Ferrari GTC4 Lusso T 2018 review

So to the burning questions. Is this a great car? Is it a great Ferrari? Well, it’s certainly big, as noted, but that hardly matters when it’s intended as a very low, long-wheelbase, long-distance GT that genuinely lets four medium-sized adults (rather than giants) settle into its firm, beautifully made seats. And especially when Ferrari owners generally have other cars they can drive in the congested parts of towns. Having said which, the Lusso’s too-generous width may give you an uncomfortable time on your way out of town, heading for the roads where you can give the car its head.

Once in its natural habitat, the Lusso T is enormously quick and capable, with near-instant throttle response (one of the reasons its 3855cc engine has dual twin-scroll turbos) and 602bhp at 7500rpm. 

Much of the car’s controls are familiar from the FF, including the five-mode steering-wheel-mounted manettino, which never fails (even in this comparatively huge machine) to make you think Formula 1. The 0-60mph time is in the low three-second area, and you can do (effectively) 200mph if you can find the place. The V8 will seem fabulous to anyone who hasn’t driven a V12, but there’s a magnificent depth to that most original of Ferrari engines, the 12-pot, that makes it even better.  

The low centre of gravity, the exaggeratedly rear-mounted cabin, the long wheelbase and the better weight distribution of the more centrally mounted V8 all combine to give the Lusso a superbly flat ride, even though it’s never anywhere near soft. The Magneride adjustable dampers offer you anything from firm to rock hard, but as with most Ferraris, we found Sport was the right setting. The steering is accurate, firm and quick-acting, another aid to manoeuvring a machine that usually feels agile for its size.

Will the Lusso T prosper? Ferraris that aren’t pure two-seaters rarely hit the absolute front rank of Prancing Horse popularity. Still, if carrying four really matters to you and you don’t mind sacrificing a few percent of dynamic excellence for the purpose, this is one of the rare full-on supercars that will do it. And in style.

Ferrari GTC4 Lusso T Specifications:

Where Surrey On sale Now Price £200,165 Engine V8, 3855cc, twin-turbo, petrol Power 602bhp at 7500rpm Torque 561lb ft at 3000-5250rpm Gearbox 7-spd dual-clutch automatic Kerb weight 1865kg 0-62mph 3.5sec Top speed 199mph Economy 24.4mpg (combined) CO2, tax band 265g/km, 37% Rivals Bentley Continental GT, Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupé