Comparing BMW and Ferrari might seem as a sacrilege to many die-hard Italian and German fans of the two brands. Moreso, bringing two organically different models side-by-side in a visual comparison seems even more controversial. With the Purosangue, Ferrari takes its first taste of what should be an SUV – in theory, only that it does in its own Italian fashion. On the other side, the XM, even though a first within the BMW lineup, is the product of more than 20 years of relevant experience in the world of SAVs.
When seeing the two models together, the difference is pretty much striking right away. Ferrari, without looking less prominent, feels a bit soft in comparison with the XM. Of course, it is in the Ferrari DNA to adopt a curvaceous, dynamic styling. In the case of the XM, the monolithic design was chosen to create an even more powerful statement.
The faces of the two vehicles stay true to each other’s house brand and philosophy. In the case of the XM, the front fascia is dominated by the split headlights (with the blackened out lower unit), the trapezoidal kidneys with horizontally-placed double louvres and illuminated contour and the huge air inlets in the front bumper. The Ferrari is more classic in its approach, while also proposing a unique split headlight design. The face of the Purosangue is less cladded and more clean than in the case of the XM.
Even at the rear end, the Ferrari 4-door / 4-seater model is more or less an evolution of an already tested recipe. The four tail lights are further streamlined and hark back to older models. The round quad exhaust pipes also speak about the rough potency of the V12 lurking underneath the engine bonnet.
At 4.97 meters, the Purosangue is visually and mathematically shorter than the XM with the 5.11 meters. The Bimmer impresses with sheer rock-solid and complex design and stance. The German is also slightly taller than the Italian: 16 centimeters separate the two contenders. Admired from their sides, both vehicles expose a sheer dose of elegance and beauty true to their…
