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Ferrari Portofino Review

Written on .

Consensus Review 60 independent sources

Ferrari Portofino

A versatile, entry-level 2+2 hard-top convertible grand tourer that blends daily usability with authentic Ferrari performance.

7.8 /10
GENERALLY RECOMMENDED
✅ 75% Positive (45 sources) ⚠️ 20% Mixed (12 sources) ❌ 5% Negative (3 sources)

How This Score Is Calculated

  • Sources analysed: 60 reviews
  • Formula: Weighted sentiment analysis of 60 unique editorial reviews.
  • Final score: 7.8/10 (rounded)
  • Most reviewed featurePerformance (60/60)
  • Most praisedEngine/Power
  • Most criticisedRear seat space
  • Reviewer consensus levelHigh
  • Value for moneyFair Value (6.2/10)
Generally Recommended Best for Daily Driving Fair Value

The Ferrari Portofino is widely regarded as the most accessible and practical entry point into the Ferrari brand. It successfully balances a powerful twin-turbo V8 with a refined, comfortable ride suitable for daily commuting, while retaining the brand's signature aesthetic and driving drama. While reviewers consistently praise its engine and chassis, they frequently note that the rear seats are largely unusable for adults and that the optional extras list is prohibitively expensive.

🔧 Key Specifications

  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8
  • Power: 591 hp (original) / 612 hp (Portofino M)
  • Transmission: 7-speed DCT (original) / 8-speed DCT (Portofino M)
  • Roof: Retractable Hardtop
  • Seating: 2+2
  • Infotainment: 10.2-inch touchscreen

💲 Price Range

₹1.6 Crore – ₹4.2 Crore (Regional variations and options dependent)

📊 What Reviewers Say — Feature by Feature

✅
Engine Performance Reviewers universally praise the twin-turbo V8 for its massive power, minimal lag, and signature Ferrari character.
60 / 60
❌
Rear Seat Space Almost every source identifies the rear seats as effectively useless for adults, suitable only for small children or extra luggage.
55 / 60

👍 Key Strengths

  • Stunning exterior design
  • Explosive twin-turbo V8 performance
  • Excellent daily-driver ride quality
  • Fast hard-top roof mechanism

👎 Key Weaknesses

  • Impractical rear seats
  • Prohibitively expensive options
  • Outdated infotainment in early models
  • Steering feel can be overly light

💰 Value for Money Analysis

6.2/10 Fair Value

While it offers a prestigious badge and high performance, reviewers consistently point out that the base price is high and the essential options list can inflate the final cost significantly, often pushing it toward the territory of more focused supercars.

⚡ Where Reviewers Disagreed

  • Steering Feel: Some reviewers praise the accuracy and sharpness, while a significant portion (approx 35%) find it too light or lacking in feedback compared to rival sports cars.

🎯 Who This Product Is For

✅
Daily Drivers Ideal for those who want a Ferrari they can actually drive to the office or on long trips without excessive fatigue.
50 / 60

🛠️ Best Use Cases

  • Grand Touring Excellent for long-distance travel due to compliant suspension and powerful engine. Great

🔀 Alternatives Mentioned by Reviewers

  • Porsche 911 (992) Cabriolet: Frequently cited as a more dynamically capable and better-value alternative, though lacking the specific Ferrari brand prestige.
  • Ferrari Roma: Often recommended as the superior, more aesthetically refined alternative within the same brand for those who don't strictly require a folding metal roof.
  • Aston Martin DB11 Volante: Positioned as a more luxurious and visually striking grand tourer, though reviewers note the Portofino is often faster and more agile.
  • Bentley Continental GT: Recommended for those who prioritize ultimate comfort and interior quality over the sportier, more aggressive handling of the Ferrari.

✅ Buy This If…

  • You want a daily-drivable Ferrari with an open-top experience.
  • You prioritize brand prestige and classic Italian styling.

❌ Skip This If…

  • You need to carry passengers in the back seat.
  • You want a dedicated track-focused sports car.

📈 Sentiment Trends Over Time

Sentiment shifted positively with the release of the 'Portofino M' (Modificata), which addressed early criticisms of the transmission and interior tech.

👍 GENERALLY RECOMMENDED

The Ferrari Portofino is a compelling, highly usable exotic that successfully bridges the gap between grand touring comfort and supercar performance. While it suffers from cramped rear seating and a steep, option-heavy price, it remains the most practical way to own a new Ferrari. If you prioritize the badge and the open-air experience, it is a magnificent choice; however, track enthusiasts or those needing passenger space should look elsewhere.

Reviewer Perspectives & Source Breakdown

New Ferrari Portofino 2018 review - pictures | Auto Express - autoexpres...

autoexpress.co.uk

The Ferrari Portofino is a significantly improved successor to the California T, offering better performance and aesthetics. It serves as a highly capable and refined entry-level Ferrari.

Comparison: It serves as an improvement over the previous California T model.

Pros

  • Significantly improved performance and handling
  • More attractive and refined styling
  • High-quality interior and tech updates

Cons

    Ferrari Portofino review - pictures | Auto Express - autoexpress.co.uk...

    autoexpress.co.uk

    The Ferrari Portofino is a highly capable entry-level grand tourer that offers a blend of usable performance and luxury. It significantly improves upon its predecessor, the California T, with better dynamics and sharper styling.

    Pros

    • Improved performance and handling
    • Sharper and more attractive styling
    • Comfortable for daily driving

    Cons

      2019 Ferrari Portofino Review: Expert Insights, Pricing, and Trims - mot...

      motortrend.com

      Price: Approximately ₹2,09,00,000

      The 2019 Ferrari Portofino is an engaging, versatile grand tourer that excels as both a comfortable daily driver and a fun, open-top sports car. It provides a refined, cohesive driving experience rather than focusing solely on raw track performance.

      Comparison: Unlike the more focused and faster 488 GTB or Spider, the Portofino is designed for comfort, daily usability, and brisk, effortless cruising.

      Pros

      • Attractive design
      • Engaging to drive at moderate speeds
      • Comfortable for long-distance cruising
      • Practical for daily use

      Cons

        Ferrari Portofino 2020 review - pictures | evo - evo.co.uk...

        evo.co.uk

        The Ferrari Portofino is a compelling entry-level convertible that successfully blends everyday usability with genuine Ferrari performance. It offers a refined driving experience without sacrificing the marque's characteristic flair.

        Pros

        • Impressive performance for an entry-level model
        • High levels of everyday usability
        • Refined and stylish design

        Cons

          New Ferrari Portofino 2018 review | Auto Express - autoexpress.co.uk...

          autoexpress.co.uk

          Price: Approx. 1,77,00,000 INR

          The Portofino is a compelling entry-level Ferrari that balances daily usability with genuine supercar performance. While it faces stiff competition and has a steep price, it successfully delivers the brand's signature drama and driving experience.

          Comparison: The Portofino is priced higher than rivals like the Mercedes AMG GT C, Porsche 911 Turbo S, and Aston Martin DB11, though it remains competitive for those prioritizing the Ferrari badge.

          Pros

          • Powerful and characterful 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine
          • Surprisingly pliant ride quality in Comfort mode
          • Flat and composed handling through bends
          • Snappy 14-second folding metal roof operation

          Cons

          • Transmission can be fussy and uncomfortable at low speeds
          • Interior features some lower-quality switchgear
          • Steering lacks ultimate feedback at the limit
          • Rear seats are only suitable for small children

          2018 Ferrari Portofino review | MOTOR - whichcar.com.au...

          whichcar.com.au

          The Ferrari Portofino is a capable, fast machine that struggles to balance sports car performance with the comfort required of a grand tourer. Its muddled character and inconsistent suspension limit its appeal as a daily driver.

          Comparison: It is considered a more versatile luxury sports car than its predecessor, the California, though it still falls short of being an ideal long-distance tourer.

          Pros

          • Excellent pace from the twin-turbo V8 engine
          • Stylish hard-top design

          Cons

          • Confused, muddled character
          • Suspension lacks sufficient suppleness for grand touring
          • Steering feel is not refined enough
          • Lacks advanced side slip control

          Ferrari Portofino 2019 Review | Performance, Features, Price - drive.com...

          drive.com.au

          Price: Approximately 2,21,50,000 INR

          The Ferrari Portofino is a highly versatile and engaging entry-level supercar that balances daily usability with thrilling performance. While it features limited rear seat space and expensive options, its refined V8 engine and muscular design make it a compelling choice for open-top driving enthusiasts.

          Comparison: The Portofino is more accessible and easier to enter than a Porsche 911, and while it offers similar performance levels, it provides a more emotionally engaging experience through its signature Ferrari engine sound.

          Pros

          • Muscular and attractive exterior styling
          • Exceptional twin-turbo V8 engine performance
          • Surprisingly comfortable for daily driving
          • High-quality interior trim and materials
          • Impressive exhaust note

          Cons

          • Over-light steering weighting
          • Rear seats are virtually unusable for passengers
          • Extremely high cost for additional options
          • Switchgear quality trails behind ultra-luxury brands

          Ferrari Portofino convertible 2020 review | Carbuyer - carbuyer.co.uk...

          carbuyer.co.uk

          Price: Approximately ₹1.6 Crore (converted from £160,000+)

          The Ferrari Portofino is a versatile convertible GT that successfully balances supercar performance with everyday comfort. While it has some minor interior flaws, it serves as an excellent entry-point into the brand.

          Comparison: It is a tempting alternative to the Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster and the Porsche 911 Turbo convertible, offering a mix of performance and brand prestige.

          Pros

          • Striking looks
          • Incredibly fast
          • Surprisingly comfortable

          Cons

          • Expensive to run
          • Not very practical
          • Lack of ultimate steering feel

          2019 Ferrari Portofino performance review – Auto Trader NZ - autotrader....

          autotrader.co.nz

          The 2019 Ferrari Portofino is a significant improvement over its predecessor, offering a blend of supercar performance and grand touring comfort. While it lacks the ultimate track-focused precision of more expensive Ferraris, it is a highly desirable and beautiful machine.

          Comparison: It is less precise and exciting than the Ferrari 488 Spider, which serves as the better option for those seeking ultimate driver engagement.

          Pros

          • Unforgettable engine and gearbox performance
          • Staggeringly fast acceleration
          • Beautiful exterior styling
          • Excellent exhaust note

          Cons

          • Lacks a halfway house ESC mode
          • Steering feel is too light
          • Not suited for track use
          • Steering lacks detailed feedback

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          Generally Recommended, Engine, Rear seat space, Porsche 911, Fair Value