Aston Martin DBS Superleggera vs McLaren Artura

Compare the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera vs McLaren Artura. The McLaren Artura is £30,000 cheaper. The McLaren Artura is 0.4s quicker to 60mph. The McLaren Artura is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.

The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera is priced from £175,000, powered by a 5.2L Twin-Turbo V12, producing 715 hp, with 900 Nm of torque, reaching 0-62 mph in 3.4 s, a top speed of 211 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive. The McLaren Artura is priced from £195,000, powered by a 3.0L V6 Hybrid, producing 671 hp (680 PS system), with 720 Nm of torque, reaching 0-62 mph in 3 s, a top speed of 205 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive.

The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera offers a 270-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 20 mpg, is covered by a 3 years / unlimited miles (original UK new-car cover) warranty. The McLaren Artura offers a 160-litre boot, a usable front boot, runs on petrol hybrid, returns around 42 mpg, is covered by a 5 years / 45,000 miles (original launch UK cover) warranty.

On cost of ownership, the McLaren Artura is £30,000 cheaper than its rival, the McLaren Artura costs less in annual maintenance (£4,200 versus £2,800), the McLaren Artura is the more fuel-efficient choice, the McLaren Artura has 66 L fuel tank.

Driving Character: Aston Martin DBS Superleggera vs McLaren Artura

The DBS Superleggera is defined by the sheer ferocity of its 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12, a powerplant that delivers 715hp with an unrelenting, surging intensity. Unlike its more surgical rivals, the car prioritises theatre and immense torque, relying on its rear-wheel-drive architecture to provide a raw, visceral driving experience. The chassis is tuned for stability at triple-digit speeds, though it occasionally struggles to mask its weight through tight, technical corners. It feels like a heavyweight prize fighter—monumentally powerful and capable of incredible feats, yet demanding a firm hand to keep its formidable energy under precise control at all times.

The McLaren Artura marks a pivotal shift toward electrification without sacrificing the brand's legendary dynamic purity. Built upon the bespoke carbon fibre monocoque, it exhibits a level of chassis rigidity that translates into exceptionally sharp turn-in and predictable mid-corner balance. The V6 hybrid powertrain provides immediate, torque-rich acceleration, effectively eliminating the turbo-lag issues associated with older designs. While the transition between electric and internal combustion modes is generally seamless, the sheer complexity of the drivetrain can occasionally make the power delivery feel less telepathic than the pure mechanical V8s of the past, though it remains a formidable track weapon.

Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera — 5.2L twin-turbocharged V12; provides massive low-end torque for effortless high-speed progress; the McLaren Artura — New V6 hybrid architecture; more modern, efficient and immediate than V8 series. Characteristic of the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera: Rear-wheel drive dynamics; chassis maintains composure despite immense engine output. For the McLaren Artura: Carbon fibre MonoCell III-T chassis; exceptional structural rigidity and low weight. In outright terms it is 715 hp against 671 — a 44 hp gap — and the McLaren Artura reaches 60 mph 0.4s sooner.

Interior & Cabin: Aston Martin DBS Superleggera vs McLaren Artura

Inside, the cabin is an exercise in excess and traditional elegance, heavily draped in high-quality leather and aluminium accents. The layout follows a classic grand touring aesthetic, prioritising comfort over the minimalist tech focus seen in the latest generation of supercars. While the materials are undeniably opulent, the infotainment system feels dated, reflecting the development cycle of its era. The seating position is low and supportive, perfectly suited for long-distance cruising, even if the user interface occasionally requires more effort than the streamlined systems found in current, competition-focused rivals within the same price bracket.

Inside, the Artura discards the cluttered ergonomics of previous models in favour of a cleaner, more focused cockpit environment. The interior design successfully integrates modern technology, featuring a crisp digital instrument cluster and a responsive infotainment system that finally feels contemporary. Build quality is improved, with tactile materials and a refined aesthetic that suits its high-tech brief. However, the cabin remains undeniably snug; taller drivers may find head and shoulder room restricted, and the relative lack of integrated storage space serves as a blunt reminder that this remains a performance-first machine rather than a grand tourer.

Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera — Luxury-focused cabin; premium leather materials deliver a refined grand touring environment; the McLaren Artura — All-new interior design; cleaner, more contemporary than 720S generation. Characteristic of the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera: Driver-focused layout; integrates modern technology with traditional artisan interior finishes. For the McLaren Artura: Vertical touchscreen with improved ergonomics; Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Daily Usability: Aston Martin DBS Superleggera vs McLaren Artura

For all its performance, the DBS Superleggera remains a usable grand tourer, provided one understands the limitations of its 244-litre boot. Ingress and egress are straightforward for a car of this profile, and the ride, while firm, is well-damped for motorway work, making it an excellent candidate for long-haul journeys. Urban environments present the greatest challenge; its width and aggressive stance can make tight parking situations stressful. It is an assertive presence on the road, offering a level of comfort that suits high-speed cruising perfectly, provided one keeps the long, muscular bonnet clear of low-speed obstacles.

For a mid-engined supercar, the Artura manages urban environments with surprising grace, largely thanks to its EV-only mode, which allows for silent, emissions-free operation in city centres. Standard nose lift functionality further enhances its daily utility, enabling the car to negotiate speed bumps and steep inclines without anxiety. While the ride quality is undeniably firm in Sport settings, it remains compliant enough for moderate journeys. The primary trade-off for this hybrid functionality is the space sacrificed to house the battery pack, which reduces luggage capacity and necessitates careful packing for any extended weekend getaway.

Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera — 244L boot capacity; accommodates enough luggage for extended grand touring trips; the McLaren Artura — EV-only range for urban running; best everyday McLaren before GT range. Characteristic of the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera: 120mm ground clearance; sufficient for standard speed bumps and driveway transitions. For the McLaren Artura: 205L boot capacity for a McLaren is competitive within the supercar class. that means 270 litres of boot space against 160, plus a usable front boot in the McLaren Artura, and everyday running costs that favour the McLaren Artura at the pumps.

Ownership: Aston Martin DBS Superleggera vs McLaren Artura

Running a V12-powered DBS Superleggera requires commitment, as the high-output engine and premium components result in significant annual maintenance costs. The model benefits from a well-established dealer network, but owners should be prepared for the realities of high-performance parts and servicing. As an out-of-production model, it has reached a point of relative stability in the second-hand market, though it is not a car that will ever be considered inexpensive to keep. It remains a coveted choice for enthusiasts seeking the definitive V12 Aston Martin experience before the forced transition to smaller displacement, forced-induction powertrains.

Ownership of the Artura places the driver at the forefront of McLaren's electrification strategy, supported by a comprehensive warranty that covers the hybrid components—a vital safeguard for a new platform. Initial demand remains high, reinforcing its status as a significant milestone in the manufacturer's history. While annual maintenance costs are reflective of its hyper-performance engineering, the dealer network remains well-versed in the requirements of the new hybrid systems. Long-term durability is the only real question mark for prospective buyers, given the inherent complexity of the hybrid setup compared to the brand's historically mechanical V8 engines.

Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera — Extensive brand dealer support; provides consistent maintenance for performance-oriented owners; the McLaren Artura — Latest McLaren architecture; technology support cycle longer than older models. Characteristic of the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera: High prestige; luxury brand status ensures stable demand in the enthusiast market. For the McLaren Artura: McLaren proactively resolved early Artura issues with updates. On the wallet the two diverge at £175,000 versus £195,000 — a £20,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £4,200 against £2,800, and warranty cover of 3 years / unlimited miles (original UK new-car cover) versus 5 years / 45,000 miles (original launch UK cover).

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