Nadim Mehanna and his MotorShow team took the latest McLaren GT for a comprehensive drive in the UAE.

The McLaren GT represents McLaren Automotive’s ambitious take on what a grand tourer should be in the modern age. Built on a carbon fibre MonoCell II‑T chassis, the GT merges supercar performance with usable comfort and everyday practicality. This car is not simply an exotic toy or a weekend track machine; it's designed to be a powerful, lightweight, and elegant machine that can be driven across countries, over long distances, or even through city streets in comfort.

At the heart of the McLaren GT lies a 4.0‑litre twin‑turbocharged V8 engine producing 620 PS and 630 Nm of torque. This power delivers blistering acceleration, allowing the GT to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds, and to 200 km/h in around nine seconds. The top speed is 326 km/h, placing the GT among the fastest grand tourers on the market.

These figures are made possible not only by the raw output of the engine but also by the car’s impressive weight control. With a kerb weight of approximately 1,530 kg and a dry weight as low as 1,466 kg, the GT is significantly lighter than most of its rivals, giving it an edge in responsiveness and handling.

Inside, the GT offers a refined, luxurious environment. The cabin is trimmed in premium materials such as soft-grain leather, machined aluminium, and optional cashmere, a first for a production car. The design is modern and driver-focused, with a clean layout, subtle ambient lighting, and a digital instrument cluster. Comfort is enhanced by options like an electrochromic glass roof that can tint electronically, helping manage light and heat without compromising the sleek roofline. While McLaren has never been known for overloading their cars with technology, the infotainment system in the GT is intuitive and functional, with controls that are simple and responsive, although not as advanced as some luxury competitors.

What truly separates the McLaren GT from other mid-engine supercars is its practicality. The car offers an impressive 570 litres of total luggage space, with 420 litres available in the rear compartment under the large, glazed tailgate, and an additional 150 litres in the front trunk. This makes the GT uniquely usable for road trips or everyday life, which is rarely the case for vehicles in its class. Ground clearance is also improved over other McLaren models, and a front-end lift system is available to help clear speed bumps or steep driveways, further enhancing real-world usability.

From a driving perspective, the GT is a masterclass in control and balance. The suspension features double wishbones at all corners and uses McLaren’s Proactive Damping Control system, which actively adjusts to road conditions in milliseconds. This allows the car to absorb rough pavement in Comfort mode while still offering razor-sharp responsiveness in Sport or Track settings. The hydraulic steering provides excellent feedback and connection to the road, preserving a driving experience that feels mechanical and pure, rather than filtered or artificial.

Despite its focus on comfort and usability, the GT remains every bit a McLaren in spirit. Acceleration is fierce, the exhaust note is purposeful without being obnoxious, and the car remains composed even at high speeds. Its carbon-ceramic brakes provide confident stopping power, while the lightweight construction and mid-engine balance allow for agile cornering and smooth weight transfer. Unlike many grand tourers, which tend to prioritize straight-line comfort over driver engagement, the McLaren GT maintains a thrilling, involving character throughout.

However, the GT is not without limitations. While it offers luxury, it lacks some of the modern driver-assistance systems found in competitors, such as adaptive cruise control or lane-keeping assist. The infotainment system, while improved, still doesn’t match the polish or depth of systems in brands like Porsche or Mercedes. Ownership also comes with the expected costs associated with exotic cars, maintenance, repairs, and insurance are all premium. Yet for those who understand the investment and are looking for a car that’s both exciting and livable, the GT delivers a unique proposition.