When you picture Monaco, you may envision rolling landscapes, Formula 1 vehicles maneuvering through the curbs of the swimming pool, and stylishly attired individuals reveling in Casino Square. This is precisely the scenario I had in mind, but it seems deliberate that the initial 60 minutes of the test drive for the 2024 McLaren Artura Spider were spent maneuvering through congested city roads, mundane streets, and massive French speed bumps. This strategic decision allowed myself and other journalists to engage with the Artura in scenarios that most drivers would come across. The Artura excels in daily travels with unmatched comfort and elegance. The powerful hybrid engine, generating 690bhp (700PS), may be dynamic when pushed to its limits, but its relaxed demeanor in hybrid mode combined with outstanding visibility makes it ideal for urban driving. Cruising through the streets in EV mode offers a unique sense of satisfaction. Yet, the McLaren is not completely silent; you can still hear a mechanical whirr from the axial-flux motor and the clutch packs. This noise, while not unpleasant, is more noticeable in the Spider model.
However, this mid-engine supercar, capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h (0-62mph) in 3.0 seconds and having a top speed limited to 330km/h (205mph), truly excels in mountainous regions with all systems set to the maximum. Here, the familiar McLaren characteristics that we adore are evident: the chassis, steering, seating position, and ride quality all perform exquisitely, showcasing the skills of the McLaren Technology Centre. The hydraulic steering provides precision and clarity, and when combined with the exceptional chassis, instills confidence to push your limits. The exceptional visibility and responsive brakes ensure that you can drive at high speeds, fully utilizing the powertrain. The Artura Spider is user-friendly, with a touch of understeer signaling the traction limits of the Pirelli Corsa tires beneath you.
Similar to the Coupe version, the McLaren Artura Spider boasts an incredibly robust ‘MCLA’ carbon tub chassis produced in Sheffield, eliminating the necessity for additional reinforcement for the convertible top. This design choice minimizes the weight increase, resulting in a curb weight of merely 1,560kg, just 62kg heavier than the coupe variant. Impressively, the Artura Spider remains lighter than other convertible competitors, such as the Maserati MC20 Cielo, Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder, and Ferrari 296 GTS, underscoring McLaren’s enduring commitment to performance and lightweight design.
The transmission is outstanding, executing swift gear changes. In Sport mode, there is an element of theatrics, whereas in Track mode, the shifts are ultra-responsive and nearly seamless. The 2025 upgrades for both the Coupe and Spider models, retrofitted to all previously delivered Arturas, elevate the power output by 19bhp to 690, with 95bhp sourced from the electric motor. The power delivery doesn’t feel entirely natural; there are still traces of turbo lag at lower rev ranges. Nonetheless, this lag adds to the intense sensation of acceleration when the boost kicks in. While engineers have enhanced the engine sound, I had hoped for a bit more. The V8 McLaren models bring an additional layer of drama with thunderous sounds and crackles on upshifts under load. Perhaps the Artura LT variant could introduce more captivating auditory experiences.
Aesthetically, in my view, the Artura Spider is breathtaking. Every design detail serves a functional purpose, enhancing aerodynamic efficiency. The vehicle exudes beauty, functionality, and athleticism without appearing overly styled or excessively intricate. The convertible top operates seamlessly, raising or lowering in just 11 seconds at speeds of up to 50km/h (31mph) and does so with minimal noise. The interior is typical of McLaren, minimalist in design with most controls, including CarPlay, integrated into the central floating screen, and drive modes accessible via rockers mounted on the instrument cluster.
The 2025 McLaren Artura Spider introduces significant enhancements that will also be featured in the Coupe model. Overall, the package is exceptional, whether you’re pushing the limits on your favorite road or simply dropping your child off at school. The Artura, further expanded with the addition of the uncompromising Spider version, presents a compelling all-in-one supercar solution.
