Redefining Grand Touring: A 2025 Experience in Ferrari’s Visionary Four-Seater
Stepping through the historic gates of Maranello is always an electric moment for anyone deeply immersed in automotive culture. But to be greeted by the sleek, aggressive silhouette of Ferrari’s latest four-seater, four-wheel-drive marvel, the Ferrari Veloce 4, with my name etched on the digital display? That’s a thrill designed to awaken every fiber of a seasoned expert. In a world saturated with performance SUVs and increasingly homogenized luxury sedans, the Veloce 4 emerges as a beacon, a spiritual successor that doesn’t just carry the torch of its predecessors like the groundbreaking FF and the elegant GTC4Lusso, but ignites it anew for the 2025 landscape.
This isn’t just my first glimpse of the Veloce 4 in person; it’s an encounter with a philosophy, a testament to Ferrari’s unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries while honoring its heritage. The original FF, back in 2011, shattered preconceptions of what a Ferrari could be. It introduced a shooting brake design, four full seats, and a revolutionary all-wheel-drive system. The Veloce 4 takes that audacious spirit and infuses it with two decades of technological leaps and refined aesthetics. Despite its undeniable presence, occupying a footprint similar to a contemporary executive sedan, its design language masterfully disguises its generous proportions. The elongated, elegantly sloped roofline, a signature of the shooting brake, creates an optical illusion of compactness, making it appear less imposing than its true capabilities suggest. This is a car designed not just for performance, but for purpose, for genuine luxury grand touring with all the practicality one could realistically demand from a Prancing Horse.
Aesthetically, the Veloce 4 is a triumph of modern Ferrari design, striking a delicate balance between aggressive sportiness and sophisticated elegance. The front fascia, while unmistakably Ferrari, eschews the more overtly dramatic elements seen in track-focused models. Instead, it features slender, hyper-adaptive LED headlights that seamlessly integrate into the aerodynamic contours, framing a confident, wider grille that subtly hints at the immense power within. The controversial shooting brake profile, once a topic of heated debate, now feels utterly harmonious, a testament to its forward-thinking vision. Every curve, every vent, every panel is meticulously sculpted not just for visual appeal but for optimal aerodynamic efficiency, guiding airflow to enhance downforce and cooling, a critical factor for a high-performance luxury vehicle of this caliber. Photographs, as is often the case with truly groundbreaking designs, simply cannot capture the dynamic interplay of light and shadow, the sheer sculptural artistry that defines the Veloce 4 in three dimensions. This is bespoke automotive design at its finest, translating an ethos into tangible form.
The interior of the Veloce 4 is where Ferrari’s advancements in digital integration and sustainable luxury truly shine. Drawing inspiration from the driver-centric cockpits of the 296 GTB and SF90 Stradale, the instrument panel features a central, multi-configurable digital display flanked by haptic-feedback control surfaces, allowing the driver to personalize everything from dynamic settings to infotainment. The steering wheel, a tactile masterpiece, houses the iconic manettino, ignition button, and a suite of intuitive controls for lights, turn signals, and the integrated augmented reality navigation system. Gone are many physical buttons, replaced by seamless touch interfaces that respond with satisfying precision. Yet, crucial ergonomic elements remain, reflecting a deep understanding of the supercar ownership experience.
The cabin itself is a masterclass in interior craftsmanship. Supple, sustainably sourced leathers and Alcantara adorn every surface, accented by carbon fiber and anodized aluminum. The redesigned front seats offer exceptional support for spirited driving while providing unparalleled comfort for extended journeys, featuring advanced massage functions and intelligent climate control. Crucially, the Veloce 4 delivers on its promise of genuine four-person travel. The rear seats are not mere afterthoughts but thoughtfully sculpted, individual chairs, providing ample head and legroom for two six-foot adults, complete with their own digital interfaces for climate, entertainment, and connectivity. And with nearly double the trunk space of its spiritual ancestor, the 612 Scaglietti, and even more with the rear seats folded, the Veloce 4 truly makes a compelling case for being the ultimate all-season luxury grand tourer.
Time to awaken the beast. The heart of the Veloce 4, a sophisticated V12 hybrid powertrain, fires to life with a deep, resonant growl that sends shivers down the spine. This isn’t just a nod to Ferrari’s legendary V12 heritage; it’s a commitment to its future. The 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12, now augmented by advanced electric motors, delivers an astounding 850+ horsepower, coupled with instantaneous electric torque fill. The initial pull away is effortlessly smooth, the advanced 8-speed dual-clutch transmission seamlessly engaging. Around the narrow, ancient streets of Maranello, the Veloce 4 displays surprising civility. In “Comfort” mode, the predictive active suspension, which uses road-scanning cameras to pre-adjust damping, absorbs imperfections with remarkable grace, feeling positively plush by Ferrari standards. The steering is light yet surgically precise, and for a vehicle of this stature, the turning radius is impressively tight, a genuine asset in urban environments. The seamless integration of stop-start technology, now standard and imperceptible, contributes to its surprising efficiency without diluting the Ferrari essence. The Veloce 4 is, in many ways, the ultimate daily driver for the discerning enthusiast who demands zero compromise.
But a Ferrari, even a Grand Tourer, is never truly tested puttering around town. Soon, I point the Veloce 4 towards the winding back roads that snake through the picturesque Emilia-Romagna countryside. With a flick of the manettino to “Sport” mode and the transmission engaged in manual, the car’s true character explodes to life. The Veloce 4 devours rough, imperfect tarmac with an almost supernatural ability. Where other high-performance vehicles would feel brittle or unsettled, the Ferrari seems to float above the fray, its advanced multi-link suspension and fourth-generation magnetorheological shock absorbers isolating the cabin from the chaos below, all while maintaining an unyielding grip on the road. The sheer bandwidth of its dynamic capabilities is breathtaking. Power is immediate and relentless, the combined forces of the V12 and electric motors launching the car with an urgency that rivals even Ferrari’s most extreme supercars. This is dynamic vehicle control elevated to an art form.
Approaching a tight hairpin, I stand hard on the brake pedal. The Veloce 4, despite its impressive 4,500-pound curb weight (a testament to its hybrid architecture and luxurious appointments), sheds speed with alarming efficiency. The latest-generation carbon ceramic brakes, now even more fade-resistant and offering enhanced pedal feel, bite with ferocious intent. While the car’s size is evident in the benign body roll, the turn-in is astonishingly crisp, far exceeding expectations. It might not possess the razor-edge agility of a lightweight mid-engine machine, but its athleticism is undeniable, responding eagerly to every command, always feeling composed and utterly predictable under aggressive driving.
Exiting the corner, the torque vectoring AWD system, an evolution of Ferrari’s innovative 4RM (Four-Wheel Drive, Ruote Motrici), comes into its own. This isn’t just a traction aid; it’s a performance enhancer. The electric motors on the front axle can instantly and independently distribute torque to each front wheel, working in perfect harmony with the rear transaxle. This allows the Veloce 4 to rocket out of turns with an almost physics-defying surge, the system meticulously managing power to maximize grip and stability. Even with all electronic aids engaged, there’s a delicate ballet of power and control that feels entirely natural, a true extension of the driver’s will. The V12, now augmented by the electric motors, delivers its power with seamless linearity, culminating in an intoxicating, brassy crescendo as it races towards its 9,000 rpm redline. It’s a sound that fills the cabin, stirring the soul without ever becoming overwhelming—pure, unadulterated Ferrari. The lightning-fast shifts of the dual-clutch gearbox are virtually instantaneous, punctuated by exhilarating automated blips on downshifts, adding to the sensory assault.
My time behind the wheel, though exhilarating, felt all too brief. Parking the Veloce 4 back at the factory gate, I reluctantly hand over the keys, already longing for more. But my day in Maranello isn’t over. A meeting awaits with Dr. Eleonora Rossi, Ferrari’s Chief Innovations Officer and Head of GT Development. Her office, a minimalist space adorned with conceptual sketches and awards, mirrors the forward-thinking precision of the Veloce 4 itself. After exchanging pleasantries, she immediately inquires, “What were your impressions? Did our enhanced 4RM system make itself known?”
I explain that the AWD system’s intervention was remarkably subtle, almost imperceptible. She smiles, a familiar Ferrari pride gleaming in her eyes. “That is precisely the design goal. The Veloce 4 is engineered to feel like a pure rear-wheel-drive Ferrari in 99% of driving conditions. The system only engages, and does so instantly, when the front axle needs additional torque to enhance performance, whether in challenging conditions or when exploiting the car’s full dynamic envelope. It’s about capability without compromise.”
We delve deeper into the system’s evolution. “The original FF’s 4RM was revolutionary,” Rossi explains. “But for 2025, with advancements in high-density battery technology and electric motor miniaturization, we could integrate a truly independent electric front axle. This allows for unparalleled torque vectoring and energy regeneration, seamlessly integrated with the hybrid powertrain. It’s a fundamental aspect of the Veloce 4’s status as the ultimate all-wheel-drive GT, offering peace of mind in adverse conditions without ever detracting from the visceral Ferrari driving experience in the dry.”
The conversation shifts to the broader design philosophy. “When we first envisioned the Veloce 4,” Rossi continues, “the core challenge was to enhance interior space, passenger comfort, and luggage capacity over its predecessors while maintaining the iconic Ferrari performance, handling, and aesthetic appeal, and critically, keeping weight in check despite the hybrid architecture. Our engineers utilized advanced carbon fiber monocoque construction and lightweight aluminum alloys throughout the chassis. This allowed us to expand the cabin, refine the shooting brake profile, and ensure optimal weight distribution, which is paramount for a Ferrari.”
Ferrari’s internal design department, once a fledgling complement to Pininfarina, has matured into a powerhouse of creativity and engineering. “Our internal styling group has blossomed,” Rossi notes. “They work in close collaboration with our aerodynamics and engineering teams from day one, using advanced AI-driven design tools to explore thousands of iterations. This synergy ensures that every aesthetic decision is also functionally optimal. We blend classic Ferrari cues – the unmistakable grille, the iconic taillight treatment, the flowing lines – with a bold, futuristic vision. The Veloce 4 is instantly recognizable as a Ferrari, yet it confidently charts a new course.”
Rossi’s passion for the future is palpable. “We are in an extraordinary era of automotive innovation,” she concludes. “The rapid pace of electrification, connectivity, and artificial intelligence presents both challenges and unparalleled opportunities. My team spends most of its time contemplating how to integrate these technologies in a uniquely Ferrari way – not simply adopting them, but reimagining them through our lens of performance, emotion, and exclusivity. Every new model must push the boundaries while remaining undeniably a Ferrari. It’s about starting with a blank canvas each day, inventing the future, and ensuring that our legacy of passion and innovation continues to inspire.”
The Ferrari Veloce 4 is more than just a car; it’s a statement. It’s a testament to Ferrari’s audacious spirit, demonstrating that practicality and grand touring comfort don’t have to dilute the thrill of a supercar. For 2025, it stands as the definitive answer for those who demand uncompromising performance, exquisite luxury, and genuine versatility, all wrapped in a breathtakingly beautiful package.
Experience the future of Grand Touring firsthand. Explore the Ferrari Veloce 4 and configure your bespoke dream machine today.
