Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (345 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2015
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment based on owner and enthusiast discussions.
1 problem reported (1 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- IsolatedInsufficient owner data available
The provided discussions are overwhelmingly focused on admiration, with no recurring criticisms or mechanical issues mentioned from an ownership perspective. One isolated, unverified rumor mentions a single vehicle was destroyed by fire at a gas station, allegedly due to an owner overfilling the tank.
The version owners recommend
Weissach Package: This option is specifically identified and praised for its special aero package, magnesium wheels, and reduced weight. It is considered the ultimate and most desirable configuration, with the Martini racing livery on a Weissach-equipped car cited as a "great spec" and "hero spec."
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the McLaren P1, Ferrari LaFerrari, Bugatti Veyron, Bugatti Chiron and Lamborghini Aventador.
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Overall sentiment
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment based on owner and enthusiast discussions. The vehicle is universally praised as an exceptional, timeless, and groundbreaking hypercar. It is frequently described as a "dream machine," "sexy beast," and "beautiful" with an "amazing design." A significant point of admiration is its plug-in hybrid powertrain, which combines a high-revving, naturally aspirated V8 engine with electric motors, noted for providing a pleasurable, linear, and predictable driving experience while achieving impressive fuel efficiency (noted as 75 MPGe in one mention). The consensus positions it as a benchmark of engineering, offering a perfect blend of performance, auditory excitement, and forward-thinking technology. Its status as a rare and highly desirable collector's item is consistently reinforced.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as one of the three definitive hypercars of its era alongside the McLaren P1 and Ferrari LaFerrari, often referred to as the "Holy Trinity." It is noted for its all-wheel-drive system and is perceived as more accessible to journalists for unfiltered reviews compared to Ferrari's historically controlled media approach. Compared to the McLaren P1, owner discussions suggest the 918's hybrid system was capable of maintaining charge for a full, aggressive lap of the Nürburgring, whereas the P1 was rumored to struggle with this, though no official times are confirmed. It is also mentioned as being almost as fast around a track as a contemporary 911 Turbo S. The car is seen as superior to mainstream supercars like the Lamborghini Huracan in both performance and technological significance.
Recommended configurations
Weissach Package for maximum performance and exclusivity. Martini racing livery is frequently highlighted as a particularly admired and classic aesthetic choice. The color Viola Metallic (purple) is singled out in one discussion as an exemplary and "fucking awesome" Paint to Sample (PTS) option.
General recommendations
Suitable for collectors and enthusiasts seeking a landmark, investment-grade hypercar that delivers an exhilarating and sonically rewarding driving experience. It is presented as a vehicle that successfully bridges classic sports car emotion with hybrid efficiency. Prospective owners should be aware of its extreme value and rarity; it is not recommended as a primary source of transportation but as a weekend or collection piece. Due to its cost and complexity, ownership likely entails significant maintenance expenses and potential long waits for parts.
Remarks
The analysis is based predominantly on enthusiast admiration, photography posts, and historical commentary rather than substantive long-term ownership reports detailing reliability, cost of ownership, or daily usability. The vehicle's production was extremely limited (2014-2015), which naturally limits the volume of owner feedback. The positive sentiment is exceptionally strong and centers on the car's design, performance philosophy, and historical significance within the hypercar pantheon. The mention of its hybrid system achieving 75 MPGe positions it as an early and successful example of high-performance electrification.
Specifications
4.6 V8 Hybrid
Plug-in hybrid · 887 hp · AWD · automatic
Built 2013–2015