It’s a well known fact among sports car fans that the McLaren range of high performance vehicles are in a class of their own. Elsewhere on these pages are reviews of other models in the British-built model range and listings for current UK stock, but this time it’s the turn of the spectacular Artura model; available in coupé or spider versions (see our photographs). An interesting and important aspect to this car is that the Artura is a Hybrid model that delivers class-leading emissions for the supercar sector.
The Exterior
Assembled around a carbon fibre monocoque at its heart, the sleek, understated beauty is emphasised by perfect supercar proportions: A long, low sleek nose, long roofline, very fast windscreen angle and ‘cab-forward’ stance. Coupled with a compact wheelbase, 19 or 20 inch wheels, high bumpers (fenders) and shoulder line, the result is a superb dynamic look overall, enhanced by the extremely compact rear overhang.
The design of the every aspect of the body is about aerodynamics. Head-on, the brand signature hammerhead line is clearly visible running forward across the front, dissecting the airflow down into the radiators or accelerating it over the bonnet. The line ‘kicks up’ in the outboard corners, leading the eye into the static adaptive headlamps, deeply recessed, giving the Artura a menacing look that contributes to the overall appearance of a car that displays a rare combination of both beauty and aggression.
The large side intakes also help to endow the Artura with a unique visual character; a pinched waist, powerful nose and particularly curvaceous rear haunches linked by a tightly packed core.
The Artura’s sense of purity of design is achieved partly through the reduction in shut lines, which creates a visual cleanliness that emphasises the bold form. Each vent, duct and fold, even the door mirrors, has a specific purpose in managing airflow, cooling radiators, optimising downforce and enabling onboard technology. See for yourself in our images.
The Interior
The cabin of the Artura is distinguished by a purposeful, driver-focused design. The ‘clean’ steering wheel is free of buttons and controls, aside from the sculpted gear-shift paddles which move with the wheel for optimal driver ergonomics. The driver display binnacle, which, impressively, also moves with the column when adjusted for reach or rake to ensure all driving information is always within the driver’s eyeline, additionally houses the controls to select handling and power-train modes, allowing changes – including an easy switch between electric and hybrid drive – without taking hands off the steering wheel.
The innovative McLaren ‘Clubsport’ seat is fitted as standard. Adjusting through an elliptical arc to combine the range of motion expected of a moveable backrest with the light weight and close support of a bucket seat. Adjustable lumbar support can be specified as an additional feature. Drivers wanting a more traditional but still appropriately sporting seat can option the electrically adjustable, heated comfort seats with memory function.
The Artura’s ‘McLaren infotainment and connectivity system’ (MIS) uses two high-definition screens. Delivering smartphone levels of responsiveness, the system is capable of smartphone mirroring and the Artura now offers wireless charging as an option. MIS also enables a number of driver assistance features with Lane Departure Warning and Road Sign Recognition fitted to all Arturas. Also available optionally are Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Switchable Follow Mode, Auto High-Beam Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Detection.
The Artura also features a Bluetooth low-energy vehicle key which detects when the driver is heading towards the vehicle and powers up systems to welcome occupants. This greeting includes ambient, ‘hidden-until-lit’ lighting in the doors, also acting as puddle lamps on entry. There’s a wide range of options, inside and out too.
A five-speaker McLaren Audio System is standard fit with a Bowers & Wilkins set-up available with the Technology Pack. The latest upgrades for 2025 includes a new 15-spoke wheel as standard, in silver finish. Whichever wheel option is fitted titanium wheel bolts can be optionally specified.
The Electric Drive
A point worth noting is the lengths to which McLaren have gone to make the ‘e-drive’ as functional, efficient and light as possible. For lovers of technology facts, the Artura uses a ground-breaking, extremely compact and power-dense axial flux motor. Most e-motors in the automotive world use radial flux technology, where magnets are positioned around a rotor. An axial flux motor is fundamentally different, featuring a stator sandwiched between two rotor hubs, enabling exceptionally high power and torque density, while also being smaller and lighter. Not a lot of people know that. What matters though is that weight is reduced.
The Power
The Artura brings the benefits of a ‘High-Performance Hybrid Drive’ to a series-production supercar. The Artura power-train combines a twin-turbocharged 3.0 litre V6 petrol engine and the aforementioned electric motor (combined 670bhp / 679 PS) integrated within an eight-speed transmission, with a lithium-ion battery pack. There’s four power modes, covering every driving requirement: E-mode, Comfort, Sport and Track. E-mode is the default for silent start-up and zero-emissions, fully-electric driving. In Comfort mode, the V6 petrol engine runs in tandem with the E-motor, with maximum assistance for fuel saving. In Sport model, the E-motor provides torque infill at lower revs, while the V6 targets maximum performance. Track mode delivers the same blend of hybridised power, with transmission software delivering faster shifts.
The Drive
It’s very easy to get settled in the McLaren Artura, with plenty of adjustment for the steering wheel and the driving seat, which is comfortable and supportive. The ride is remarkable; somehow McLaren have managed to find the fine point of balance between handling prowess and comfort. Just touring about (electric only for a few miles, say, in the city) the ride is extremely pleasant with no drama. Open the taps though and this car can deal with as many twists and turns as can be thrown at it, yet the ride remains subtle.
There is so much to this car that it cannot all be encapsulated in one article. The attention to detail is astonishing as would be expected from a famous prestige brand. Mclaren cars are available through MHH International for export from the UK to various global destinations that apply right-hand-drive rules, like Kenya, Ireland, New Zealand and the Caribbean for instance, using our straightforward and comprehensive service. Please browse through our website and check in with us to find out about availability of these remarkable supercars.
