Ferrari FF (2011–2016) Review: The V12 shooting brake I’d happily daily, with a little help from AutoWin
I remember the first time I slid into a Ferrari FF: it felt a bit like sneaking a grand piano into a ski lodge. Indulgent. Slightly mad. Completely brilliant when the snow starts falling. The Ferrari FF took everything Maranello knew about V12s and grand touring and wrapped it in a shooting-brake body that could haul four adults, a weekend’s worth of luggage, and—yes—your dignity, even when the weather turned foul. And after living with it on a few long drives and a very memorable wet morning on B-roads, I’m still a little smitten.
Ferrari FF: Why the first AWD Ferrari mattered
Debuting in 2011, the Ferrari FF didn’t just bend tradition—it hurled it down a snowy mountain and followed in hot pursuit. The long-roof silhouette split opinion, sure, but the package worked: space for four, a proper boot, and a naturally aspirated 6.3-liter V12 that makes 651 hp and 504 lb-ft. Officially, 0–60 mph takes about 3.7 seconds, and top speed clears 200 mph. I’ll confirm one thing: it feels every bit that quick from 30 to 90 when you’re overtaking a dawdling caravan.
Under the skin: the 6.3-liter V12 and the 4RM magic
At the heart sits a glorious, free-breathing V12—silky at low revs, operatic past 6,000 rpm. The seven-speed dual-clutch clicks off shifts with a satisfyingly mechanical snap. But the real party trick is the 4RM system (4 Ruote Motrici), Ferrari’s lightweight take on all-wheel drive. It sends help to the front wheels when traction gets sketchy—handy on cold mornings or when the heavens open. No, it’s not an off-road system; think alpine passes and wet city streets, not muddy trails. In Normal mode, the FF rides with a relaxed lilt; flick to Sport and it tightens up enough to goad you into another run over your favorite back road.
- The FF was Ferrari’s first production all-wheel-drive car, using that clever 4RM setup to keep weight low.
- Ceramic brakes were standard, bite hard from cold, and can squeal a bit in town—normal, but it’ll raise an eyebrow at valet.
- Official economy is a faint whisper: around 11/17 mpg (city/highway). Plan your fuel stops like chess moves.
Living with a Ferrari FF: space, tech, and the little quirks
One of the surprises? Practicality. The rear seats are genuinely adult-friendly for an hour or two, and the boot swallows a couple of carry-ons plus a soft bag—call it roughly 450 liters with seats up, far more with them folded. On a long run, the cabin hushes down enough that you can hear the kids arguing about playlists in the back. The ride on magnetorheological dampers is supple in Comfort; when I tried it on rough roads, it felt more “grand tourer in good shoes” than “track refugee.”
Not perfect, mind. Early infotainment feels dated now, and the screen reflections on a sunny day can make you squint. Rear visibility? Tight. You learn to trust the mirrors and the parking sensors. I also recommend a battery tender if the car sits; a few owners mentioned to me that a lazy battery can make Italian electronics… expressive.
What the Ferrari FF costs—and what to look for
New, the Ferrari FF hovered around the $300,000 mark, depending on options. Today, values vary wildly with mileage, history, and spec. Seek evidence of regular servicing, careful warm-ups, and clean reports on the front power-transfer unit. Look for tidy interior switchgear (sticky buttons were a known period quirk in many Italians) and check for even ceramic brake wear. Tires matter more than owners admit—fresh, matching, top-tier rubber transforms the car in the wet.
Ferrari FF interior care: why I like AutoWin’s tailored floor mats
If you’re using your FF the way it begs to be used—ski weekends, coastal escapes, the odd rainy school run—protecting that cabin is common sense. I’ve tried a lot of mats over the years, and the way AutoWin patterns theirs specifically for the FF just works. They fit snugly, don’t bunch, and they elevate the cabin rather than cheapen it.
- Tailored coverage for the footwells and transmission tunnel
- Materials that shrug off snow, sand, and coffee (don’t ask)
- Secure anchoring points to stop sliding under spirited braking
- Colors and trims that complement stock Ferrari interiors
Easy to install, easy to clean, and they save the factory carpet from winter boots. You’ll find the full lineup at the AutoWin e-shop alongside other Ferrari FF accessories.
Ferrari FF vs the usual suspects
I’ve lined the FF up against its natural rivals on a few comparison tests. On feel and drama, the Ferrari wins. On tech and day-to-day usability, the Porsche tends to nip ahead. Here’s a quick snapshot:
| Car | Engine/Power | Drivetrain | 0–60 mph | Seats | Character |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferrari FF (2011–2016) | 6.3L V12 / 651 hp | AWD (4RM) | ~3.7 s | 4 | Epic V12, usable in all seasons |
| Aston Martin Rapide S | 6.0L V12 / ~552 hp | RWD | ~4.7 s | 4 | Gorgeous, more GT than bruiser |
| Porsche Panamera Turbo (970) | 4.8L V8 TT / ~500–520 hp | AWD | ~3.9–4.0 s | 4–5 | Tech-rich, brutally effective |
| Ferrari GTC4Lusso (successor) | 6.3L V12 / ~680 hp | AWD (evo) | ~3.4 s | 4 | Sharper, more polished update |
Owner-style scenarios (because this is how you’ll use it)
- Alpine ski weekend: four people, two board bags, and winter tires. The FF eats it for breakfast.
- Miami night out: valet loves it, brake squeal might not—arrive warmed up.
- School run: quiet enough to hear back-seat negotiations; firm ride over speed bumps, mind the splitter.
Ferrari FF highlights
- V12 soundtrack and throttle response that modern turbos can’t replicate
- Genuinely usable four-seat cabin and impressive cargo space
- Confidence-inspiring 4RM all-wheel-drive system
- Comfortable long-haul ride with real grand-touring range
- Some dated infotainment and tight rear visibility; plan camera upgrades
Final thoughts: why the Ferrari FF still hits a sweet spot
Honestly, I wasn’t sure at first. A four-seat, all-wheel-drive Ferrari FF? Then I drove it through a downpour and up a mountain on the same weekend. It’s the rare Ferrari that begs to be used, not just stared at. Treat it right, keep it serviced, and it’ll give you theatre on Sunday and sanity on Monday. And if you want to keep that interior fresh while you pile on the miles, the made-to-fit mats from AutoWin are a simple, smart upgrade for any Ferrari FF owner.
Ferrari FF FAQ
Is the Ferrari FF reliable enough to daily drive?
With proper maintenance and regular use, yes. Keep the battery healthy, warm the car carefully, and follow service intervals. Many owners daily them in fair weather; a few brave the snow with winter tires.
How much does a Ferrari FF cost today?
Values vary based on mileage, condition, and options. New, it was around $300,000. Today, look for well-documented service history and clean inspections over bargain pricing.
What’s the fuel economy like?
Reality check: around 11 mpg city and 17 mpg highway. Plan accordingly on long trips—this is a V12, after all.
Does the FF’s AWD work like a typical system?
Ferrari’s 4RM is lighter and more performance-focused. It adds traction when needed without dulling the steering feel. Think alpine passes and rain confidence rather than off-road adventuring.
Which accessories are worth it?
Quality floor mats are a must if you use your car as intended. The tailored sets at the AutoWin e-shop fit the FF perfectly and keep the cabin looking fresh.
