McLaren Artura Spider Debuts with More Power & Better EV Range

The McLaren Artura gets a new Spider version, featuring more power and electric range.

More than three years after making its global debut, the sleek McLaren Artura finally gets a Spider version, launching globally this week. As part of the 2025 model year (2025 MY) update, this topless, mid-engined supercar brings several improvements to the whole model lineup in a bid to make it better than before.

The Artura Spider retains its coupe twin's 3.0-litre V6 engine, which now has been given a power boost.

Starting off with the biggest change, the Artura Spider gains an extra 19 HP over its coupe twin, courtesy of a new ECU setup for its 3.0-litre V6 that boosts its output to 596 HP. Mated to its single-motor plug-in hybrid (PHEV) setup, the new Artura Spider boasts a higher total system output of 690 HP and 720 NM. Century sprint time for the topless model now reads at three seconds flat, which is identical to the pre-power boost coupe’s figure.

This toll in performance is somewhat expected, considering that most convertible models weigh heavier than their fixed-roof counterparts. Although this is also the case for the Artura, the difference is not too jarring, with the Spider model weighing only 65 KG heavier than its coupe twin. McLaren said the weight penalty comes solely from the folding hardtop mechanism, as the Artura Spider does not need any reinforcements to its stiff aluminium and carbon chassis construction.

Despite being heavier than its fixed-roof twin, the new Artura Spider is relatively lightweight compared to its segment rivals like the Ferrari 296 GTS.

Despite this slight bulk-up, the Artura Spider’s 1,475 KG kerb weight is still quite impressive for its class, considering that its Prancing Horse-badged rival, the Ferrari 296 GTS comes in at 1,540 KG. Plus, the Artura Spider’s roof also retracts faster than the 296 at 11 seconds over the 14 seconds recorded on the Italian stallion.

Aside from that, the Artura Spider also boasts a slightly higher EV-only range, going from 31 KM to 33 KM. Other 2025 MY upgrades brought to both the coupe and Spider models include improvements to the suspension and transmission to make both respond more quickly, as well as revised ABS calibration for better braking performance.

Besides the obvious performance improvements and styling differences, the Artura Spider also comes with several new party tricks. Starting with the audibles, it now comes with a tweaked exhaust system featuring new valves and a tuned resonator to help create a ‘cleaner’ sound between the mid-range and the rev limit. For a more dramatic sound, buyers can opt for the sports exhaust pack, which essentially adds a tube that channels sound waves into the cabin.

Helping the uninitiated do burnouts easier with the Artura Spider is the new ‘Spinning Wheel Pull-Away’ mode. This new mode can be easily engaged by selecting the mode and slamming on the acceleration pedal instead of manually activating the car’s launch control system.

The all-new McLaren Artura Spider is now available for bookings in selected international markets, with the new convertible supercar tagged at £221,500 (RM1.335 million) in the UK—about £20,000 (RM120,000 approx.) more than its coupe twin. With all the improvements and the convertible fun factor it boasts over the fixed-roof model, we’d reckon the price hike is both expected and justified, and you’d also end up with an arguably better looking car.