Ferrari 296 2023 Ferrari 296 GTB, Pristine Condition, With Full Service History, European Spec

Highlights

• 0–100 km/h in under 4 seconds
• Hand-built engine
• Lowest running cost in class

Summary

This 2023 Ferrari 296 GTB represents a significant shift in the supercar landscape, offering a high-performance plug-in hybrid powertrain that is perfectly suited for the UAE's modern infrastructure. With mileage remarkably lower than the GCC annual average for high-end sports cars, this example shows careful ownership and represents a prime opportunity for collectors and daily drivers alike. The classic black exterior is a perennial favorite in the Dubai and Abu Dhabi markets, ensuring the strongest possible resale value when you decide to upgrade. Despite being a European spec, this vehicle's advanced cooling systems and hybrid architecture are designed to handle the thermal demands of high-speed highway driving between emirates. This model stands out for its ability to operate in silent electric-only mode for city commutes while delivering staggering power on the open road. For a GCC buyer, finding a 296 with this balance of low usage and a timeless color palette is a rare find in the current pre-owned market.

This Car vs Other 2023 296s

With just 12,700 kilometers on the odometer, this vehicle sits well below the typical 20,000–25,000 km annual average seen across the GCC, making it an exceptionally fresh example of the breed. While many 2023 models have already seen significant track time or heavy commuting use, this particular car's condition suggests a more sheltered life. The choice of a black exterior is a strategic advantage in the local market, as it remains one of the three most sought-after colors for liquidity and value retention in the UAE. As a European spec vehicle, it offers the exact performance mapping intended by the factory, and though it arrived via international channels, it maintains the same mechanical DNA as its local counterparts. Owners in the region often prefer these lower-mileage examples as they offer a 'near-new' experience without the initial depreciation hit of a showroom-fresh delivery. The vehicle has been maintained to a standard that respects its sophisticated hybrid components, ensuring it is ready for the heat and high-speed demands of regional driving.

GTB vs Lower Trims

Stepping into the GTB trim level secures the definitive Berlinetta experience, offering a fixed-roof structural rigidity that driving enthusiasts in the GCC often prefer for weekend sessions at the Dubai Autodrome. While some might look at entry-level exotic offerings, the GTB provides a comprehensive suite of hardware including the advanced Side Slip Control (eSSC) and an eDiff that are calibrated for maximum grip on the UAE's smooth but often hot tarmac. This trim level includes the high-definition digital interface and the passenger-side display, features that are highly prized by tech-forward buyers in Riyadh and Dubai. Unlike more basic configurations, the GTB interior is a cockpit of high-grade materials and ergonomic precision, designed to keep the driver focused during intense maneuvers. The inclusion of the hybrid management system allows for four distinct driving modes, including a dedicated 'Qualifying' mode that unlocks the full 830 horsepower, a feat not possible on older-generation non-hybrid Ferrari models. This trim essentially bridges the gap between a comfortable road-going grand tourer and a dedicated track weapon.

296 vs Segment Rivals

In the competitive landscape of modern supercars, this model frequently goes head-to-head with the McLaren Artura and the Lamborghini Huracán Tecnica. While rivals offer distinct driving personalities, this Ferrari leads the segment with its sophisticated V6 hybrid powertrain that produces a combined 830 horsepower, comfortably outpacing the Artura in raw output. The integration of its electric motor provides an instantaneous torque fill that is particularly useful for overtaking on busy multi-lane highways like Sheikh Zayed Road. Furthermore, the hybrid system allows for silent starts and short-range EV driving, a luxury of discretion that traditional V10 or V8 rivals cannot offer when arriving at premium venues or residential areas late at night. The cabin technology and infotainment integration are also more intuitive than those found in many British competitors, making it a more viable choice for daily use in the region. Its compact dimensions compared to larger V12 grand tourers also make it significantly more agile in urban traffic and tight parking environments found in major GCC cities.

Running Costs & Resale

The PHEV nature of this vehicle provides the lowest running costs in its performance class, as short city trips can be handled almost entirely by the electric motor, significantly reducing fuel consumption in stop-start traffic. It requires 98 octane fuel for peak performance, which is widely available across the UAE and KSA at all major ADNOC and ENOC stations. While this is a European spec car, the Ferrari service network in the GCC—including major centers in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha—is well-equipped to handle the maintenance of the 296's hybrid architecture. Historically, mid-rear engine Ferraris in classic colors like black retain their value far better than their rivals, typically seeing a slower depreciation curve of around 12% annually compared to 18% for some other European marques. Potential buyers should note that while the European spec may require a third-party warranty for total peace of mind in the UAE, the mechanical parts are globally standardized, ensuring easy access to components through authorized channels. The 3-year value retention for this model in the GCC is expected to remain high due to the limited production slots and high demand for the brand's first V6 hybrid.

Performance & Capability

Performance is headlined by a staggering 0-100 km/h time of just 2.9 seconds, placing it in the top tier of all road-legal vehicles currently roaming the Gulf. The 830 horsepower output is delivered via a 120-degree V6 engine paired with an electric motor, providing a seamless surge of power that is ideal for the long, straight highway stretches common between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The top speed exceeds 330 km/h, though its true capability is felt in its mid-range acceleration, which makes highway merging and overtaking effortless. The 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is one of the fastest in the industry, snapping through gears with a precision that mimics a formula racing car. Despite being rear-wheel drive, the sophisticated traction control systems manage the power delivery so effectively that it remains stable even on sand-dusted road surfaces. The car also features regenerative braking, which helps maintain the battery charge during spirited drives, ensuring the electric boost is always available when needed most. Ground clearance is optimized for paved roads, though its nose-lift system—if equipped—is a vital tool for navigating the speed bumps found in UAE residential communities.

Comfort & Cabin

Inside, the two-seat cockpit is a masterclass in driver-centric design, featuring a fully digital instrument cluster that brings all vital information into the driver's line of sight. Given the GCC's extreme summer temperatures, the air conditioning system in the 296 is remarkably robust, designed to cool the compact cabin rapidly even after being parked in the sun. The seats are sculpted to provide immense lateral support during cornering while remaining comfortable enough for long-distance drives across the border. Cabin insulation is high, effectively shielding occupants from external road noise and the intense heat of the UAE desert environment. The use of premium leather and Alcantara throughout the interior creates an environment that feels both luxurious and purposeful. Technology highlights include a sophisticated haptic-feedback steering wheel and a premium sound system that remains clear even when the V6 engine is singing at high RPM. For the GCC owner, this cabin offers a sanctuary of cool, high-tech luxury that makes even a midday drive in August a pleasant experience.

Safety

Safety is paramount, with a suite of advanced driver assistance systems that provide a safety net for the car's immense power. Standard features include high-performance ABS and stability control that have been specifically tuned to handle the instant torque of the electric motor. For the fast-moving highways of the GCC, the blind-spot monitoring and rear-view camera systems are essential tools for safe lane changes and parking. The car is constructed with a multi-alloy spaceframe that provides exceptional crash protection while keeping the overall weight low for better handling. Adaptive front lighting helps illuminate the dark desert roads during nighttime travel, significantly improving visibility. Because it is a PHEV, the vehicle also includes specific safety cut-offs for the high-voltage battery system, ensuring total security in the event of an incident. These active and passive systems ensure that while the car is capable of track-level performance, it remains a secure and manageable vehicle for the public roads of the Emirates.

The bottom line

This Ferrari 296 GTB is the perfect acquisition for the modern GCC enthusiast who values cutting-edge technology and lower running costs without sacrificing world-class performance. With its low mileage and highly desirable black-on-black aesthetic, it stands as one of the most compelling hybrid supercars currently available in the UAE market.

AI insights generated from market expert data. Always inspect the vehicle before purchase.