Join us for an exhilarating drive with the 2025 McLaren Artura Spider through the winding roads of Côte d'Azur and the bustling streets of Monaco.
Two years after the initial unveiling of the Artura Coupe, McLaren expands its electrified lineup with the new Artura Spider. This model brings not only the allure of a convertible design but also introduces a suite of updates and enhancements that it shares with the Coupe for the 2025 model year.
We joined McLaren for a test drive in the picturesque Côte d’Azur, putting the Artura Spider through its paces on the twisty mountain roads and later parading it through the glamour of Monaco.
Driven: The McLaren Artura Gives You 671 Reasons To Love Its Plug-In Hybrid Powertrain
Typically, convertible supercars sacrifice some rigidity and gain weight due to structural reinforcements. However, the Artura Spider’s additional weight is a mere 136 pounds (62 kg)—less than what you'd expect from an extra passenger. McLaren emphasizes the importance of maintaining low weight even as the journey toward electrification continues, showcasing that the Artura Spider is 182 lbs (83 kg) lighter than its nearest rival, the Ferrari 296 GTS.
Quick Facts
Eye-Catching Exterior
The Artura Spider exudes sexiness from almost every angle, thanks to its mid-engine proportions and sculpted body panels. These are crafted using aluminum hot-forming techniques for intricate design and minimal panel gaps.
Distinguishing itself from the Coupe, the Spider features a newly designed rear deck with a carbon fiber tonneau cover, transparent flying buttresses that improve visibility, and single-piece roof that retracts in just 11 seconds, operable at speeds of up to 31 mph (50 km/h). The retractable rear glass adds to the car’s open-air experience, letting you enjoy the growl of its engine even with the roof up.
Thanks to McLaren’s design philosophy, the Artura Spider maintains structural rigidity without additional bracing. A compact powertrain and ultra-rigid carbon tub carry over from the coupe, ensuring that the convertible doesn’t compromise on performance or stability.
The updated air intake and vent arrangements direct airflow efficiently, improving aerodynamic performance and maintaining the Spider's charismatic appeal. Our test car came in a striking Volcano Blue, which, along with its Star forged wheels, enhanced its visual appeal.
Modern And Driver-Focused Interior
Upon opening the butterfly doors, you'll find yourself in a low seating position, embraced by the carbon tub. Despite its low stance, the car offers excellent visibility and feels surprisingly compact. The ample headroom accommodates helmets, and entry and exit are easier than in most supercars.
The standard Clubsport bucket seats feature intuitive adjustments for height and seat-back inclination via a single electric motor, while optional comfort seats are available for those who plan longer journeys. However, I found the standard seats sufficient even after several hours of driving.
Though practicality may not be its strong suit, the Artura Spider offers a 5.7 cubic feet (160-liter) frunk, along with in-cabin storage solutions including USB outlets, a cup holder, wireless charging, and door bins. The lack of a glovebox is notable, though.
The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the central console features thick bezels and an easy-to-use rotating volume knob. While initially, the absence of physical controls was a letdown, the simplicity and responsiveness of the system won me over. Functions are easily accessible, minimizing any distractions.
Physical climate control knobs would have been preferable, as the touch-sensitive ones can be a bit finicky. Also, the screen is prone to fingerprints and only supports wired Apple CarPlay, lacking Android Auto compatibility.
The steering wheel is devoid of media control buttons, making it necessary to navigate through menus to change songs or radio stations—an understandable inconvenience when driving solo.
The 10-inch digital instrument cluster offers sharp graphics and moves with the steering column. However, the rear-view camera’s utility is sometimes compromised by the steering wheel spokes blocking the view while turning. Fortunately, the bird's-eye view displayed on the infotainment screen helps alleviate parking challenges.
Driving Experience
Switching on the Artura Spider is straightforward, thanks to its intuitive toggle switches for the powertrain and chassis settings. The EV mode provides a quiet, 94 hp (70 kW/95 PS) zero-emission drive, suitable for city commuting or moving out of your garage without disturbing the neighbors.
The small electric motor is capable in urban settings, and its 7.4 kWh battery offers up to 21 miles (33 km) of range. But let’s be clear, you're not buying a McLaren Artura Spider for its eco-friendliness. When you switch to ICE mode, the transition is almost instantaneous, and the V6 is ever-ready.
Comfort mode optimizes the hybrid system for efficiency without compromising access to the full 690 hp (515 kW/700 PS). In full-throttle situations, the Artura Spider delivers on its performance promise, matching the Coupe’s capabilities with a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time of 3 seconds and a top speed of 205 mph (330 km/h). Real-world driving may reveal minor differences, but the overall experience remains exhilarating.
The McLaren Artura Spider is a blend of speed, luxury, and technological sophistication, making it a worthy rival to performance EVs while delivering a more engaging driving experience.
2025 Model Year Upgrades
For the 2025 model year, the Artura Spider gets a range of updates. Enhanced engine mounts for sharper handling, optimized electrical architecture, and revised suspension with faster responses (up to 90% quicker) are some highlights. Transmission calibration is improved for faster gear changes, while revised brake cooling ensures fade-resistant stopping power. Also, a new 'spinning wheel pull-away feature' offers additional traction for exciting burn-outs.
Pricing and Rivals
The Artura Spider starts at $273,800 in the US, a $24,700 premium over the Coupe. Our test model, loaded with an array of options like premium audio, ADAS, and an Alcantara-upholstered cabin, totaled over $331,700.
The Ferrari 296 GTS, the Artura Spider’s closest rival, is more expensive at $371,139. The Maserati MC20 stands as a more affordably priced competitor at $276,995, while the Lamborghini Huracan Spyder has been discontinued. The Lamborghini Temerario, set to debut later this year, might also join the ranks depending on its pricing.
Verdict
The McLaren Artura Spider is not just a convertible but an epitome of performance and luxury. Its plug-in hybrid V6 delivers robust power and sound, backed by impeccable driving dynamics. The 2025 model year updates further fine-tune its agility and performance, making it a worthy competitor in its segment. Whether you're tearing up the track or cruising through city streets, the Artura Spider offers an exceptional driving experience, maintaining McLaren’s legacy of engineering excellence.