Ferrari 296 GTB

Highlights

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

Summary

This 2024 Ferrari 296 GTB represents the cutting edge of Maranello’s engineering, offering a rare opportunity to own a nearly new hybrid supercar in the preferred GCC specification. With exceptionally low mileage relative to the average 20,000 km typically seen annually in the region, this vehicle has barely transitioned past its break-in period. The sophisticated Grey exterior is a highly strategic choice for the Middle Eastern market, as neutral tones tend to command higher resale values and maintain their aesthetic appeal better than bolder colors under the intense sun. Compared to its rivals, the 296 GTB offers a more compact and agile footprint without sacrificing the visceral performance expected from the brand. This specific listing is a standout choice because it avoids the long waitlists associated with new factory orders while remaining under full local warranty. For a GCC buyer, the most important consideration is the seamless integration of the hybrid system, which allows for silent departures in residential areas like Emirates Hills or Jumeirah before unleashing the full 800 hp on the open road.

This Car vs Other 2024 296 GTBs

When comparing this specific Ferrari 296 GTB to other 2024 models currently available in the GCC, the primary differentiator is the remarkably low mileage of just 2358 km. While many supercars in the UAE serve as daily commuters between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, accumulating mileage quickly, this example has been treated as a genuine collector’s piece. The GCC regional specification is a critical factor here, ensuring that the cooling systems and air conditioning are optimized for the extreme thermal demands of the Arabian summer, a feature often lacking in European or American imports. The Grey finish is particularly desirable in this market, offering a sophisticated look that hides dust better than darker shades while ensuring a shorter time-to-sale when it eventually returns to the secondary market. Buying this 2024 model provides the peace of mind of a near-factory state without the immediate depreciation hit taken the moment a car leaves the showroom floor. It stands as one of the freshest examples available in the region, perfectly suited for a buyer who demands a car that looks and smells brand new.

GTB vs Lower Trims

The GTB trim, or Gran Turismo Berlinetta, is the purest expression of Ferrari’s mid-rear engine philosophy, offering a fixed-roof rigidity that many driving enthusiasts prefer over the GTS convertible variant. Over the base configurations typically found in earlier mid-engine V8 models, the 296 GTB introduces a sophisticated plug-in hybrid architecture that adds 164 hp via an electric motor, a feature that significantly enhances low-end torque. Inside, the GTB trim includes a fully digital interface that is a generation ahead of previous Ferrari cockpits, featuring a passenger-side display that allows your co-pilot to monitor performance metrics in real-time. For the GCC driver, the GTB often features higher-grade leather and more extensive carbon fiber detailing as standard compared to entry-level sports cars in the same price bracket. It also includes the advanced Side Slip Control system, which in this trim level is more intuitive, allowing for safer high-speed maneuvers on well-maintained regional highways. Choosing the 296 GTB means opting for the technical flagship of the current Ferrari range, merging heritage with the most advanced electrified powertrain currently offered by the brand.

296 vs Segment Rivals

The Ferrari 296 GTB competes directly with the McLaren Artura and the Lamborghini Huracán Tecnica, but it holds several distinct advantages for the Middle Eastern owner. Its total output of 800 hp comfortably outmuscles its primary hybrid rival, the Artura, providing a level of acceleration that is noticeable during high-speed highway overtaking. While the Lamborghini adheres to a naturally aspirated V10, the Ferrari’s hybrid setup offers a 'Qualifying' mode that provides a burst of speed specifically engineered for track environments like the Dubai Autodrome. In terms of daily usability, the Ferrari typically offers a more compliant suspension setup than the McLaren, making it more comfortable for navigating the speed bumps and urban infrastructure of GCC cities. The trunk space is cleverly optimized for a mid-engine car, providing just enough room for weekend getaway bags for a trip to Al Maha or Qasr Al Sarab. Furthermore, Ferrari’s brand equity in the region remains unmatched, ensuring that the 296 GTB is not just a performance leader but also a more stable financial asset compared to its immediate competitors.

Running Costs & Resale

Owning a Ferrari 296 GTB in the GCC is supported by a robust network of authorized service centers across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, ensuring that maintenance is world-class and strictly documented. The hybrid powertrain is surprisingly efficient for a car of this caliber; when driven in 'Hybrid' mode, it manages stop-start traffic in cities like Riyadh far more economically than a traditional V12 or V8. Fuel requirements are strictly high-octane Super 98, which is widely available across all major service stations in the region. Ferrari’s seven-year maintenance program is a massive benefit for used car buyers, as it often stays with the vehicle, significantly lowering the cost of ownership for the first several years. From a resale perspective, the 296 GTB is currently exhibiting some of the lowest depreciation rates in the supercar segment, typically losing only 10-12% in its first year compared to higher rates for less exclusive brands. Given its status as a GCC spec car with low mileage and a popular color, its value retention at the 3-year mark is projected to be among the strongest in its class.

Performance & Capability

The headline figure for the 296 GTB is its staggering 800 hp, delivered through a 120-degree V6 engine paired with a potent electric motor. This combination allows the car to sprint from 0-100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds, a figure that puts it in the elite tier of modern supercars. On the expansive highways of the UAE, this performance translates into effortless power delivery at any speed, with the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission providing lightning-fast shifts. The car is rear-wheel drive, yet it utilizes an 'eManettino' switch to manage power delivery, ensuring that the car remains planted even when navigating sand-dusted roads. It offers four distinct driving modes, including 'eDrive' for purely electric silent running for up to 25 km, which is ideal for early morning departures without disturbing neighbors. The top speed exceeds 330 km/h, a capability that highlights the aerodynamic efficiency of its sleek coupe body. For the driving enthusiast, the regenerative braking system is so well-integrated that it feels like a traditional hydraulic setup, providing immense stopping power after high-speed runs.

Comfort & Cabin

Despite its performance-focused exterior, the cabin of the 296 GTB is designed with the premium GCC lifestyle in mind. The seating for two is highly ergonomic, featuring deep bolsters that provide support during spirited driving while remaining comfortable enough for the two-hour drive from Dubai to Al Ain. The air conditioning system is exceptionally powerful, a necessity for the region, and is capable of bringing the cabin temperature down rapidly even after the car has been parked in the sun. Modern luxury tech is everywhere, including a high-definition instrument cluster that replaces traditional dials, and a premium audio system that remains clear even over the roar of the V6 engine. Sound insulation has been significantly improved over previous mid-engine Ferraris, making the GTB a much more capable grand tourer for cross-border trips. The use of high-tech materials like Alcantara and premium Italian leather throughout the interior ensures that every touchpoint feels expensive and durable. This cabin is a focused, driver-centric environment that doesn't compromise on the luxury expected from a car of this pedigree.

Safety

Safety in the Ferrari 296 GTB is managed through a suite of advanced electronic systems designed to keep the car stable at speeds that would unsettle lesser vehicles. It features the latest generation of Side Slip Control (eSSC), which works in tandem with the electronic differential to maximize grip in both dry and occasionally slick conditions. The carbon-ceramic braking system is standard, offering fade-free performance that is crucial for the high operating temperatures found in the Middle East. For highway safety, the car includes high-intensity LED matrix headlights that provide incredible visibility during nighttime desert drives where road lighting can be sparse. Front and rear parking sensors are essential for protecting the low-slung bodywork in tight urban parking garages in Downtown Dubai. Every safety system is tuned to be non-intrusive, providing a safety net that only intervenes when truly necessary, ensuring that the pure driving experience remains uncompromised.

The bottom line

This GCC-spec 296 GTB is the perfect choice for the enthusiast who wants the absolute latest in Ferrari technology without the multi-year wait from the factory. Given its extremely low mileage and the high regional demand for hybrid supercars, it represents a secure and exhilarating investment for any serious collector in the Middle East.

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