2021 Ferrari Roma

Given its exclusivity, the 2021 Ferrari Roma is available in one decked-up trim that gets access to all class-leading specifications. At an MSRP of $222,620, the latest introduction from the brand cohesively unifies performance from a brawny V8 engine with the luxuries and amenities you get from a traditional grand-tourer. It is available with a standard RWD powertrain and gets the brand’s latest DCT unit. For those who would find the basic set of specifications to be underwhelming, there are several optional packages to choose from. However, these dial-up the prices quickly.

Which trim should you buy?

The 2021 Ferrari Roma’s price falls in a similar ballpark as its competitors. It is available as a single-engine option and it is our only recommendation. It gets equipped with a standard twin-turbo V8 engine, typical to Ferrari vehicles, and adds an element of excitement into the ride with its refined dynamics that make it a perfect fit for city cruising. With standard specifications like premium upholstery, heated seats, and multi-zone air conditioning, the 2021 Roma stands out in its class.

While V8 engines have been deemed as guzzlers, traditionally, the 2021 Ferrari Roma is an embodiment of the fact, however, only partially. It averages 16 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. Combined, it is rated at 18 miles per gallon of fuel and gets equipped with a sizable fuel tank that can hold 21.1-gallons. To optimize range and efficiency, Ferrari has added additional gear to its traditional 7-speed unit and direct fuel injection technology. It averages 380 miles, which is the highest in the segment.

All of its direct competitors are rather less conservative, with the Lamborghini Huracan EVO lurking at the bottom of the table averaging 15 MPG. However, it does sport one of the most voluminous fuel tanks and consequently, it averages an efficient range of 345 miles. The Porsche 911 Turbo S on the other hand is the closest competitor to the Roma and averages 17 MPG. While the combined efficiency of the Bentley is not yet known, it manages the lowest efficiency in city limits, however, has the largest fuel tank of 24-gallons.

The 2021 Ferrari Roma being an all-new addition to the brand’s lineup is evident in the way the cabin has been curated. It is atypical of the traditional design and now sports a more ergonomic look. It feels precise and with the use of the best quality materials like premium leather upholstery and Alcantara inserts, reflects the brand’s idea to make it opulent with the finest attention to detail. You get designated driver and passenger columns that are divided by the central console that houses the display unit and amongst the latest introductions, sports a new digital gauge cluster and a flat-bottom steering wheel with swipe controls.

Though practicality remains top-notch, the rear seats are rather impractical and even children will have a hard time adjusting to the placement. The front sport bucket seats, however, are perfectly bolstered and provide immense comfort. While ingress and egress to the front are easy, the rear seats can be accessed by the flick of a lever and automatically adjustable seats. The passenger seat occupant gets their display screen that controls infotainment and displays vehicle performance. With three display units, the 2021 Ferrari Roma has an irresistible design.

Amongst the latest additions is a new transmission knob that is now all-electric extending the contemporary nature of the design. Being a grand-tourer, the Ferrari also provides an easily accessible cargo space that can hold 11.4 cubic feet and though not the most commodious, has ample space for two small luggage bags.

Each vehicle in the segment has been recently introduced/refreshed and thus sport a new-fangled look and most importantly resonate with a luxuriant aura. Amongst the competitors, the 2021 Bentley Continental GT has a statelier cabin and is the only coupe that has a usable rear seat.

Though the Porsche 911 Turbo S and Lamborghini Huracan EVO are sportier and athletic on the inside, the latter is the only one that can seat two passengers. The Bentley’s cargo capacity of 12.6 cu.-ft is also the highest, while the other two competitors have a namesake trunk and are bare-bones, to say the least.

Some standout interior features of the 2021 Ferrari Roma include:

• Keyless Entry
• Multi-zone air conditioning
• Optional carbon fiber inserts 
• Heated front seats
• Remote Trunk Release
• Steering-wheel mounted controls

How intuitive is the infotainment system of the 2021 Ferrari Roma?

By being a more practical Ferrari that focuses on user comfort, the 2021 Roma provides an intuitive infotainment system that gets several features as standard. You get three display screens which include a 10-inch digital cluster alongside an 8.4-inch vertically placed and 8.8-inch touchscreen system specifically for the passenger. On the connectivity front, it gets optional Apple CarPlay that can be viewed only in the gauge cluster. Other infotainment features include:

• Smart Device Integration
• Bluetooth Connectivity
• MP3 Player
• Auxiliary Audio Input
• 6-speaker sound system
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio

Ferrari has moved away from its traditional styling with the 2021 Roma and has shifted to a defined strategy with sharp lines and body curves. Unlike the Ferrari Portofino on which it is based, the Roma features a set of vertical headlights and two defined taillamps on each side with the brand’s logo sitting in between. Perhaps, the most evident update to the design comes in the form of the body-colored front cheese-grater grille which now looks a bit less aerodynamic because of the lighter and cooler transmission system. However, we would have liked it if the grille had been blacked out to give break the monotone consistency of the car.

Traditional to all coupes, the 2021 Ferrari Roma sports a low-slung and carved hood design that features flared edges. At the rear, it’s a mix of the swooping roofline that gracefully merges with the lights. You get an integrated rear spoiler that opens at higher speeds to aid performance and stability. While ground clearance is not known, the Ferrari Roma weighs 3,600 lbs, and being a grand tourer is one of the longest measuring 183.3 inches with a wheelbase of 105.3 inches.

The 2021 Bentley Continental GT has been recently refreshed and is a new take on the traditional design of the coupe. On the other hand, the Lamborghini Huracan EVO and Porsche 911 Turbo S looks like typical sports cars with low ground clearances and look even more athletic with the bold and imposing exhaust tips.

While the Bentley is the longest vehicle and sports a wheelbase of 103.1 inches, the Porsche 911 Turbo S is the widest measuring 79.7 inches. The 2021 Lamborghini Huracan EVO is the smallest in overall dimensions and is the shortest having a total height of 45.9 inches.

Some salient exterior features include:

• Quad exhaust tips
• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Optional carbon fiber exterior elements
• 30 exterior color options
• LED taillights
• Rear Spoiler

Considering the price tag, sales volume, and the segment that it falls in, the 2021 Ferrari Roma has not been tested by either the NHTSA or IIHS. Nevertheless, the coupe’s standard list of safety features is adequate to create a favorable impression. In extension to safety, its reliability is strong-armed by a comprehensive warranty policy that covers damage to the powertrain and general bodily damage. It gets features like a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert and lane departure warning as options, while the standard safety specifications include:

• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
•  Electronic Stability Control
• Antilock Brake System
• Optional Rearview camera
•  Driver and passenger airbags
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System

2021 Ferrari Roma vs 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S

The 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S and Ferrari Roma are closely matched in several aspects and you could end up choosing either of the two. On a micro-level, both of them serve distinct purposes. While the Porsche is made for serious performance, the Ferrari is also quick but focuses more on leisure and efficiency. The 2021 Roma is better built on the inside, features the latest technologies, but falls short due to its unusable set of rear seats. On the other, the 911 Turbo S can seat kids at the back, at least for shorter journeys. While both look striking, the Ferrari has a more utilitarian nature, refined performance, and agile driving dynamics making it the better option.

2021 Ferrari Roma vs 2021 Bentley Continental GT

In all aspects, the competition on hand here is of two true grand-tourers that are equally powerful and comfortable. The 2021 Bentley Continental GT in its latest avatar brings about a more striking design that gets coupled with a luxurious interior and has ample space to seat four passengers. You will be left in awe of the cabin design and the uncomplicated infotainment system that features the best-in-class specifications. On the other hand, the 2021 Ferrari Roma is the newest introduction in the market and looks on par with the competition. You get quick performance, a high level of efficiency and a fluidic interior the unifies several elements. However, you lose out on essential space making the Bentley a better choice.

2021 Ferrari Roma vs 2021 Lamborghini Huracan EVO

The battle of the prancing horse and the raging bull dates back years, but with the latest iterations, it has become all the stiffer and fiercer. While the 2021 Lamborghini Huracan EVO is quicker of the line and delivers exhilarating performance leaving the driver excited with its agility and quick-moving nature, the 2021 Ferrari Roma is agile and coalesces performance with comfort. It gets a better infotainment system and has a more ergonomic feel to the cabin and has higher cargo capacity. Though a bit expensive, the Ferrari has better benefits to reap in terms of both performance and practicality.

The 2021Ferrari Roma has a dual character as some might say. It is your everyday Ferrari that is built for cruising in the city limits and with a speculated time of 3.4 seconds can also be tested on the track. Being the latest addition to the lineup it follows the brand’s latest philosophy, it sports a new-fangled and cutting-edge design and gets equipped with the latest gizmos and nitty-gritty on the inside. Though its handling and ride qualities are top-notch and unquestionable, the steering does seem light-weighted. It also loses out on rear-seat space and comfort, but with a comprehensive safety package and with several optional features on offer, the Ferrari Roma makes for an excellent choice.