies in your stomach, we must first question if you're a real human or if you share DNA with Mark Zuckerberg. If you can't be bothered with all that fanfare and the all-wheel-drive capability, the rear-drive turbocharged GTC4Lusso T may be more up your alley. Employing the services of a 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8 based on the motor in the F8 Tributo, the $40,000-cheaper T is still a monstrous vehicle, with its power plant developing 602 hp and 561 lb-ft of torque. With almost identical features and options, less weight, and better fuel economy, this vehicle could be even better to live with daily. As a rear-wheel-drive model, you can also make all three of your passengers get sick as you slide the car from corner to corner. The engine may lack the character of the V12, and ultimate bragging rights are missed out on, but the GTC4Lusso T is just as good and arguably more fun.