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Last week, I had the opportunity to test drive the new 2025 McLaren Artura Spider, and it truly embodies what you would expect from a contemporary supercar. Its sleek appearance screams speed and luxury, and it certainly lives up to that by being fast and upscale. Additionally, I found it to be quite comfortable, with all of its technological features functioning flawlessly throughout my day of testing. Today, I want to specifically highlight one notable tech feature: the innovative wireless phone charger that McLaren includes as a standard offering in all 2025 Artura and Artura Spider models.
As I pointed out in my review, potential supercar buyers typically don’t prioritize features like a “good backup camera” or “reliable wireless phone charger.” However, finding a supercar that includes such functionalities on top of the expected high-performance features is certainly a welcome bonus. For me, the wireless charger was particularly significant, as I’ve experienced mixed results with these devices in the past.
Many wireless chargers tend to be unreliable. They require positioning your phone precisely on the pad to initiate charging, which can be frustrating. Moreover, the location of the charger can be an inconvenience. Some automakers place the wireless charger in hard-to-reach spots, such as compartments near the shifter or inside the armrest, making it difficult to access your phone while it’s charging. Oftentimes, the charging pad also doubles as storage for other items like key fobs and loose change, forcing you to choose between charging your phone and stowing away essentials. This level of inconvenience often leads me to resort to traditional charging methods.
Another issue I frequently encounter with wireless chargers is their positioning. In most vehicles, you have to lay the phone flat on its back in a way that makes it easy for it to slip off while driving. This becomes a real hassle when hitting bumps or taking sharp turns, as the phone can easily become dislodged and may even sustain damage if it flies around the cabin.
What impressed me about McLaren’s design is its smart approach: a cupholder-style wireless charger that also acts as a phone stand. As shown in the accompanying photo, you simply slide your phone into this stand, and charging begins instantly. My iPhone 13 Pro, for instance, fits nicely, with about 60% of the device sitting securely in the holder while keeping the top of the screen visible. This makes it easy to see incoming notifications, whether you’re in the driver’s seat or riding shotgun. The charger is also compatible with larger devices like the iPhone Max, provided they fit width-wise.
During my day of spirited driving on winding mountain roads, my iPhone stayed securely in place, avoiding the usual bouncing and potential damage. However, there’s one drawback: the Artura Spider does not support wireless Apple CarPlay. To utilize CarPlay, you must physically connect your phone and use a separate holder near the driver’s right knee to accommodate the cable. While this isn’t the most convenient arrangement, it does provide a stable location for stowing your phone that remains within reach, regardless of whether you’re using Bluetooth or a wired connection.
It’s worth mentioning that this wireless phone charger comes at no additional cost. This is a significantly better value compared to the nearly $1,700 that Ferrari charges for a wireless charger in the Roma, and a similar situation can be found in the Pursangue, which lacks a stabilizing mechanism for your phone.
Ultimately, it’s the little details that can make a big difference..
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