2020 Ferrari SF90 Stradale V8 Review

In Malaysia's supercar market, models that balance extreme performance and everyday usability have always been a core demand for high-end enthusiasts. After all, pure track machines are hard to handle the occasional demands of everyday commuting, while overly compromised GT cars lack the raw driving passion. The 2020 Ferrari SF90 Stradale V8, as the brand’s first mass-produced plug-in hybrid supercar, combines a V8 turbocharged engine with an electric motor system, retaining Ferrari's iconic sound and power burst while optimizing daily usability through electrification technology. This is also the core purpose of our in-depth test this time: to verify whether it can find the perfect balance between being a "track beast" and a "daily driver."

From a distance, the overall silhouette of the SF90 Stradale continues the classic proportions of Ferrari’s mid-engine supercars, with a low body height (only 1226mm) and wide-body design (1973mm), delivering an intense visual impact. The most striking feature at the front is the large honeycomb-shaped air intake grille. The sharp-shaped air ducts on both sides not only enhance aerodynamics but also add a dynamic look. The headlights are designed with sleek LED matrix styling, and the internal "L"-shaped daytime running lights have high recognition, offering a strong sense of technology when illuminated. The side profile features smooth lines, with a waistline stretching from the A-pillar to the rear, intersecting the door handles. The 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels are paired with wide tires (255/35 ZR20 at the front and 315/30 ZR20 at the rear), further enhancing its sporty stance. The rear design revolves around aerodynamics, with an active rear spoiler that adjusts its angle automatically based on speed. The quad-round exhaust layout on both sides retains Ferrari's traditional elements, and the tail lights adopt a horizontal LED strip design that echoes the diffuser styling, making the overall look modern without losing the brand’s identity.

Sitting in the cabin, the interior immediately conveys a “driver-centric” layout. The central control screen is tilted 15 degrees toward the driver, and all core function buttons are concentrated around the steering wheel or central screen, minimizing the need to look down while operating. In terms of materials, the dashboard and seats are largely covered in Alcantara, paired with carbon fiber trims, providing a tactile experience rich in refined texture and sporty ambiance. The 16-inch curved digital instrument panel integrates all driving information, including RPM, speed, battery levels, etc., and the interface changes dynamically when switching driving modes. The 10.25-inch central screen comes equipped with Ferrari's latest infotainment system, supports CarPlay connectivity, and offers one of the top-tier operating fluencies among supercars. The seats feature a carbon fiber bucket design with excellent lateral support, and they also come with electric adjustment functions, allowing comfortable seating even during daily drives. The multifunction steering wheel is equipped with paddle shifters and a driving mode selector knob on the left side, making blind operations effortless.

In terms of space performance, the SF90 Stradale, as a two-door, two-seat model, provides ample front seating space. A 180cm-tall person can adjust the seat and still have a two-finger gap above the head, and there’s no feeling of being cramped in the leg area. Storage capacity is a common shortcoming of such supercars, but this model has a small storage compartment under the center console that can fit a phone or wallet. The trunk offers a capacity of 74 liters, barely enough for a carry-on suitcase, meeting the needs of short trips. The seats come with heating functions, and the air conditioning system responds quickly, ensuring fast cooling even in Malaysia's hot weather, reflecting thoughtful consideration for daily use convenience.

The powertrain is the core highlight of the SF90 Stradale: a 4.0T V8 turbocharged engine produces a maximum horsepower of 780PS, combined with three electric motors (two on the front axle, one on the rear axle), achieving a total horsepower exceeding 1000PS. However, the V8 version tested this time focuses more on pure fuel mode performance. During actual driving, switching to "Sport" mode makes the throttle response extremely sensitive. You can immediately feel the strong push-back sensation during the initial acceleration, and the official 0-100km/h acceleration time of 2.5 seconds is certainly not an exaggeration. When you floor the pedal, the engine unleashes peak torque at 3000rpm, and at 7500rpm, the exhaust note is high-pitched and layered, showcasing Ferrari's iconic "roar." The transmission is an 8-speed DCT wet dual-clutch system, with gear shifts so fast they’re almost imperceptible. Especially in track mode, downshifting is sharp and precise, instantly rev-matching to prepare for the next acceleration.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel offers extremely high precision with virtually no slack, and the steering force increases progressively with speed, making the car very steady during high-speed driving. The suspension system features adaptive magnetic dampers, which, in "Comfort" mode, can absorb most bumps from Malaysia's common speed bumps or rough roads without delivering the stiff ride typically associated with traditional track-focused supercars. Switching to "Race" mode tightens the suspension immediately, minimizing body roll during cornering, and with the wide tires, the grip is so strong that it inspires great confidence. During closed-track testing, the car’s tracking performance through consecutive S-curves was excellent. Even when pushed to its limit, the electronic stability system intervenes gently, ensuring safety without diminishing driving pleasure.

Fuel economy was a pleasant surprise during this test—as a 4.0T supercar, the official combined fuel consumption claim of 6.1L/100km may seem exaggerated. However, during actual driving, in urban traffic conditions (with Comfort mode activated), fuel consumption was about 12L/100km, while highway cruising could bring it down to around 8L. For a vehicle in this class, this is already considered "fuel-efficient." The braking system is equipped with carbon-ceramic brake discs, providing linear and strong braking force. The braking distance from 100-0km/h is less than 30 meters, and there is no noticeable brake fade even during continuous braking.

The comfort for daily driving exceeds expectations: even at a high-speed cruise of 120km/h, wind and tire noise are well-controlled, avoiding the ear-piercing noises of older supercars. Although the seats adopt a bucket design, the cushioning is sufficiently soft, allowing for extended driving of up to 2 hours without causing back or waist discomfort. It’s worth mentioning that the visibility is better than expected—thanks to the appropriately angled front windshield and the relatively minor A-pillar blind spots, lane changing and parking in the city don’t pose significant challenges. This is particularly commendable for a supercar.

In summary, the 2020 Ferrari SF90 Stradale V8 has clear core advantages: it combines the explosive performance and soundtrack of a traditional fuel-powered supercar with a more balanced chassis tuning and relatively controllable fuel consumption, optimizing it for daily usage scenarios. Compared to its peers like the McLaren 720S or Lamborghini Huracán, it has a lower driving skill requirement and more comprehensive comfort configurations, making it suitable for occasional track experiences and daily commuting. However, it does have its shortcomings, such as the small trunk space and the plug-in hybrid version’s average charging efficiency (note that the V8 version tested here requires no charging). Still, for its target audience, these are "minor regrets that can be tolerated."

If you are a player who pursues extreme performance while not wanting your supercar to just sit idle in the garage, the SF90 Stradale V8 would be a very suitable choice—it can give you the adrenaline rush on the track, while also allowing you to feel Ferrari's dedication to "everyday usability" during city commutes. Overall, this is a supercar with "no obvious shortcomings," proving that electrification and driving passion are not opposites, but can be perfectly integrated.