First Drive: 2025 McLaren Artura Spider: Electrified Open-Top Thrill

McLaren has taken the Artura supercar to the next level by introducing the McLaren Artura Spider, the convertible variant of its hybrid supercar. With more power, revised dynamics, and an open-top driving experience, the Artura Spider aims to blend everyday usability with McLaren’s signature performance. 

Design and Features

The Artura Spider retains the coupe’s sleek, aerodynamic silhouette but gains a retractable hardtop that opens in just 11 seconds at speeds of up to 50 kph. The roof mechanism adds only 62 kg, keeping the overall weight down to 1,560 kg, which is still lighter than many rivals.

McLaren has also introduced new exterior colours and interior material options, including Alcantara and carbon-fibre trims. The digital instrument cluster moves with the steering column, and McLaren’s updated infotainment system offers improved connectivity and graphics.

Interior and Technology

Inside, the Artura Spider maintains McLaren’s driver-focused cockpit with high-quality materials. Our test car was optioned with a mix of premium leather and Alcantara, with carbon-fibre accents adding to the supercar feel. The slim and lightweight seats provided enough comfort and support, making long drives enjoyable while still being track-ready. Customers can also opt for more comfortable seats with heated and memory functions. 

The driver gets a configurable digital instrument cluster that moves in sync with the steering column, ensuring key information is always in view. The infotainment system features an 8-inch touchscreen with improved responsiveness and Apple CarPlay support. The screen is also more angled towards the driver, so your passenger who loves changing the radio station every two minutes won’t be too pleased. 

As expected in a mid-engine supercar, storage remains minimal, but there is a small front trunk, or “frunk”, for essentials. McLaren has also improved the Artura Spider’s noise insulation, making highway cruising quieter when the roof is up.

McLaren Artura Spider Performance

A 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 hybrid powertrain powers the Artura Spider, the same as the coupe. It is no slouch, as McLaren has tuned the engine to produce 691 hp and 720 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the wheels via the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.

McLaren claims the Artura Spider can accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 3.0 seconds and hit a top speed of 330 kph. Thanks to the hybrid system, it also offers an electric-only driving range of 33 km for silent city cruising. It is quite strange the first time around when the Artura Spider glides through traffic without any sound, and then suddenly, the engine roars to life when we need that extra power for higher speeds or acceleration.

Ride and Comfort

Handling is enhanced with McLaren’s Proactive Chassis Control and a retuned electronic differential. The car also gets new suspension tuning for better stability and comfort, making it more usable for daily driving while retaining its track-ready characteristics.

The Artura Spider was definitely more comfortable than the 750S we tested earlier. While the 750S occasionally reminded you it was a supercar when driving over a few rough roads, the Artura Spider seemed to soak up bumps better. 

McLaren Artura Price and Verdict

The 2025 McLaren Artura Spider builds on the coupe’s strengths, offering open-top exhilaration without compromising performance. Its added power and refinements make it an appealing choice for those seeking a hybrid supercar with McLaren’s signature driving dynamics.

Pricing for the Artura Spider in the UAE starts from around AED 1.2 million, depending on customisation options.