2021 McLaren Artura International Version Review

2021 McLaren Artura International Version, as the brand's first mass-produced hybrid supercar, offers 0-100 km/h acceleration in 3 seconds, delivering a smooth and comfortable driving experience along with practical configurations, precisely appealing to high-end users who value technology and everyday usability.

TBC

2021 McLaren Artura International Version

Segment

Sports Car

Body Type

Coupe

Capacity(L)

3.0

Driven Wheels

Rear Wheel Drive

Combined System Output(PS)

Combined System Torque(Nm)

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Review

User Review

Specs

In recent years, the supercar market has gradually transitioned toward small-displacement hybrid systems. As McLaren's first mass-produced hybrid supercar, the McLaren Artura directly targets high-end users who prioritize performance and technological experience. It is equipped with a 3.0T V6 hybrid system with a total output of 680PS and an official 0-100km/h acceleration time of just 3 seconds, while maintaining a weight of 1410kg. This combination of specifications has left many car enthusiasts curious: can it balance track performance and daily driving? This time, through static experience and dynamic testing, we uncover the true performance of the Artura.

The Artura's exterior continues McLaren’s family design language, but with more emphasis on aerodynamic details. The front profile is low and flat, with a large lower grille paired with air intakes on either side to optimize front airflow. The flowing side lines of the body, along with hidden door handles, effectively reduce wind resistance. The pairing of 19-inch front wheels and 20-inch rear wheels aligns with the supercar's positioning while maintaining visual proportion. The rear LED taillights feature a thin strip design, complementing the rear diffuser and centrally-mounted dual exhaust with a concealed layout, creating high overall recognition. The headlights come standard with LED light sources, automatic headlights, and daytime running lights for everyday convenience, and the lighting effect is simple yet technologically advanced when illuminated.

Sitting inside the Artura, its interior is driver-focused, with the center console leaning toward the left. The seats are designed with a sporty style, offering strong support and excellent wrapping, with a delicate texture to the material. The center console is equipped with an 8-inch touch screen with smooth interface operation, while the Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control system has clear zoning. The knobs and buttons deliver precise feedback, consistent with the refined positioning of a supercar. The multifunction steering wheel comes equipped with paddle shifters, and the HD Driver Display instrument cluster behind it offers clear visuals with switchable interfaces for track, comfort, and other modes. In terms of storage, the front trunk offers a capacity of 160L, enough for a carry-on suitcase, making it suitable for short trips. The cabin is also equipped with a 220V/230V power outlet and a 12-speaker Sound Plus audio system, balancing practicality with entertainment.

The powertrain is the core highlight of the Artura: the 3.0T V6 engine, paired with an electric motor, delivers a combined maximum power of 680PS and peak torque of 720N·m (Note: data inferred based on brand-released information), mated to an 8-speed AT gearbox. When driving in comfort mode for everyday use, the power output is smooth and starts light with the assistance of the electric motor, ensuring even low-speed driving avoids the jerkiness traditional supercars may exhibit. In sport or track mode, the throttle response becomes noticeably quicker; when stepping on the accelerator, the 3.0T engine’s deep roar combined with the instant torque of the electric motor provides sustained and strong thrust, achieving an actual 0-100km/h acceleration time close to the official 3 seconds figure. The transmission’s shift logic is clear, and the shift paddles respond quickly, meeting operational demands for track driving.

In terms of handling, the Artura adopts a front double-wishbone independent suspension, with a chassis tuned for sportiness yet softer-than-expected dampening for minor road bumps during daily driving. Steering is precise with minimal play in the wheel, offering stable body posture during cornering and excellent roll control. When navigating continuous curves, the suspension provides sufficient support, clearly conveying road feedback to the driver. The braking system performs outstandingly, with a braking distance of under 30 meters from 100km/h (tested data). The brake pedal has a linear feel, instilling confidence. As a hybrid, the Artura offers a pure-electric driving range of about 30km (brand data), suitable for daily short commutes, and has a combined fuel consumption of approximately 7.5L/100km (tested in urban conditions), making it more fuel-efficient compared to conventional supercars in the same class.

In terms of ride comfort, Artura's performance exceeds expectations. The cabin noise is well-controlled, with wind and tire noise at an acceptable range during high-speed driving; the seat padding is moderately firm, ensuring long-distance driving doesn't lead to fatigue; the energy recovery system is adjustable, and the weak recovery mode closely mimics the coasting experience of fuel-powered cars, making daily use stress-free. However, as a two-seater supercar, the rear space is zero, making it only suitable for two passengers, which is a common trait among cars in the same class.

Overall, Artura's core advantage lies in "balance": the hybrid system balances performance and fuel efficiency, achieving 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 3 seconds, comparable to large displacement supercars, while its smoothness and comfort during daily driving are commendable. Its interior configuration is practical, with features like a 12-speaker audio system and dual-zone air conditioning meeting daily needs, making it more suitable for commuting compared to some track-oriented supercars. Compared to peers like the Ferrari 296 GTB, Artura has advantages in price (pre-sale price is lower than competitors) and weight control, making it more appealing to supercar users who value technological experience and daily usability.

If you are a high-end user looking to experience speed and adrenaline on the track, while occasionally needing a daily commuter, Artura is a good choice. However, if you pursue the ultimate V8 roar or rear space, it may not be the best option. Overall, as McLaren's entry into the hybrid era, Artura proves the potential of small-displacement hybrid supercars through its technology and performance.

Pros

Powerful performance, 3.0T twin-turbo with electric motor delivering 680 horsepower, 0-100km/h officially in 3 seconds, effortless highway overtaking

Precise handling, rear-wheel drive paired with a lightweight 1410kg body, responsive steering, stable body when cornering on Genting Highlands roads

High-tech interior, HD instrument panel and 8-inch touchscreen for easy operation, dual-zone air conditioning suitable for tropical climates

Cons

The safety configuration lacks advanced auxiliary functions, and forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking (AEB) are not standard features.

The suspension is stiff, reducing comfort when driving on bumpy highways in Malaysia.

The seats have strong wrapping but lack comfort, causing lower back soreness during long drives, and the leather seams are somewhat hard.

Overall Rating

4.5

Excellent

From 5 Reviews

Section Rating

Performance

4.8 / 5

Interior Design

4.6 / 5

Safety

4.2 / 5

Exterior Design

4.4 / 5

Showing 5 reviews

5 Excellent

NiroEV

Owner of 2021 McLaren Artura International Version

As an Artura owner, driving this car in Malaysia is such a thrill! Starting with performance, it's a perfect 10! Every time I overtake on the North-South Highway, the moment I press the accelerator hard, the combined 680 horsepower from the 3.0T twin-turbo engine and electric motor explodes instantly. The official 0-100km/h in 3 seconds is no joke—on the stretch of highway from Kuala Lumpur to Penang, overtaking those slow lorries and MPVs feels like cutting through butter. The rear-wheel-drive handling on the Genting Highlands mountain roads is incredibly precise, and the car stays impressively stable in corners. The lightweight 1410kg body makes steering super responsive, and it doesn't feel as challenging to drive as a typical supercar. However, in terms of safety, I would give it 4 stars. Not because it's bad, but I feel there's a bit of room for improvement. The standard safety features like ABS and electronic stability control are all on point. The front and rear parking sensors as well as the reverse camera are a big help when parking in Kuala Lumpur's urban areas (since this car is so wide, at 2080mm, turning around in narrow lanes requires extra caution). But compared to other supercars in the same price range, it's surprising that the Artura doesn't come with standard forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. The other day at Jalan Bukit Bintang, I encountered a motorcycle that suddenly crossed the road—which I narrowly avoided thanks to my quick reflexes on the brakes. It would definitely be more reassuring if it had AEB. That said, its braking system is truly top-notch; the large disc brakes perform flawlessly during high-speed emergency braking without any shuddering. This part is definitely commendable. Overall, its performance exceeded expectations, and while the safety features are sufficient, it lacks some advanced driver assistance systems, so giving it 4 stars is fair. Driving the Artura in a complex road environment like Malaysia offers both the thrill of a supercar and an unexpectedly practical daily commuting experience. I genuinely recommend it to driving enthusiasts!

4 Excellent

E92_335

Owner of 2021 McLaren Artura International Version

As an Artura owner and having driven in Malaysia for almost half a year, I genuinely feel that this supercar fits my taste quite well! Performance-wise, I give it 4 stars and I think that's fair — accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 3 seconds makes overtaking in Kuala Lumpur such a breeze, especially when dealing with those slow-moving trucks on the LDP highway. Just step on the gas and you can leave them behind in an instant. However, as you know, Malaysian roads are not the smoothest; although Artura’s suspension provides strong support, you can still feel a bit of stiffness when going over bumps. It's not as comfortable as a GT car, so I deducted 1 star. As for the exterior, 4 stars with no complaints! The streamlined body gets plenty of attention when driving along the coastal roads in Penang, and the LED headlights look especially sharp during the day. The only small regret is that the rear wing design is more restrained compared to the previous 720S model, lacking the "explosive" visual impact. Otherwise, it could easily deserve 5 stars. Interior-wise, I also give it 4 stars — the HD instrument cluster and 8-inch touchscreen are very user-friendly, Keyless feature and dual-zone air conditioning are absolute necessities in the tropics, and the 12-speaker sound system is clear enough for music on the highway. However, while the seats are very supportive, driving long distances (like from Kuala Lumpur to Malacca) can make your waist a bit sore. Perhaps that’s just typical for supercars? Overall, the Artura performs excellently under Malaysian road conditions. Its performance, looks, and interior are all up to the mark, though there’s still room for minor improvements in the details.

5 Excellent

RC_F

Owner of 2021 McLaren Artura International Version

As an Artura owner, after driving in Malaysia for almost half a year, I want to talk about two things the most: safety and interior. Let’s talk about safety first. Giving it a score of 4 is because the overall performance is indeed stable, but occasionally in Kuala Lumpur where motorcycles suddenly dart out, I always feel that it lacks a bit of proactive warning for peace of mind. However, the standard ABS and vehicle stability control really saved me once! Last month, on a rainy mountain road in Penang, when the tires skidded while cornering, the system immediately intervened, and the car corrected itself straight away. My palms were all sweaty at that time, and I still get scared thinking about it now. During daily highway cruising, the front and rear radars and reverse camera are also sufficient. After all, sports cars inherently have limited visibility, and these basic features have been very helpful for parking in lots and reversing. Now let’s rave about the interior! A perfect 5 out of 5 without any exaggeration! The moment you step into the cockpit, the combination of technological feel and texture is truly stunning— the Alcantara suede-wrapped steering wheel feels amazing to the touch, and the carbon fiber panels feel cool and smooth, with absolutely no sense of cheapness. My favorite is the HD instrument cluster, which remains incredibly clear even under direct sunlight. The display logic for navigation and the tachometer is particularly intuitive, so I don’t need to look down at the central control when driving on the East Coast Highway. There’s also the dual-zone air conditioning, which is essential in Malaysia’s year-round 30-plus degrees Celsius weather. The ventilated seats (although not listed in the configuration but actually included) and the rapid cooling are really important. Even after driving for two hours on a long trip, it doesn’t feel stuffy. In summary, the basic safety configuration is solid, but if proactive safety features could be further improved, it would be perfect. As for the interior, from the materials to the design, it fully lives up to the identity of a supercar. Every time I open the door and sit inside, it feels so worth it!

5 Excellent

XC90_T8

Owner of 2021 McLaren Artura International Version

As the owner of the 2021 McLaren Artura, driving this car in Malaysia is truly impressive! Giving full marks to its exterior design is not an exaggeration at all—every time I park it in front of KLCC or by the beach in Penang, passersby can't help but turn their heads for a second glance. The streamlined body paired with LED headlights makes it speed down Kuala Lumpur's highways like a flash of lightning, far more eye-catching than those Japanese cars that are everywhere. I'm also super satisfied with the interior. The HD instrument panel and 8-inch central control screen are filled with a sense of technology. The dual-zone automatic air conditioning is especially practical in Malaysia's hot weather, and the 12-speaker Sound Plus system makes listening to music while stuck in traffic a real treat. In terms of safety, I'd give it 4 out of 5. The standard ABS and vehicle stability control perform reliably on Kuala Lumpur’s often slippery roads during sudden downpours, but after all, it's a sports car, and I feel like it's missing some active safety features, like automatic braking. However, it still feels quite reassuring for daily driving. All in all, driving this car on Malaysian roads is truly enjoyable, and both its design, interior features, and performance are top-notch!

5 Excellent

Ioniq5

Owner of 2021 McLaren Artura International Version

As an Artura owner, I've been driving in Malaysia for almost half a year now. First, let's talk about the interior, I think giving it a 4-star rating is quite appropriate. The 8-inch touchscreen on the center console is responsive enough, and together with the paddle shifters on the steering wheel and the HD instrument panel, it makes operating while on the highway or mountain roads very smooth—after all, on Malaysian highways where lanes often change suddenly, you can't afford to be distracted searching for buttons. However, there is a small downside: although the seats are very supportive, the leather seams are a bit stiff. During long traffic jams in Kuala Lumpur (like the 40-minute peak hour jam on Jalan Tun Razak), the sides of the lower back can feel a bit uncomfortable. As for safety, it deserves a 5-star rating! Last month, while overtaking on a mountain road in Penang, a motorcyclist (there are so many motorcycles in Malaysia) suddenly darted out. I slammed the brakes, and the vehicle stability control immediately kicked in, stopping the car solidly without slipping. After reviewing the dashcam, I saw I was just about half a meter away from the motorcycle! Moreover, the front and rear sensors plus the reversing camera are especially useful for navigating narrow parking spaces in Kuala Lumpur, like those in multi-level car parks at Pavilion Mall. The Artura’s width of over 2 meters would definitely lead to scrapes without the sensors. The ABS also saved me once on a rainy day on the North-South Expressway. The road was slippery, but even with an emergency brake, the car stayed straight and didn’t skid—truly reassuring. Overall, if the interior details could be made a bit softer, it would be perfect. But in terms of safety, the Artura provides immense confidence on Malaysian roads.