McLaren 650S vs. McLaren 720S: The Enthusiast’s Take After Many Fast Miles
I’ve spent time in both of these mid-engined missiles, and here’s the headline: McLaren 650S vs. McLaren 720S isn’t just old versus new. It’s analogue edge versus digital savagery. The 650S is the one that talks to you; the 720S is the one that rewires your sense of speed. I noticed it the first time I merged onto a damp motorway—one car whispers feedback through the wheel, the other bends physics and asks if you’re keeping up.
McLaren 650S vs. McLaren 720S: Key Specs at a Glance
| Spec | McLaren 650S | McLaren 720S |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.8L twin-turbo V8 (M838T) | 4.0L twin-turbo V8 (M840T) |
| Power | 641 hp | 710 hp |
| Torque | ~500 lb-ft | ~568 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph | About 2.8–2.9 seconds | About 2.7 seconds |
| Top speed | 207 mph | 212 mph |
| Chassis | Carbon MonoCell + PCC (ProActive Chassis Control) | Carbon Monocage II + PCC II |
650S: The Classic McLaren Feel, Turned Up
When the 650S arrived in 2014, it sharpened the original 12C formula into something more alive. The first time I pushed it on a tight B-road, the steering spoke in a way modern supercars often don’t—textured, honest, just the right amount of weight. You sit low, legs stretched, eyes level with that fender crest, and it feels like a properly serious tool that still wants to be your friend.
What stands out on the road
- Power you can savor: 641 hp from the twin-turbo V8; ferocious but progressive boost.
- Brakes with bite: standard carbon-ceramics shrug off repeated hard stops.
- Ride that surprises: PCC cleverly balances body control and comfort—genuinely usable on rough city streets.
Quirks you learn to live with
- The infotainment (IRIS) can be a step behind your inputs. Not a deal-breaker, just… be patient.
- Cabin storage is “light and fast” rather than “family-friendly.” Your phone will go on a diet.
- Early cars’ nose-lift operations are a little slow; speed bumps will test your timing.
720S: Mind-Bending Pace, Everyday Grace
The 720S takes the 650S’s ethos and sends it through a particle accelerator. The first time I floored it out of a toll booth (legally, briefly, and with both hands white-knuckling the wheel), the acceleration felt supercar-plus—closer to hypercar shove. Yet it’ll trundle through town politely, idling like a well-trained Rottweiler.
Why it feels next-level
- That 710 hp V8 reels in straights like you’ve fast-forwarded reality.
- PCC II reads the road brilliantly—softer when you want it, laser-precise when you don’t.
- Fantastic visibility from the teardrop cabin. You can place the car millimeter-perfect on track and parallel-park it without drama.
Minor gripes from real use
- The infotainment is better than older McLarens, but not best-in-class for speed or polish.
- Cabin still prioritizes driving over cubbies. Bring small pockets—or a co-pilot with a bag.
- Heat soak after hot track sessions can make it feel a touch grumpy if you shut down right away. Let it cool like a race car.
McLaren 650S vs. McLaren 720S: Which One Fits Your Life?
- Track day regulars and speed fiends: The 720S is outrageously quick and super composed at ten-tenths. If you crave the newest chassis brains and the biggest numbers, this is your car.
- Drivers who love feel and feedback: The 650S has that classic McLaren steering tactility and a beautifully balanced ride/handling mix. It’s a brilliant daily-able supercar with an analog soul.
- Both deliver the McLaren signature: rod-straight steering, carbon-tub stability, carbon-ceramic confidence, and that everything-else-feels-slow sensation after a spirited run.
How they stack up against rivals
Against a Ferrari 488 GTB or F8 Tributo, the 720S feels faster in a straight line and lighter on its feet. A Lamborghini Huracán offers a more theatrical V10 and arguably easier low-speed charm; the McLarens counter with ride quality and visibility that make daily use weirdly relaxing. Honestly, like driving in slippers—if your slippers did 212 mph.
Make the Cabin Match the Pace: Tailored Mats for Your McLaren
One small quality-of-life upgrade I recommend to McLaren owners—especially if you actually drive the thing—is a proper, tailored set of mats. Keeps the footwell tidy, looks OEM-plus, and stops your heel from polishing the carpet like a runway.
Why I like the AutoWin sets
- Custom fit: Made to match your exact footwell contours for 650S or 720S.
- Quality materials: Durable and premium—because your shoes won’t always be track-day clean.
- Protection and polish: Shields the cabin from dirt and wear while looking properly high-end.
McLaren 650S vs. McLaren 720S: Final Word
If you’ve read this far, you already know the truth: McLaren 650S vs. McLaren 720S isn’t a simple “old vs new” coin toss. The 650S is sweetly communicative and properly quick; the 720S is shock-and-awe fast with a broader dynamic range. Either way, you’re signing up for a carbon-tubbed, twin-turbo symphony with steering that makes lesser cars feel numb. And if you want the cabin to feel as dialed as the chassis, a tailored set of AutoWin floor mats tidies things up nicely—small upgrade, big daily difference.
McLaren 650S vs. McLaren 720S: FAQs
Which is quicker in the real world, 650S or 720S?
The 720S. It hits harder from mid-range and keeps pulling to silly speeds. The 650S is still very fast, but the 720S feels a class up.
Is the 650S comfortable enough for daily use?
Surprisingly, yes. With PCC and the right road mode, it rides better than many “sporty” sedans. You’ll just pack light.
How’s visibility in the 720S?
Excellent for a supercar. That teardrop glasshouse means you can place it cleanly in traffic and on track.
Do both have carbon-ceramic brakes?
Yes, and both sets are strong, consistent, and confidence-inspiring on road and track.
What’s one easy upgrade for the interior?
A tailored mat set, like the options from AutoWin. It keeps the footwell fresh and looks OEM-plus.
