McLaren Artura Spider Review in Oxford Street: A Hybrid Convertible that Redefines Joyrides

McLaren Artura Spider V6 Hybrid Review

Over the years, I've put plenty of McLarens through their paces on racetracks across the UK and Europe. But this time, we wanted a test that better reflected the typical lifestyle of an average buyer. Enter the McLaren Artura Spider: sleek, innovative, and distinctly hybrid.

The challenge? A gruelling test of agility and style, not at the Nürburgring, but in London’s festive heart – Oxford Street, Sloane Street, and the King’s Road at Christmas. Forget apexes and lap times; weaving through Marble Arch teeming with adrenaline-fuelled crowds (and the odd mulled wine enthusiast) is the ultimate trial.

Adding to the spectacle, we weren’t alone. There were four other McLarens doing the circuit, gliding past iconic bars and nightclubs as if part of an impromptu Christmas parade. Clearly, we’d chosen the right area.

Our base of operations was The Royal Lancaster Hotel, a gem just steps from Marble Arch and Hyde Park. It’s hard to imagine a better location for festive shopping and sightseeing. Bonus points for the hotel’s private secure car park – a relief when your ride is worth more than most London flats. Hand the keys to the doorman, then indulge in an authentic Thai feast at the Nipa Restaurant. Effortless luxury, McLaren-style.

But What About the Car?

Ah yes, the star of the show: the McLaren Artura Spider, the marque’s first V6 hybrid. It combines twin turbos with an electric motor, delivering the kind of efficiency that feels almost too sensible for a McLaren. It’s a plug-in rear-wheel-drive hybrid, offering around 20 miles on electric power alone – perfect for school runs, quick errands, or a leisurely glide down the King’s Road.

At its heart lies a 3.0-litre V6 engine paired with an eight-speed twin-clutch gearbox. Reverse gear? That’s managed by the 94 bhp electric motor powered by a 7.4 kWh battery. A clever trick, though it does raise an eyebrow – what happens if the battery runs dry?

Visually, the Artura retains echoes of the 570, but that’s hardly a complaint. The rear flying buttresses are jaw-droppingly gorgeous. The upgraded McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA) tub, manufactured at their cutting-edge MCTC facility in Sheffield, is both stronger and lighter than ever. The result? A jaw-dropping kerb weight of just 1,395 kg – unheard of for a hybrid.

Performance: Fast, Yet Surprisingly Civilised

The twin-turbo V6 engine plus electric motor churns out an impressive 690 bhp (700PS). With such a lightweight frame, the Artura rockets from 0-62 mph in a blistering 3 seconds and reaches 124 mph in just 8.3 seconds. The top speed? A staggering 205 mph. Yet, unlike the wilder 720S, the Artura feels more composed. The power delivery is smooth, and the torque is immense but manageable – no accidental hedge trimming here.

McLaren has made several clever tweaks under the skin. By positioning multiple processors around the car, they’ve reduced internal cable length and improved reaction times. Meanwhile, the new rear heat exhaust panels channel hot air away from the engine, over cold air, safeguarding the paint from blistering temperatures. Even the door handles have been rethought, no longer flush, now subtly directing airflow into the engine vents for added cooling.

Everyday Practicality, McLaren Style

For a supercar, the Artura’s everyday usability is impressive. The hardtop roof operates swiftly and smoothly, letting you switch between open-air cruising and refined comfort in moments. Up front, the 160-litre frunk offers enough space for two holdalls and a small travel bag – though you may need to pack strategically.

Interior-wise, it’s barer than Mother Hubbard’s cupboard. But what it lacks in excess, it makes up for with functional, motorsport-inspired design. There’s a new vertical pocket for your phone – a handy touch to keep it secure, though it doesn’t recharge the device and isn’t particularly convenient for plugging into the infotainment system. The aesthetic contrasts are striking, with leather and soft grey velvet offset by silver and black gloss. The result? A functional, sturdy interior that exudes sports-car gravitas.

The sports seats are a revelation – a marked improvement over previous models. They are supportive, comfortable, and perfectly suited to spirited driving. For those who favour touring over track days, McLaren offers more luxurious comfort seats as an option. Adjusting the seats is simple with comfort entry: pull the lower-left stalk, and it glides effortlessly into your preferred position.

Design and Quirks

The infotainment map design? A puzzling oversight. With red routes on an orange background, it’s practically illegible. Who thought that was a good idea? Then there are a few quirks: the heating occasionally fails, and the left wing mirror sometimes stays in reverse mode. But let’s move on from the nitpicking.

All ambient controls – music, navigation, car settings – are on a touchscreen. After years of using them, I can confidently say I hate this trend. But let’s not kid ourselves: this isn’t a rolling luxury lounge for those craving armchairs and a widescreen TV. This is a driving machine, pure and simple.

Controls and Connectivity

Drive and suspension modes – Comfort, Sport, and Track – are adjusted using rocker switches conveniently placed on either side of the steering wheel. This design allows you to make changes without removing your hands from the wheel.

The starter button, along with the drive and reverse controls, is located in the centre panel, maintaining the familiar McLaren layout.

CarPlay only works via a cable, which feels slightly archaic in this age of wireless everything. However, McLaren promises an over-the-air update to enable wireless connectivity soon. A small consolation for now.

Performance and Handling

Performance? Spectacular. The electric motor delivers instant torque from the moment you touch the accelerator, while the twin turbos kick in with a ferocity that catapults you into the stratosphere. Yet, despite the Artura’s power, it’s surprisingly composed. This is the most confidence-inspiring McLaren ever. You can put your foot down and unleash the car’s full potential without fear of spinning off into the scenery or spending two minutes wrestling with the rear end.

The steering is a masterclass – precise, fluid, and offering granular feedback. Every corner becomes an event, a ride on the edge of perfection. Understeer? Non-existent. You can carry your speed until the very last moment, stamp on the brakes, and trust the car to hold the line like Nureyev or Darcey Bussell (a nod for the younger readers).

Even braking is a joy – confident, linear, and perfectly balanced, allowing you to push the car’s limits through every turn. The suspension is sport-focused, excellent for driving but slightly less comfortable for passengers. For practicality, the front lift system raises the nose 5 inches in mere seconds, sparing you from the wrath of modern speed bumps. These bumps are pointless, as SUVs simply glide over them, while softer bumps worked perfectly well for everyone but the most reckless drivers.

Subtle Refinements, Big Gains

McLaren have made numerous subtle adjustments to improve this car. These tweaks may seem minor individually, but together they create a significant impact on real-world performance.

The Artura remains pared down and pure, staying true to McLaren's racing heritage. However, it is now more controllable and enjoyable than ever before.

After much discussion, we agreed that, alongside the 750S, McLaren may have created their quintessential model. It is focused, sophisticated, yet still raw, powerful, and thrilling. The Artura is more of a driver’s car than ever, delivering outstanding performance with confidence.

Final Thoughts: Roof Down, Bliss Unleashed

Driving the McLaren Artura Spider with the roof down might just be one of life’s greatest experiences. With the open sky above, the wind rushing past, and the V6 engine screaming like a heavy metal guitar solo sliding up the fret, it’s pure exhilaration. At £221,500 it’s a price few can afford, but for those who can, it’s worth every penny.

McLaren Artura Spider priced from: £221,500

McLaren Artura Spider
https://cars.mclaren.com/gb-en/artura

Royal Lancaster Hotel:
https://www.royallancaster.com/