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Ferrari 488 boot space, practicality and safety

2016 onwards (change model)
Practicality rating: 3.5 out of 53.5

Written by Parkers Published: 6 June 2019 Updated: 6 June 2019

  • Not crash-tested by experts at Euro NCAP
  • Multitude of electronics to minimise accidents occurring
  • Airbags and a strong safety cell should the worst happen

Don’t bother scouring Euro NCAP crash-testing data for an analysis of the Ferrari 488’s safety credentials because it’s beyond the scope of that organisation’s programme.

While the 488 is a car that commands respect from the driver, such is the way of the modern world that Ferrari wouldn’t want an endless stream of social media-shared images of wrecked GTBs vying for timeline attention, hence the cutting-edge electronics on board to minimise the chances of an accident happening in the first place.

The less extreme Manettino settings of Wet and Sport ensure there’s more of a safety net while you exploit the 488’s power, yet even in Race and CT Off modes the Slide Slip Control (SSC2) is designed in such a way to allow the rear end to power-slide out but within predetermined confines to reduce the risk of spinning completely around.

Deceleration is deeply impressive thanks to the standard-fit carbon ceramic brakes, which reduce stopping distances by nine percent compared with its 458 predecessor.

If you are unlucky enough to find yourself involved in an accident there are four airbags to help cushion the blow with an immensely strong body around you to absorb the majority of the energy from the crash.

  • 230-litre front boot is well-trimmed
  • Useful amount of interior cubbies
  • Suspension lift remains optional

Potential Ferrari 488 buyers are likely to have access to other, more practical cars within their personal fleets, but this coupe is surprisingly easy to live with on a daily basis.

The boot’s located up front, under the deeply scalloped bonnet, and is fully carpeted and protected by a rubber edging seal so that water ingress is highly unlikely.

There’s 230 litres of space in there – not far off your typical city car – although its shape means it’s unlikely you’ll squeeze in a large suitcase. A couple of aeroplane overhead locker-sized cases or a few Fortnum & Mason grocery shopping bags will slot in nicely, though.

Engine access is fine for the essential activities you’ll want to do under its glazed cover – namely showing the motor off – but ancillaries, such as the washer bottle access, are found under the boot. The washer jets themselves are comically feeble, squirting with all the gusto of a water pistol from a pound shop, but the automatic wipers have a sensibly broad sweep.

One option we would recommend, particularly if your 488’s likely to spend a lot of time in urban areas with speedbumps, is the suspension lift, which raises the nose up to stop all that expensive underbody from getting scraped.

There’s a surprisingly decent amount of storage space around the cabin with a glovebox, shallow door pockets, nets on the bulkhead behind the seats, a well large enough for a smartphone by the USB socket in the centre tunnel and a single cupholder. Driver and passenger will presumably have a share to beverage, but such are the sacrifices to be made for Ferrari ownership.

Euro NCAP rating

Ratings for this model not available

Equipment and options

Each trim level will have different equipment offerings.
Basic equipment (20)
  • ABS
  • Audio remote
  • Body coloured bumpers
  • Cruise control
  • Driver`s airbag
  • Electric mirrors
  • Front electric windows
  • Heated mirrors
  • Heated seats
  • Leather seat trim
  • Lumbar support
  • Metallic Paint
  • PAS
  • Passenger`s airbag
  • Remote locking
  • Sat Nav
  • Side airbags
  • Steering wheel rake adjustment
  • Steering wheel reach adjustment
  • Traction control
Standard Equipment
Optional Equipment
Standard Trim Standard Equipment
  • n/a
Standard Trim Optional Equipment
  • n/a

Dimensions

Length 4568mm
Width 1952mm
Height 1213mm
View full specs