Few names carry the same weight in the world of supercars as McLaren. With the launch of the Artura, McLaren entered new territory: its first plug-in hybrid, capable of running on pure electric power when desired. Now, the brand has expanded the lineup with the McLaren Artura Spider, which pairs that innovative powertrain with a retractable hardtop roof – delivering open-air thrills without sacrificing performance.
I’ve spent a few days behind the wheel of the Artura Spider – driving it everywhere from a casual trip to my tennis lesson to enjoying the sights along California’s Highway 1. My takeaway? This car encapsulates what a modern supercar should be. Its hybrid system isn’t about eco-friendly virtue signaling; it’s about wringing every ounce of performance from the drivetrain. And while some electric vehicles can feel soulless, the Artura Spider proves you don’t lose character just because there’s an electric motor involved.
Technically, the Artura and Artura Spider are considered McLaren’s “entry-level” models – but with a starting price of $273,000, that phrase is almost misleading. Entry-level or not, the Spider is every inch a supercar.
Visually, the Artura Spider retains McLaren’s unmistakable DNA. Carbon fibre elements and sculpted aluminum panels shape a silhouette that’s as aggressive as it is elegant. Aerodynamics drive the design: a sharp, low splitter, angled LED headlights that flow into the bodywork, and purposeful intakes at the front and sides. At the rear, a dual-exit exhaust system – available in standard or sport configuration – makes itself known with active valves that deliver a guttural soundtrack tuned to your driving mode, whether the roof is up or down.
And of course, the signature McLaren butterfly doors make every entry and exit an event, opening into a cabin that is focused, minimalist, and unapologetically performance-oriented. It isn’t draped in unnecessary luxury, but it feels deliberate, comfortable, and purposeful.
Convertibles are inherently fun, but the Artura Spider elevates the experience. The retractable hardtop roof operates in just 11 seconds and can be raised or lowered at speeds up to 30 mph – perfect for spur-of-the-moment decisions when the sun breaks through.
Despite being a plug-in hybrid, the Artura Spider doesn’t follow the usual playbook. There’s no regenerative braking. Instead, the system charges the battery under certain drive modes, primarily using it for performance boosts or for up to 21 miles of electric-only driving. But let’s be honest – you’re not buying a McLaren Spider to drive it silently through town.
On the road, the Artura Spider feels every bit as thrilling as it looks. Its combined output of 690 horsepower comes courtesy of a twin-turbocharged V6 paired with an electric motor. In Sport mode, the motor assists launches before handing off to the V6, recharging as you drive. Other modes integrate the electric motor more, and if you really want, you can drive in electric-only silence.
The control setup takes a little adjustment. Rocker switches behind the wheel manage chassis and powertrain modes, while small buttons toggle between manual and automatic shifting. But once you’re familiar, everything feels intuitive – and designed with the driver at the center.
The original Artura earned acclaim as one of the finest mid-engine performance cars available, and the Spider builds on that legacy with added versatility and character. It’s striking to look at, fun to drive, and filled with the kind of personality that makes every trip memorable.
To learn more about the McLaren Artura Spider, visit cars.mclaren.com.
Photography courtesy of Christian de Looper.