McLaren 720S 2017 Price & Full Review: A Super Series Leap
The McLaren 720S arrived as a dramatic successor to the 650S, introducing a bold new design language for the brand’s Super Series. Replacing models like the competent but perhaps visually subdued 12C and 650S, the 720S immediately begged the question: does its performance and appeal justify the significant Mclaren 720s 2017 Price tag upon its launch? With 710bhp on tap and a 0-62mph sprint dispatched in a blistering 2.8 seconds, the initial figures certainly suggested something special.
A Stunning Design Departure
The visual impact of the 720S is undeniable. Compared to its predecessors, the 12C and 650S, which were designed before McLaren established its dedicated design leadership under Frank Stephenson and Rob Melville, the 720S felt like a generational leap. While the P1 hypercar and the 570S Sports Series hinted at the team’s capabilities, the 720S was their first ground-up design for the crucial Super Series category – McLaren’s core segment competing directly against rivals like the Ferrari 488.
The design choices are striking. The controversial ‘eye sockets’ double as massive air intakes, feeding radiators without disrupting the side profile. Perhaps most distinctively, the traditional side air intakes are eliminated, replaced by a clever channel hidden between the double-skinned dihedral doors, contributing to a uniquely clean and sculpted flank. While aesthetic preferences vary, the 720S undeniably possesses a visual drama its predecessors lacked, arguably surpassing its contemporary Ferrari rival in sheer head-turning presence.
Red 2017 McLaren 720S driving on track highlighting its aerodynamic front design
Performance That Redefines the Super Series
Matching the visual revolution is a significant step up in performance. The familiar McLaren V8 engine received a capacity increase to 4.0 litres, incorporating new low-inertia twin-scroll turbochargers to enhance throttle response and reduce lag. The result is a potent 710bhp (or 720PS, hence the name), a substantial jump from the 650S’s 641bhp and eclipsing the Ferrari 488’s 661bhp. Impressively, this output neared the 727bhp produced by the P1’s petrol engine alone (without its electric boost).
This translates into ferocious acceleration: 0-62mph takes just 2.8 seconds, with 100mph arriving in a staggering 7.8 seconds, beating the Ferrari 488 GTB’s figures of 3.0sec and 8.3sec respectively. While turbo lag isn’t entirely eradicated, it’s markedly improved over previous McLarens. The primary critique lies in the engine’s relatively subdued soundtrack, a trait unfortunately shared to some extent by its turbocharged Ferrari counterpart. This performance and technology came at a cost; the Mclaren 720s 2017 Price started at £208,600, significantly higher than the Ferrari 488 GTB’s £184k launch price.
Driving Dynamics: Sharper and More Stable
The driving experience builds upon the foundation laid by the 650S but refines it considerably. Steering weight is noticeably increased compared to its predecessor, providing a more connected feel, particularly at lower speeds. This change resulted from revised suspension geometry aimed at significantly improving stability during high-speed braking – a key enhancement.
Interior view of the 2017 McLaren 720S showcasing the driver-focused cockpit and infotainment system
The inherent chassis balance remains superb, offering immense traction to deploy the engine’s 568lb ft of torque effectively. McLaren introduced its Proactive Chassis Control II system and a Variable Drift Control function, allowing drivers to safely explore the car’s limits with adjustable electronic stability control intervention. While labelled ‘drift control,’ it facilitates controllable slides rather than extreme, tyre-smoking antics. The overall sensation is one of enhanced precision, engagement, and confidence compared to the 650S.
Everyday Supercar Practicality Retained
Despite its dramatic looks and heightened performance, McLaren didn’t abandon its philosophy of creating usable supercars. The sophisticated hydraulic suspension (Proactive Chassis Control II) continues to deliver remarkable ride comfort for a car of this calibre, smoothing out road imperfections surprisingly well. Visibility remains excellent thanks to the slim pillars and expansive glass area, a hallmark of McLaren design.
Getting in and out is also made easier; the carbon fibre Monocage II structure features a lower sill, and the signature dihedral doors now require 155mm less outboard space to open fully, a practical benefit in tight parking spaces. Luggage capacity is surprisingly generous, with 150 litres available in the front compartment and another 210 litres under the rear glass canopy – totalling more space than a contemporary Ford Focus hatchback. The only minor drawback compared to the 570GT is the lack of a side-opening rear glass hatch for easier loading into the rear luggage area.
Memphis Red McLaren 720S with dihedral doors open demonstrating improved entry access
Verdict
Assuming the distinctive front-end styling appeals and the substantial mclaren 720s 2017 price wasn’t a deterrent, the main reservation with the standard 720S was its relatively muted exhaust note. An optional sports exhaust improved matters, but it couldn’t match the raw auditory thrill of naturally aspirated rivals like the Lamborghini Huracan (which was also considerably cheaper).
However, the Lamborghini lacked the McLaren’s unique-in-class carbon fibre chassis, sophisticated hydraulic suspension, and exotic dihedral doors – features often reserved for rivals’ top-tier halo models. Crucially, it couldn’t match the 720S’s combination of staggering performance, accessible yet deeply engaging handling, and surprising practicality. When evaluating the complete package, the McLaren 720S established itself as the clear benchmark in its class upon release. Critically, it finally paired McLaren’s engineering prowess with the emotional appeal of truly knockout aesthetics, addressing a key shortcoming of its 12C predecessor.
