Used Ferrari FF 2011-2016 review

From an emotive point of view the addition of all-wheel drive has eroded a little of the interaction often expected with a Ferrari.

Sure, the FF looks and sounds sensational, but sometimes it would be nice to be a little more involved in the job of managing and exploiting what fundamentally feels like a nicely sorted rear-drive chassis.

All-wheel drive has eroded a little of the traditional Ferrari interaction

Mark Tisshaw

Editor

For such a large car, the FF hides its size and weight impressively well. It can take a while to tune in to the FF’s surprisingly quick steering ratio, but with time the steering becomes almost instinctive – at which point the FF changes direction with very little body roll, beyond the first initial weight transfer (particularly with the adjustable dampers in their firmer setting, achieved by moving the Manettino to Sport).

There are only a few minor issues with the FF. Its normally superb dual-clutch gearbox can occasionally be hesitant at low speed, for one thing.

In auto more, under light throttle openings in traffic, the F1-DCT transmission can intermittently shuffle back and forth between first and second as it tries to balance the engine's output with the necessity to trundle along among slow-moving cars.

Some potential buyers may also frown at its ride quality which, away from the smooth roads of the continent, is merely respectable.

Even with the FF’s adaptive Manettino dial pointed towards 'Comfort', the FF doesn't quite deal with the roughness of some British roads as well as you might hope. It's smooth enough, but there's no mistaking the potholes or divots underneath the FF's wheels.

Regardless, the finished product isn't uncomfortable or jarring. Many will expect the FF to feel firmly sprung and reactive, which it does, but those looking for a luxury GT may be better off in something softer and more pliant.