Ferrari 296 GTS

Highlights

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

Summary

This 2025 Ferrari 296 GTS represents the leading edge of hybrid supercar technology, offering a rare opportunity to own a nearly-new vehicle with extremely low mileage for its age. While the grey exterior provides a sophisticated and understated look that holds its value well in the GCC secondary market, the PHEV powertrain delivers staggering performance that rivals traditional V12 models. As a European-spec model, it features high-end European standard equipment levels that are often sought after by collectors in the UAE and wider region. This specific car stands out from rivals due to its seamless integration of electric torque and a high-revving V6, providing the versatility of silent city driving in places like Downtown Dubai alongside track-ready power for the Autodrome. The retractable hardtop adds a layer of lifestyle flexibility that few high-performance hybrids can match. For a GCC buyer, the most important consideration is the balance of being a daily-drivable Ferrari that doesn't sacrifice the brand's legendary emotional engagement.

This Car vs Other 2025 296s

With just 2,260 km on the odometer, this vehicle has covered significantly less ground than the typical 20,000 km annual average seen in the GCC region. This ultra-low mileage ensures that the mechanical components, particularly the complex hybrid battery system and the dual-clutch transmission, remain in near-showroom condition. While many listed 2025 models are still in transit or have only just arrived, this example is already available for immediate ownership. The grey exterior finish is an excellent hedge against the depreciation often seen with more idiosyncratic colors, as it appeals to a broader range of mature collectors in the Dubai and Abu Dhabi markets. Choosing a European-spec car like this often means the initial owner opted for high-specification interior materials that may differ from standard regional configurations. This car represents a perfect entry point for a buyer looking to bypass the lengthy waitlists associated with new Ferrari orders while securing a car that hasn't yet seen the heavy wear of multiple UAE summers.

GTS vs Lower Trims

The GTS trim is the definitive open-top evolution of the 296 series, offering a retractable hardtop that transforms the driving experience without compromising the aerodynamic profile of the car. Unlike the GTB coupe, the GTS allows drivers to fully immerse themselves in the 'piccolo V12' exhaust note, which is a significant factor for buyers in the GCC who enjoy evening drives across the desert highways. The hardtop mechanism is a marvel of engineering, capable of operating at speeds up to 45 km/h, which is perfect for transitioning from the sun to the AC-controlled cabin during sudden midday heat spikes. Inside, the GTS often features upgraded cabin materials and specific digital interfaces designed to remain visible even in direct sunlight. This trim essentially combines the structural rigidity of a coupe with the emotional appeal of a convertible, making it a more versatile asset than the fixed-roof alternatives. For the discerning UAE buyer, the ability to drop the roof during the cooler winter months adds a premium that is reflected in the car's stronger resale value compared to the GTB.

296 vs Segment Rivals

When compared to rivals like the McLaren Artura or the Lamborghini Temerario, the 296 GTS offers a more sophisticated PHEV architecture that prioritizes emotional response over clinical efficiency. Its V6 engine produces one of the highest power-per-liter ratios in its class, ensuring that it remains the performance benchmark on the long, flat straights common in the GCC. The 296 also leads the segment in terms of software integration, where its Side Slip Control system works more intuitively than the stability systems found in competing British or Italian supercars. For the GCC driver, the Ferrari also benefits from a much more robust and established service network within the region, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, compared to more niche supercar brands. The interior ergonomics are also tailored for grand touring, providing better visibility and a more user-friendly infotainment setup than several of its closer mid-engine competitors. Furthermore, the regenerative braking system on the Ferrari is widely considered to have the most natural pedal feel in the hybrid supercar segment.

Running Costs & Resale

Despite its high performance, the PHEV system allows for surprisingly low running costs during low-speed city transit, with an electric-only mode perfect for short commutes. Fuel consumption in stop-start traffic is significantly lower than traditional internal combustion supercars, though high-speed highway driving will see typical supercar fuel usage. Service intervals for these European-spec Ferraris are generally every 20,000 km or once a year, and the UAE boasts world-class authorized service centers that can handle the specialized hybrid powertrain maintenance. Historically, high-end Ferrari GTS models retain their value exceptionally well in the Middle East, with annual depreciation typically hovering around 10-12%, which is significantly better than the 15-18% seen in standard luxury sedans. At the three-year mark, a 296 GTS with this color profile and low mileage is expected to be one of the most liquid assets in the used supercar market. Parts availability is excellent across the GCC, as Ferrari's regional logistics hub ensures that even complex hybrid components are readily accessible compared to smaller independent manufacturers.

Performance & Capability

The headline figure for this car is its 0-100 km/h time of just 2.9 seconds, a stat that puts it in the upper echelon of modern performance vehicles. This acceleration is particularly noticeable during highway overtaking on the E11 or E311, where the instant torque from the electric motor fills the gap while the turbos spool up. With a top speed exceeding 330 km/h, the 296 GTS is perfectly suited for the well-maintained highways connecting the various emirates. The car features several specific drive modes, including 'Qualifying' for maximum performance and 'eDrive' for silent, emissions-free operation which is ideal for quiet residential communities. The handling is aided by a shortened wheelbase compared to previous mid-engine Ferraris, making it incredibly agile through the mountain passes of Jebel Hafeet or Jebel Jais. Ground clearance is manageable for a supercar, though the nose-lift system is a virtual necessity for navigating the speed bumps of Dubai's luxury villas. Even with the roof down, the car's aerodynamics are designed to minimize cabin turbulence, allowing for comfortable high-speed cruising.

Comfort & Cabin

The two-seat cabin is a masterclass in driver-centric design, featuring high-quality Italian leather and carbon fiber accents that remain cool even in high ambient temperatures. Ferrari’s latest HVAC systems are specifically engineered to cope with extreme heat, ensuring that the cabin remains chilled even when the external temperature exceeds 45°C. The seats are designed for both lateral support during spirited cornering and long-distance comfort, making the drive between Dubai and Abu Dhabi a fatigue-free experience. Noise insulation with the roof closed is nearly identical to that of a fixed-roof coupe, providing a quiet sanctuary from the bustle of city traffic. The digital cockpit is entirely focused on the driver, with most controls mounted on the steering wheel to ensure eyes stay on the road during high-speed transit. Storage is modest but sufficient for a weekend trip to a luxury resort, with a front luggage compartment that is surprisingly deep for a car of this layout. The premium audio system is specifically tuned to compensate for the different acoustic environments of open-top and closed-top driving.

Safety

Safety in the 296 GTS is managed by a suite of cutting-edge electronic aids, including the latest version of Ferrari’s Side Slip Control which helps the driver maintain control at the limit without being intrusive. The carbon-ceramic braking system provides immense stopping power with zero fade, a critical feature for high-performance driving in hot climates. Front and rear parking sensors, along with high-definition cameras, are essential in the GCC for navigating tight parking spaces in luxury malls and residential garages. Blind-spot monitoring is particularly useful on the GCC’s multi-lane highways where traffic can change lanes rapidly at high speeds. The car also features advanced traction control systems that are fine-tuned to handle the fine sand and dust often found on desert-adjacent roads, preventing loss of grip during acceleration. Unlike many rivals where safety tech is an afterthought, Ferrari has integrated these systems to enhance the driving experience while providing a robust safety net for all road conditions.

The bottom line

This 2025 Ferrari 296 GTS is the ideal choice for a buyer who wants the very latest in Italian engineering with the immediate availability that a showroom order cannot provide. Its status as an ultra-low mileage, modern hybrid makes it both a sensible financial hedge in the supercar market and a thrilling daily companion for the UAE's unique driving landscape.

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