Skip advert
Advertisement

Ferrari 458 Spider

We get behind the wheel of the 562bhp Ferrari 458 Spider on UK roads

Overall Auto Express rating

5.0

How we review cars
Find your Ferrari 458
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Ferrari says that the 458 Spider will be its most popular model, accounting for a third of global sales – and it’s not hard to see why. The convertible is just as good to drive as the 458 Italia coupé, with the bonus of a drop-top roof that lets you hear every note of that amazing 4.5-litre V8. How will it shape up against the new McLaren 12C Spider, though? We can’t wait to find out.

Advertisement - Article continues below

There aren’t many better ways to stir your soul than in an open-top Ferrari. And now the new 458 Spider joins illustrious predecessors such as the Dino 246 GTS and 308 GTS.

Packing a retractable aluminium hard-top, the newcomer doesn’t require many compromises over the 458 Italia coupe. The roof folds electrically in a mere 14 seconds, and it even features a central glass wind deflector so that the V8’s tremendous note can enter the cabin when the weather isn’t quite so sunny. About the only negative is the fact the Italia’s see-through engine cover hasn’t been carried over – something on which McLaren’s new 12C Spider manages to trump its arch-rival.

But whereas that British-built contender has been criticised for lacking soul, the 458 Spider oozes charisma from every component. Dropping the roof is pure theatre: it flips backwards in only 14 seconds (three seconds quicker than the McLaren’s), slotting under a panel that rises up ahead of the Ferrari’s engine cover.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

X6

2018 BMW

X6

49,382 milesAutomaticPetrol4.4L

Cash £24,399
View X6
A4 Avant

2025 Audi

A4 Avant

35,470 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £23,299
View A4 Avant
XC40

2020 Volvo

XC40

55,835 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £21,999
View XC40
EQA

2023 Mercedes

EQA

35,890 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £21,199
View EQA

Top up or down, the 458 Spider looks simply sensational – and it sounds it, too. The 562bhp 4.5-litre V8 emits a fabulous bark at anything over 3,000rpm, which then turns into a racing car-like howl at the insane 9,000rpm red line.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox rifles through the ratios effortlessly, with every pull of the right paddle barely interrupting acceleration. For the record, the Spider can sprint from 0-62mph in 3.4 seconds, a mere tenth slower than the Italia, while the top speed drops from 202mph to 198mph – differences that are so tiny you’ll never notice them on the road. If you do, you might want to think about a career as an RAF test pilot...

Likewise, additional chassis strengthening might make the 458 Spider 50kg heavier than the coupé, but the car darts into corners just as quickly and grips just as hard – plus stops in eye-poppingly short distances thanks to carbon-ceramic brakes.

Yes, there is a tiny amount of wobble through the interior mirror over bumpy surfaces, but the newcomer is nearly as stiff – and as quiet with the roof in place – as its stablemate. The steering-mounted manettino switch gives a variety of driving modes. Turn everything off and this feels every inch the monstrous supercar. Yet Sport mode allows you to cruise comfortably – and with a deep front boot and room behind the seats for golf clubs, the car is surprisingly practical.

What it’s not, though, is cheap. The price starts at £198,936, but our test car had a huge £63,330 worth of extras, including a gold finish to the 20-inch wheels (£1,238), a carbon fibre trim package (£8,277) and titanium wheel bolts (£1,919). Question is: is the Spider worth £20,445 more than the 458 Italia coupe? On this evidence, without a doubt.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,499 off RRP*Used from £10,695
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,271 off RRP*Used from £11,595
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,921 off RRP*Used from £8,951
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,364 off RRP*Used from £8,595
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand’s hot-SUV onslaught
Skoda Epiq vRS exclusive image

New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand’s hot-SUV onslaught

Every future Skoda will get the go-faster treatment, with the brand also working on making cars sharper and more engaging
News
27 Jun 2025
Marcos is back! British sportscar brand’s big plan, and swirling controversy
Marcos, interior

Marcos is back! British sportscar brand’s big plan, and swirling controversy

Development is already underway on the first all-new Marcos cars in roughly 20 years
News
27 Jun 2025
Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal
BMW M5 Touring - front action

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal

The BMW M5 Touring is M car royalty, with a thoroughly impressive PHEV powertrain. It’s our Deal of the Day for 29 June
News
29 Jun 2025