The Best McLaren Ever? - One Take

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The McLaren Artura is just shockingly good. For one, it's nearly the lightest hybrid supercar ever, and within 30 lbs of the $1.5M P1 hypercar. For two, it is blindingly fast, daily driver comfortable, and incredibly efficient, at a reasonaable (for a supercar) price point. It's also got the best user interface of any supercar on the market today. The dynamics are brilliant, the cabin is roomy, and it looks great in every color. Could this be McLaren's best car of the modern era?
McLaren provided airfare to Las Vegas, a hotel room, meals, the vehicle, insurance, and a tank of fuel for this review.
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I've Driven Every McLaren, and the New Artura is the Best McLaren Ever - One Take
#mclarenartura
#mclaren

[@LuWeiHuang]

McLaren’s new CEO Michael Leiters worked for Ferrari and Porsche. His main focus is to limit the model lineup and improve product quality of each line. He halted release of Artura to fix some critical issues that would effect reliability. Another reason for the massive delays aside from supply chain. Hope he actually makes a difference.

[@MrFoof82]

>He halted release of Artura to fix some critical issues that would affect reliability. Turns out press cars catching on fire during press events wasn’t a good look.

[@LuWeiHuang]

@@MrFoof82 That last press release was an absolute disaster. Half the press said the car’s driving experience was mediocre, whole bunch of faults, and cars catching fire. I just hope they get reliability sorted. McLarens are lighter than most in it’s category cause of carbon tub, plus dihedral doors and incredible acceleration. If their reliability is comparable to Porsche, I believe they’ll be even more successful.

[@larssonk22]

@@LuWeiHuang Just seen Shmee's recent video with an owner who has driven it straight out the dealership and 1600miles down the west coast of America without issue. Fingers crossed new owners can have a similar experience and McLaren can finally shake off this stereotype. New CEO also wants the entry price for McLaren ownership to be 200k. I really hope he doesn't get his way, Ferrari's pricing is great for them but a joke for consumers.

[@mikeboldtphoto]

@@larssonk22 3500km in the car. We had our share of these small faults come and go, especially with the seats. It's still very much a McLaren.

[@willc5023]

thank god i had a 720s that spent 3 months at the dealer with electronic issues and lift fault all the time. hope the new ones are better.

[@TML34]

KZbin Face set to 11! 🤣

[@tjseid]

big excitement face

[@mistamaog]

I know why he does it but it looks so forced 🥲

[@Jushwa]

it works! lmao

[@jodusc]

I think it started as a joke but he must have seen increased views and has kept doing it.

[@somerandomfella]

No offence to Matt but I hate this face thanks to Mr Beast.

[@BrendanEvan]

You had me at hydraulic steering and mechanic braking. That says so much about how they prioritize the experience 7:09

[@the-boring-car-guy]

Agreed. Gotta love Mclarens consistency there

[@minlee5673]

This is the coolest road I’ve seen used on this channel. Great scenery, highly visible turns, fast sweepers

[@AidanRitchie]

I think he drove the Ford GT here right?

[@01cumminsho26]

I just drove this road in my 135i a few weeks ago and it was fantastic. A lot of manufacturers use this road to test new sports cars e.g. the C8 Corvette. It's not far outside Las Vegas, in the Lake Mead Recreation Area. It's got a great straightaway that is a couple miles long and really allows you to test top speed.

[@vnitto]

@@01cumminsho26 So, what was the top speed?

[@01cumminsho26]

@@vnitto i hit 135 in my car which is the speed limiter. I’ve gotten my girlfriends Model 3 to 142 on it.

[@Cloxxki]

I love the idea of a "silent mode" as on plug-ins. Especially in a naughty car. Sometimes you just want to pull in or out quietly, not be a jerk, of just sit in quiet and have moment. A lot of the time, actually, but full EVs are a whole different thing. Only Tesla makes an attempt at preventing them to be super heavy. Model S weighs about the same as less powerful AMG and Porsche equivalents and at a much lower price. Yes, bad brakes. No rear steer. No buttons. No noise.

[@OldSkoolUncleChris]

No flipping interior either !

[@mistamaog]

Gotta love McLaren's commitment to keeping everything lightweight. Also that V6 sounds phenomenal

[@quaidmciver172]

This makes excited about what in the works for the 720S successor. McLaren have moved the bar again and Matt really liked the 296GTB so this is saying a lot.

[@humzai9885]

Can't help but think that Acura should take notes on how to deliver a V6 Turbo Hybrid supercar. RWD, as lightweight as it can be, and simple. Great job, McLaren 👏

[@JacesOwnWorld]

Orrrrr, throw out the idea that the NSX was ever a supercar, because it wasn’t. It was an affordable sports car. The new one is a failure because it priced itself out of being a good car.

[@IUSTITA]

Great point,

[@phillyphil1513]

re: "RWD, as lightweight as it can be". unfortunately that's NGH (Not Gonna Happen). Mclaren's selling point is directly related to it's extensive use of Carbon Fiber in creating the chassis for all of it's models (not something done at Ferrari/Al or Lamborghini/Hybrid Al-Cf, and certainly not Honda/AL-St). this selling point of course famously got it's start with the original all Carbon Fiber Mclaren F1. the trade off for this lightweighting is expensive (if not impossible) repairs should you ever have the misfortune of getting into an accident. in contrast the Gen 2 NSX Supercar for its extra weight has greater repairability. not that an owner should be planning to crash any of these cars, but of course rarely do deer and other drivers on the road get this memo.

[@GVIrish]

@@JacesOwnWorld The original NSX was every bit of the definition of supercar at the time. It was faster than the Ferrari 348, introduced several production firsts like titanium rods and an all-aluminum body, and it had an exceptional driving experience. The second gen NSX was hamstrung from the start because their hybrid approach added too much extra weight. And ultimately the performance targets weren't high enough. Still a supercar, just competing in a very deep pool of competition.

[@GVIrish]

One can hope Acura takes an approach like this for a 3rd gen NSX, but I think they're probably going to make it an EV.

[@pab3783]

I liked the tone and pace of this review Matt. Great review. Thanks

[@justadad2304]

I'm fine with radio buttons on the wheel (volume up/down on the left, track or radio channel up/down on the right).

[@maxracerf12007]

Fair and balanced review as always Matt, we’ve been working hard on this car as a whole business so your comments will mean a lot to the team!

[@MrUltraworld]

Matt really does a great job. I will never own a car in this class, but Matt gives me a clear view of what owning this car would be like should a huge amount of cash land on my head. I think McLaren is really killing it.

[@Ssh52]

@@MrUltraworld never say never...

[@donwarner6925]

@@MrUltraworld If you think you can’t, you never will. If you think you can, you get the picture.

[@MrUltraworld]

@@donwarner6925 I'm doing just fine, I'm 60 yrs old and due to some good luck and better investments, I'm retired and split my time between NY and FL. I have had a good life. I couldn't agree more with your comment, you need to visualize your situation and it will come to pass.

[@hotrodlincoln7186]

Nice, but I'll stick with my jms pedalmax. That's just too much to mess with. If i want less response I just turn down the knob

[@dantem306]

We get a mini p1 for 250k, what a time to be alive!

[@DFWsCars]

Underrated comment.

[@davidsteinhour5562]

Your level of execution matches the car, Matt. Good sound, good shots, good words. If I had to put just one auto journalist in my driveway, you would be it.

[@henryhol8538]

Brilliant review! The way you can access all the switchgear with your hands on the steering wheel reminds me of early 1960s Lancias!

[@RetrocarStyle]

Man get a load of those open roads...straights, long sweeping turns...no cherries and berries.....perfect for some petal to metal action..not to mention a very nice car. Nice video Matt👍.

[@Jushwa]

Hopefully the replacement battery pack isn't $156k like it is on the p1... and that battery is even smaller at only 4.3 kwh lol.

[@NinjaNovice]

I watched the whole advertisement. Man to man: Looking good Matt! I thought you looked great when you were talking to the camera on your left, instead of looking straight ahead. Big fan of podcast and videos. Thank you.

[@ke0kie]

perfect review, included all the vitals and a real-world M reliability reminder

[@darwandoo]

Great video Matt. Good modivation for more Bank

[@peterclifton6312]

Combination of the technology and the looks of a car pretty much spot-on great video

[@VinchenzoC]

My Isuzu Impulse back in the 80's had great pods around the steering wheel for the controls. If I remember correctly, they moved with the wheel adjustments also. Can't beat it.

[@electrikoptik]

Tiktokker generation here. What’s an ‘Isuzu’?

[@nathanchildress5596]

Sick car dude! Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, handling by Lotus, and no one has a clue what it is! Cred

[@bennny6470]

so does my skyline

[@VinchenzoC]

@@nathanchildress5596 Women wanted me and men envied me, but man was it slow!

[@PaulTC777]

@@electrikoptik Isuzu is a car brand. Check out Isuzu Piazza from 1985, it looks cool.

[@benjaminstuart8626]

These will be the future standard of hybrid super sport cars! Glad to see it.

[@lowstrife]

Can really tell the work you put into getting the best b-roll. Especially when showing the buttresses and airflow over the car, and for showing what you're talking about. Really really well done - just want to throw a nod for that.

[@---l---]

The b roll really is great on this one. Great work on the lighting.

[@good_roads]

Guessing the b roll is official McLaren photage

[@DFWsCars]

@@good_roads I got that sense too. Easier to use OEM footage than try to reinvent the wheel.

[@tkiferrari]

The shine, the comfort, the sound! OH LORD THE SOUND! loving the jacket

[@Jushwa]

3:51 i accidentally paused lol happy Matt makes me smile

[@SnowWhiteMR2]

I've been excited about this car for a while. Thanks for the review! Depending on what used prices look like this might be a replacement for my GTR in a few years

[@JTM610]

Even without dealer mark-ups this thing costs twice as much as a new R-35 I believe

[@SnowWhiteMR2]

@@JTM610 Yeah that sounds right

[@Yarmox]

Ah yes, in the next forza game

[@DFWsCars]

@@JTM610 he could mean AMG GT-R.

[@JTM610]

@@DFWsCars if you look in his profile he means the Nissan

[@sheffdog36]

I've test driven the McLaren Artura and it feels light and powerful, but my test drive did not go well due to a rough shifting transmission issue, this gave me second thoughts about buying a first year model of this new drivetrain. I am a fan of the company and have a McLaren 675LT and it has much better handling and power than the Artura but at the cost of a stiffer ride and noisier cabin. The Ferrari 296GTB is on another planet performance wise, it has way more power and the short wheelbase and great balance makes it a blast to drive. Also, if you want a 296GTB just go ask for one, it's not a limited edition model.

[@drdanbui]

Matt looks like Santa standing next to that rental car...lol...Awesome review!

[@EverythingAutomotive13]

Excellent video great roads, awesome review.

[@Hashbrowniepie]

Wouldn't be a McLaren review if the car didn't throw a warning light.

[@Jushwa]

For real

[@airsoftincompetence]

I love Matt for the reason that he's so old school he uses a piece of printer paper to scribble noted on like a boy in 6th grade would. Keep rocking man.

[@Trendyflute]

Really loving this format for supercars, and hope it trickles down to more attainable sports cars with a few hundred less ponies before too long! - downsized but still very powerful motors with significant electric assist, but not so much that you need half a ton of batteries to run the thing. The thermal efficiency of electricity and its instant torque and response blending in with the ICE does a lot to mitigate the wastefulness of old-school performance, while adding real-world practical applications like not waking your neighbors and reducing fuel costs and skipping congestion charges (in europe).

[@pereldh5741]

CADding away in Gothenburg 2018 I never thought it’d take this long, but I’m glad it turned out great.

[@johnsample9671]

I'm excited for this new time for McLaren under Leiters overlooking

[@mrporsche4236]

Ive driven them all too and the most exciting one with the best throttle response is the the f1 mclaren and by a huge distance too

[@G-..-]

Ok

[@darrenparkes9805]

Awesome road , scenery excellent video production well done. Awesome car.

[@andygtv]

To the point, great reviews👍😀

[@dans4316]

Best review of this car I’ve seen. Thank you

[@oneonlyxram]

I dig it, been looking at the nsx, and then I thought the gt was gorgeous. This seems to be a healthy mix of the GT with performance to match an nsx.

[@aneebaba06]

Very cool car. Thanks Matt!

[@ballmode]

I rock Ray Bay Wayfarer's in that same color combo. Nice shades!

[@robertblake1228]

Matt is so fair and balanced that a launch that isnt even possible is not a problem for rating the car.

[@ToreHansen]

Very cool video and car and perhaps those two magic letters LT will show up over time...

[@jasonruch3529]

Lovin the steering wheel. Nicest 1 ive seen in any make so far😊

[@EmillionWayz]

Interesting, the moving cockpit area/steering wheel reminds me a lot of the Porsche 928's. Very cool.

[@marcuswynn89]

That design of the dash with the button reminds me of the 300zx

[@thomaschristopherwhite9043]

DAMN! Matt with the Orange boy GMT! Nice!

[@Mike-dd8bd]

Did a test drive event with my friend whos a McLaren owner, I also have driven a few different models. From a pure driving point of view its a great car. But in my opinion the 6 cylinder is a downgrade compared to the V8 model. There is a difference between a car that sounds good and a car that sounds better. The twin turbo V8 sounds better than this hybrid turbo 6 cylinder, but it also feels different.Every time I drive the 4.0L twin turbo I am taken back by the turbo sounds and deep growl of the engine. Just my opinion of course.

[@GVIrish]

I drove the Artura back to back with a 570S and I kinda agree. But the way I parse it out, is that the deep tone of the Artura V6 sounds better at low and middle revs, whereas the top end of the V8tt in the other Macs sounds better at the top end. So you get to be in the aural sweet spot more often with the Artura but the crescendo is better with the V8. I prefer the V8 but I think I could be happy with an Artura or the 720 replacement at some point.

[@amaryahshmaryahukabas8355]

“Pulling in and out of your house late at night.” Players rubbing their hands together. 😂😂😂

[@BUEAU]

I'm not stoned enough to watch this through... Luv u Matt

[@johnm1008]

Pretty much everyone: "the McLaren F1 is the best car ever" Matt @ 0:04 : "the F1 isn't even the best McLaren ever"

[@spyker1324]

I can now say my Ford Maverick is similar to a McLaren Artura: They both replaced a reverse gear with the hybrid motor.

[@---l---]

That interface looks amazing. Hope it spreads to other lines.

[@DenisKudlik]

about as glowing as a TST review can get. This thing is gooood

[@matthew3136]

He ain’t buying one. He’s not that stupid.

[@georgeholloway3981]

Of all the videos online about this car, this is the one that would make me really want to own one of I had the money.

[@bbpleg]

This thing looks beautiful! I hope it comes with a nice long warranty :D

[@TreasuryTrader]

I might get this, this is awesome what a great price for a super car

[@gabb05]

what road is this? looks incredible

[@andreas.abrahamsson]

I was never able to fully experience their cars because they've always been for short people. Finally looks like that's about to change. :D

[@---l---]

Solid sponsor. Good to see Banks innovating

[@kingakim11]

only ad I've actually watched and enjoyed in years

[@jihadjoe]

lol Matt trying his best to put in some good words for McL but the car shoots itself starting at 13:13

[@grabir01]

Did they ever fix their transmission problems?

[@paulleggett9735]

Very pretty car, like an Emira on royds. I could never buy or afford a car like this but I'm so glad they exist

[@nnface2023]

From what I've read engine is again made by Ricardo and its based (roots are) BMW.... I'd love to hear more about the engine and its origin.

[@OldSkoolUncleChris]

How on earth does a 120 degree v6 have anything to do with BMW LOL

[@anoopmathew82]

I just drove by Valley of Fire on my way to Zion on Monday afternoon. Shoulda kept my eye out for a fast Mclaren

[@shiftyTT]

That road is amazing

[@danielbrown4579]

Is this another press drive or the first international one?

[@corystansbury]

At least on video, it sounds completely ordinary in every review compared to the 296. Maybe different in person.

[@LeeXRV]

I like McLaren a lot but they don't seem as focused on looks/sound as Ferarri and most Ferrari's do sound better (I've heard most of them in person). The 720s/765LT sound brutal /efficient where as most Ferarri's are more like fine instruments with a wide range of tunes they can play. I like both for different reasons but I think the vast majority would give the Ferarri an easy win for sound.

[@glendavis3183]

I like the front and sides but feel like the rear end could be more interesting ... It's a little boring by McLaren standards compared to P1 and 765LT.

[@mcspikesky]

The p1 is a 'hypercar' and the 675LT is an 'LT'. This is the peasants Mclaren now, can't be too sexy to outdo its superiors.

[@glendavis3183]

@@mcspikesky I hear you. I just feel like there's probably something between this and the higher end stuff that would better match the restrained drama of the front. The current rear end is just restrained, no drama.

[@JBsC6]

Interesting that the mclaren hybid is your favorite of that brand. Sounds like the future has arrived.

[@MegaRetr]

I've been excited about this car for a while.

[@elcasho]

Those roads are insane

[@philips6182]

I hope for McLarens sake this car is a success. I like how it actually is a lot changed from other mclarens with new engine and carbon monocoque I just pray they’ve fixed the reliability issues for the production car that some press cars and past mclarens have

[@BigDaddy_BHJ1977]

Matt, would you rather this or Acura NSX

[@mcspikesky]

This.

[@melondoc]

Looks like a really great car - and the fact that most of us are not permitted to buy any of its competition is the cherry on top. I guess there's a reason for that though. Were it not for the (apparently) pervasive reliability issues, I'd have been tempted to do something really financially irresponsible!

[@supmikpaddleboarding5871]

I would get the Ferrari 296 gtb over the Artura without having to think about it a single second!

[@thomasferrarojr.9772]

For sure

[@modfus]

It was all going so well until the problems with the seat heater and launch control -- Ahhhh McLaren!, damn you!, you almost got a perfect review!

[@barneyrubble9309]

I see the Mclaren QC is up to its usual standard.

[@aeromotive2]

only buy one under warranty. And even then you'll be pulling your hair out. And I'm a mclaren fan

[@dutoitm1]

@@aeromotive2 Don't need to buy one under warranty. And I still have all my hair. And I'm an actual Mclaren owner.

[@michaelyounes29]

@Vas Ry oh Mr fancy pants..

[@Skrenja]

Aren't Mclarens notoriously unreliable?

[@Mk1Male]

@@Skrenja Only if you listen to people that have never owned one and are fans of other car brands.

[@da5863]

I’m actually shocked, it sounds incredible. Not the symphonic type of incredible but it has a certain elegance and smoothness to the tone. The electric whirring noise is really pleasant to the ear.

[@dannyllerenatv8635]

Kinda sounds right in-between an I6 and flat 6. 120 degrees it is.

[@RealExpertsPro]

Is the dash reflection just as bad in person as it is on camera?

[@PMD220S]

Holy shit that beard! Love it! 😁

[@stefan-stocksmadesimple5241]

Where was this filmed? 👀👍

[@iyzyz]

Is this supposed to be a replacement for the 720s or the 570s?

[@FELiPES101]

wonder when the hybrid v4's will be here

[@gtrzero2157]

Have they figured out all the electrical issues. My 570s was a nightmare it never worked. Does it at least recognize the key fob? You already have a seat fault, and it wouldn't launch. Sounds like same old mclaren.

[@aluisious]

I had a new Triumph Street Triple R that wouldn't charge the battery, and the dealer told me I should plug it in at night. How am I going to do that on a road trip? Push it into my hotel room? I yelled at them to fix it, and they did something that sort of worked but didn't really. The engine started leaking oil at 2k miles too, and the suspension wasn't assembled right.

[@M5V10-h4o]

I have read they actually fixed the key fob :)

[@TheD4VR0S]

Does he include the speedtail in that fav mclaren list ?

[@bernardinovalleartiles6180]

Probably the only journalist that likes this car

[@stevesmith6236]

What's the diffenence bewteen a gear box and a transmission?

[@stevesmith6236]

Make that between, oops! 😁

[@docrybotycki5588]

Amazing value - for a McLaren!

[@1855Media]

Assuming you don't need the backseats, this is more special/interesting than a 911 Turbo. Of course, there is McLaren's spotty reliability and the fact that the company is teetering on insolvency. If only there was a super exciting, bullet proof, mid-engine car from a rock solid company. (This is why it's difficult to not always come back to the GT4 RS and Z06.)

[@GVIrish]

I think the new 5 year warranty goes some ways to assuage any reliability concerns. Still no fun to deal with issues, but a 5 year warranty is generous and will help resale value

[@TonyWang]

I'm glad I'm not the only one that talks to my car when I'm trying to do something and it wouldn't do it

[@z06doc86]

Finally a commercial promotion pertaining to a product for enthusiasts. Beats the hell out of convincing me to groom my balls. The McLaren is a good looking and exciting car. Very good review!

[@teamgartz-motorsports6881]

“Heat seat fault” mclaren quality at its finest! Haha I love the company and the cars, but… it will take quite a while until I buy my next one, too many trips to the service per year.

[@Nyx_88888]

Hell Yeah Matt!

[@ChrisDorgan]

Best looking McLaren in a while! Don't think it sounds as good as the 296. This starts at the same price (ish) as the MC20... Which also doesn't sound as good as the 296. I think the MC20 has it beat in looks but does the McLaren feel like more car? Having said that, no hybrid in the MC20 might give it a bit more longevity. We're yet to see the fall out & additional costs of the hybrids in "every day" supercars. The MC20 may be the less complicated option and slightly better sounding?

[@MMAFan20]

Don't like the look one bit. Super disappointed as I was hoping to get it over a 720s but the looks i can't deal with on the Artura

[@aviator-kn8zq]

Surely every brand's flagship supercar or lower end models are going to adopt this high tech hybrid setup, like the 911 Turbo facelift . Artura is stupid fast and must be fun to own with all the hybrid wizardry but reliability promises is yet to be seen like a 911 would stand up to.

[@alexferraro9879]

Looks good as a motor, but with Maccas it’s the ferocious depreciation that puts you off. The Fezza 296 will hold its value better.

[@jamesolive3693]

That is a beautiful car but that Ferrari 296 is just legend right out the box

[@ronaldo19832]

How is the build quality?