My weekend began with a message, the kind no car enthusiast wants to receive on a Saturday morning: “I’m sorry, I know it’s a Saturday, but I’ve been called into work.” Plans dashed, and with no emergency chocolate stash, the outlook appeared bleak. However, a glimmer of hope emerged from the mundane – the keys to a McLaren GT were in my pocket. Instead of battling London traffic, the McLaren GT presented an opportunity to escape the city and embark on a different kind of adventure, one perfectly suited to its grand touring nature: a chocolate run, but not just to the local store.
The McLaren GT, designed for continent-crossing comfort without sacrificing McLaren’s inherent performance DNA, deserved a more ambitious mission than a quick trip to the corner shop. Bruges, with its famed chocolatiers, emerged as the ideal destination. Why settle for ordinary when the McLaren GT offered the chance to indulge in the world’s finest chocolates? The plan was set: a cross-channel dash to Bruges, a true test of the McLaren GT’s grand touring credentials.
Ninety minutes later, the McLaren GT was gliding through the Eurotunnel terminal at Folkestone. The familiar surroundings offered a stark contrast to the burgeoning excitement of the impromptu road trip. A quick coffee stop at Starbucks, with a slightly bewildered barista, fueled the anticipation. Slipping back into the McLaren GT’s cabin, the aroma of rich leather and Alcantara far surpassed the coffee’s allure. Even the mundane checkpoint procedures became an event; passport control and a comically theatrical “random” drugs test (more likely an excuse to admire the car) added to the unfolding adventure. Navigating the train carriage loading ramps required careful precision to protect the GT’s diamond-cut wheels, a task managed with practiced ease, mimicking a dog eagerly anticipating fresh air.
Emerging from the Eurotunnel into the French countryside, the autoroutes beckoned the McLaren GT to unleash its potential. While the 0-60 mph time of 3.2 seconds is undeniably rapid, the GT’s true brilliance lies in its effortless, high-speed acceleration. Beyond 4,000 rpm in second or third gear, the surge of power is pure McLaren. However, this journey was less about outright speed and more about evaluating the GT’s grand touring attributes. Having previously experienced the GT on the picturesque French Riviera launch, this trip to Bruges presented a more realistic and varied test, encompassing city driving, rough UK motorways, and smooth French autoroutes.
Cruising through France, the McLaren GT demonstrated impressive composure. With the ‘Active’ panel engaged and the powertrain in ‘Comfort’ mode, the ride was remarkably supple, the V8 engine settling into a quiet murmur at 1,200 rpm. At a steady 130 km/h (80 mph), this 327 km/h (203 mph) supercar sipped fuel at an impressive 30 mpg. However, the 72-liter fuel tank did necessitate more frequent stops than ideal for a long-distance GT, although each stop offered another opportunity to admire the car’s striking design. The McLaren GT garnered attention wherever it went. Its understated elegance, particularly in Black Ingot, drew admiring glances, a departure from the more overtly flamboyant 720S or 600LT. Comments focused on the maturity and sophistication of its design, a testament to McLaren’s evolving aesthetic.
Arriving in Bruges as dawn broke revealed the city’s medieval charm in its most serene state, devoid of tourist crowds. The Markt Square, with its stunning architecture and tranquil canals, provided a breathtaking backdrop for the Black Ingot McLaren GT. In the soft morning light, the paintwork shimmered with an unexpected depth, showcasing McLaren’s mastery of color and finish. The GT’s complex bodywork, dramatic yet refined, was further accentuated by the rising sun.
But the allure of Bruges extended beyond architecture. The mission was chocolate. As the city awakened, the aroma of freshly baked bread mingled with the promise of exquisite chocolate. Bruges, a haven for chocolatiers, each vying for the title of Belgium’s best, and by extension, the world’s finest. Mission accomplished, chocolates secured, followed by cheese, and even time for a leisurely waffle and coffee before the return journey. Navigating Bruges’ narrow streets and car parks proved a minor challenge, a reminder of the GT’s supercar dimensions even within its grand tourer guise.
Despite the long drive to Bruges, fatigue was surprisingly minimal upon arrival. A hallmark of a true GT is its ability to cover distances without exhausting its occupants. However, the return journey revealed some compromises. After ten hours, a degree of weariness crept in, the ‘Comfort Seats’ proving less supportive over extended periods than expected. The V8 engine note, while exhilarating at times, became slightly intrusive on a long, monotonous drive. While not debilitating, it highlighted the McLaren GT’s focus on driving engagement over ultimate luxury compared to rivals like a Bentley Continental GT. Features like massage seats, Apple CarPlay, and self-parking, while not essential for the McLaren GT’s core purpose, were noticeably absent.
The McLaren GT’s appeal hinges on its unique blend of supercar performance and grand touring capability. While some GT buyers might prioritize ultimate comfort and a plethora of tech features, the McLaren GT caters to a different breed: the driver. It forgoes some of the plushness and gadgets in favor of a more visceral and engaging driving experience. Features like adaptive cruise control and lane assist are welcome on long journeys, but their absence in the GT underscores its driver-focused ethos.
Reflecting on the Bruges adventure, the McLaren GT proved itself a capable grand tourer, albeit with a distinct McLaren flavor. It effortlessly covered the miles, carrying its precious cargo of Belgian chocolate, and offered moments of exhilarating performance when the roads allowed. Buyers considering a McLaren GT should understand its priorities: driving pleasure and supercar DNA infused into a GT package. It’s a driver’s GT, and the trade-off is clear. It’s unashamedly McLaren, and for those who value driving engagement above all else in a GT, it is a compelling and uniquely rewarding choice.
