Mercedes-AMG GLE63 vs Ferrari Purosangue

What's the difference?

The SUV craze is such that high-riding wagons are increasingly being tasked with also doing the job of sports cars, despite the immutable laws of physics clearly working against them.

While the results have been mixed, Mercedes-AMG has some serious form in this area, so much so that it’s been confident enough to unleash the second-generation GLE63 S.

Yep, this large SUV is looking to do its best impersonation of a sports car, so we’re looking to find out if it’s a convincing Jekyll and Hyde. Read on.

Yes, this is the car that Ferrari said it would never build. In fact, Ferrari Chief Design Officer, Flavio Manzoni told this very publication (albeit way back in 2015) that "Enzo Ferrari would turn in his grave" should the company ever make something other than a two-door sports car.

But I'd advise you not to get too hung up on all of that. Times change, and the automotive world is a very different place compared to five or 10 years ago.

So, yes, this is the first Ferrari SUV (even if the brand steadfastly refuses to call it one). And it’s the first prancing horse with four doors and four seats.

But it’s also the only SUV on the planet (at least, that I’ve ever heard of) that’s powered by a properly screaming naturally aspirated V12 petrol engine.

So, is this Purosangue the world’s most super SUV, and thus worthy of its iconic badge? Or does it only detract from the brand’s impressive performance legacy?

Let’s go find out, shall we?