McLaren W1 review

Well it’s special enough, for sure. McLaren’s quality hasn’t always been where it should be, but we couldn’t fault the W1. As you’d expect at this price point. But it also feels suitably dramatic, from the gullwing doors on.

Attaching the cushions to the carbon tub saves weight, but also deepens the sensation that you’re part of the car. A fiddly little lever beneath moves the pedal box fore and aft; the steering wheel and instrument panel are electrically adjustable. The brake pedal is slightly more than vertical when you’re at full retardation, but only just. It’s an example of how every detail has been sweated, and the ergonomics are peerless. You wear this car like Noah Lyles wears his running shoes.

What else is new?

The (optional) InnoKnit trim sweeps across the sills and cockpit like a fabric wave, a sustainable and technical-feeling alternative to leather or Alcantara. There’s a cantilevered door fin blade designed to maximise interior space, and carbon fibre sun visors that are just 3mm thick. The little window panel in the door/roof section above your head is a neat touch. The wheel is flat topped and bottomed, which actually feels appropriate in here. It has two buttons – one for a Boost function, the other to adjust the aero – but is otherwise pleasingly simple.

As on other McLarens, the chassis and powertrain modes can be adjusted via rocker switches on the top side of the instrument binnacle. Its shape acts as a flow diverter to direct cool or warm air to the driver. The air con works brilliantly.

Is the infotainment set-up enhanced?

It’s as good as it needs to be. Infotainment is done via a high-res 8in touchscreen, located between the driver and passenger. The W1 is no place for screen envy, given what else it’s capable of, but it’s nice to be able to play music. The Bowers & Wilkins system is both magnificent to listen to, but also ingeniously integrated within the cockpit. This cleverness is especially noticeable if the interior features the InnoKnit.

Apple CarPlay is available, and there’s USB-C and A connectivity. And cup holders and central storage space. The W1 remembers that you need to be able to use it. Push a button and the head-rests fold down, giving access to a 118-litre storage space behind the seats. Not huge, but enough for a couple of soft weekend bags.

Any issues?

The doors and aero requirements means that you have to put up with a ‘ticket’ window, but they work well enough. The last car we drove with these fitted was the DeLorean. The W1 is better than that.