2021 McLaren 720S

Overview

The 2021 McLaren 720S is a beautifully sculpted, brutally quick, and brilliantly engaging supercar. It's a pity that this dead-eyed, dihedral-doored machine costs more than most people's houses, because driving it is pure joy. Whether piloting the fixed-roof coupe or the drop-top Spider (a.k.a. convertible), their rocket-like acceleration and raucous soundtrack materialize from the same 710-hp twin-turbo V-8 feeding the rear wheels. The 720 S's greatest hits include a 2.6-second shot to 60 mph, 1.10 g of cornering grip, and a zero-to-70-mph stop in just 141 feet. Best of all, those figures are basically interchangeable between body styles. While the McLaren's interior isn't as flamboyant as, say, Lamborghini's, it indulges the driver with better outward visibility and fewer distracting controls. With the 2022 720S, it's all about the melding of driver and car—and few other vehicles produce a purer connection.

What's New for 2021?

For 2021, McLaren makes no significant changes to the 720S lineup. It continues to be offered in both coupe and convertible body styles. Those seeking an even more track-focused version will prefer the McLaren 765LT, which boosts horsepower to 754 and further reduces the 720S's already light curb weight.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Most convertible supercars are compromised by more weight and less rigidity, but the 720S Spider is hardly affected at all. Despite the retractable hardtop adding some weight, the Spider is just as quick as the coupe and its open-air cockpit enhances the driving experience. We'd choose it in the Performance spec, with its carbon-fiber exterior addenda and racy interior upgrades. Likewise, we'd select the Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires for maximum stick and the electrochromic glass roof. Personalization options are extensive and subjective, so the only other add-ons we'd want are the front and rear parking sensors, front-end vehicle lift, and McLaren Track Telemetry with a lap-time recorder and three cameras.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Both the coupe and convertible version cradle a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 that produces 710 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque. Those totals are funneled through a paddle-shifted seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The 720S coupe we tested at our track rocketed to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds and reached 100 mph in 5.2 ticks. We also had the opportunity to pilot a similar version at our annual Lightning Lap, where we called it "wonderfully fun and scary fast." We drove one on a twisting and ill-maintained road in California, where its advanced suspension was able to smooth out imperfections and the steering system was a communicative companion. The experience was further evidence that McLaren has unrivaled chassis tuning.

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Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

According to the EPA, the 720S is rated for 15 mpg in the city, 22 mpg on the highway, and 18 mpg combined. However, we expect its real-world fuel economy to vary drastically depending on how much time it spends with its throttle wide open.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The core of every 720S is its carbon-fiber tub that helps limit weight and ensure rigidity, all while protecting passengers. Contained within this lightweight structure is a two-seat cabin that caters to the driver. While its interior design is less flashy than rivals from Ferrari and Lamborghini, the aesthetic is pleasing, and outward visibility is excellent. Sure, it can be a pain to escape from the low-slung seating position, but that's standard supercar procedure. Instead, the cabin can be outfitted with a variety of premium materials and bespoke options. Don't expect ample space to store small items in the 720's cabin but at least there is a luggage compartment under the hood.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

Every 720S is fitted with a vertically oriented 7.0-inch touchscreen that includes conventional features such as Bluetooth, a four-speaker audio system, and two USB ports. Those who want a more powerful audio system to drown out the sound of this six-figure supercar's twin-turbo V-8 can upgrade to a 12-speaker Bowers & Wilkins unit. There's also an optional track-data recorder (called McLaren Track Telemetry) with or without three exterior cameras to save lap times and relive moments at the racetrack.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 720S does not offer any traditional driver-assistance technology but can be equipped with several useful options that help keep it free of dents and scratches. For more information about the 720S's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key driver assists include:

• Available front and rear parking sensors
• Available front-end lift system

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The McLaren includes a standard warranty plan that spans three years with no mileage limit. The company also offers extended coverage of up to 12 years with a limit of 12,000 miles per year.

• Limited warranty covers three years and unlimited miles
• Powertrain warranty covers three years and unlimited miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

Specifications

Specifications

2019 McLaren 720S Spider

VEHICLE TYPE
mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 2-door convertible

PRICE AS TESTED
$411,300 (base price: $319,100)

ENGINE TYPE
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection
Displacement
244 cu in, 3994 cc
Power
710 hp @ 7500 rpm
Torque
568 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm

TRANSMISSION
7-speed dual-clutch automatic with manual shifting mode

CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): control arms/control arms
Brakes (F/R): 15.4-in vented, cross-drilled, carbon-ceramic disc/15.0-in vented, cross-drilled, carbon-ceramic disc
Tires: Pirelli P Zero PZ4, F: 245/35R-19 (93Y) R: 305/30R-20 (103Y)

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 105.1 in
Length: 178.9 in
Width: 76.0 in
Height: 47.1 in
Passenger volume: 47 cu ft
Cargo volume, top up/down: 7/5 cu ft
Curb weight: 3343 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
Zero to 60 mph: 2.8 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 5.5 sec
Zero to 130 mph:  8.5 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 3.6 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 2.6 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 3.0 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 10.3 sec @ 143 mph
Top speed (drag limited, mfr’s claim): 212 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 141 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 1.09 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 12 mpg

EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST)
Combined/city/highway: 18/15/22 mpg

More Features and Specs