Skip advert
Advertisement

McLaren 650S Spider 2014 review

The McLaren 650S Spider is even more intense than the coupe version, delivering open-top thrills

Overall Auto Express rating

5.0

How we review cars
Find your McLaren 650S
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

Around 80 per cent of 12C buyers chose the Spider over the coupe, and that trend is likely to continue with this McLaren 650S Spider. Removing the roof heightens every driving sensation – including the staggering speed – without sacrificing an ounce of agility. This is currently the best open-top supercar money can buy, and should help McLaren build on the success of the P1.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The coupe is impressive, but the McLaren 650S Spider is the one you want - it's even more intense than the standard car.

The stiff carbon fibre chassis means the Spider is as rigid and well balanced as the standard 650S, and does 0-62mph in the same three seconds. It costs £20k more, at £215,250, but we’d argue this is money well spent for the extra aural drama and exotic looks. Our car’s Torocco Orange paintjob creates a sharp contrast with the carbon fibre aerodynamic parts sprouting from the bodywork.

The roof stows behind the buttresses in seconds, and with it down it’s even easier to enjoy the roar of the new exhaust at full throttle. The new ‘cylinder cut’ system creates a blip on fast upshifts, and we experienced the full repertoire of the 3.8-litre V8 in a few tunnels.

It doesn’t sound as spine-tingling as a naturally aspirated engine, but it’s still special. You can enjoy the noise with the roof up as well, as the small glass rear window slides open to let more of the sound in.

McLaren 650S Spider rear action

Thanks to the extra 25bhp and 78Nm over the 12C, the 650S Spider shrugs off its 40kg weight penalty. At the track it has the same razor-sharp agility as the coupe, and new optional bucket seats reinforce the increase in focus.

The stunning 19-inch alloys wear sticky 20-profile Pirelli PZero tyres, and buyers can add £5,000 optional racing seats to make the 650S feel even more focused than a McLaren 12C.

It's not too bad for space, either. You might be surprised by just how much luggage you can fit in the nose of this open-top supercar – the 650S Spider can carry a couple of weekend bags.

We’re still not fully convinced by the 650S’s looks, but the refined dynamics and sheer pace make it a stronger choice. If there’s a better open-top supercar, we haven’t tried it.

Skip advert
Advertisement

More reviews

New & used car deals

Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £3,343 off RRP*Used from £9,595
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £10,641
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,406 off RRP*Used from £10,195
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £14,575Avg. savings £2,614 off RRP*Used from £7,850
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

MG Cyber X will morph into a mini-Mercedes within two years
MG Cyber X design render - front

MG Cyber X will morph into a mini-Mercedes within two years

Boxy small SUV is gearing up for production, and our exclusive images show how the model might look
News
30 Aug 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Enjoy Scandinavian style with the Volvo XC40 for just £296 a month
Volvo XC40 - front full width

Car Deal of the Day: Enjoy Scandinavian style with the Volvo XC40 for just £296 a month

Swedish company’s popular compact SUV is still effortlessly cool, and great value with our Deal of the Day for 31 August
News
31 Aug 2025
Skoda Elroq and Enyaq get Electric Car Grant approval
Skoda Elroq - front cornering

Skoda Elroq and Enyaq get Electric Car Grant approval

Despite some models costing over the £37,000 threshold, Skoda has secured the government grant on its mid-size electric SUVs
News
2 Sep 2025