Aston Martin DBS Superleggera vs McLaren 720S

Compare the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera vs McLaren 720S. The McLaren 720S is £0 cheaper. The McLaren 720S is 0.5s quicker to 60mph. The McLaren 720S is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.

The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera is priced from £175,000, powered by a 5.2L Twin-Turbo V12, producing 715 hp, with 900 Nm of torque, reaching 0-62 mph in 3.4 s, a top speed of 211 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive. The McLaren 720S is priced from £125,000, powered by a 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8, producing 710 hp, with 770 Nm of torque, reaching 0-62 mph in 2.9 s, a top speed of 212 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive.

The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera offers a 270-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 20 mpg, is covered by a 3 years / unlimited miles (original UK new-car cover) warranty. The McLaren 720S offers a 150-litre boot, a usable front boot, runs on petrol, returns around 23 mpg, is covered by a 3 years / unlimited miles (original UK new-car cover) warranty.

On cost of ownership, the McLaren 720S is £0 cheaper than its rival, the McLaren 720S costs less in annual maintenance (£4,200 versus £3,000), the McLaren 720S is the more fuel-efficient choice, the McLaren 720S has 72 L fuel tank.

Driving Character: Aston Martin DBS Superleggera vs McLaren 720S

The DBS Superleggera is defined by the sheer ferocity of its 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12, a powerplant that delivers 715hp with an unrelenting, surging intensity. Unlike its more surgical rivals, the car prioritises theatre and immense torque, relying on its rear-wheel-drive architecture to provide a raw, visceral driving experience. The chassis is tuned for stability at triple-digit speeds, though it occasionally struggles to mask its weight through tight, technical corners. It feels like a heavyweight prize fighter—monumentally powerful and capable of incredible feats, yet demanding a firm hand to keep its formidable energy under precise control at all times.

The McLaren 720S remains a benchmark for mid-engined supercar performance, pairing a 710 hp twin-turbo V8 with a sophisticated Proactive Chassis Control system. This allows it to span the gap between a supple grand tourer and a track-slaying weapon with a simple mode adjustment. The carbon fibre monocoque provides a remarkably rigid platform, allowing the suspension to work with precision. While turbo lag is present at low revs, the relentless mid-range surge is intoxicating. Steering remains communicative, though the sheer scale of the performance often outpaces the driver’s ability to fully explore the car's limit on public tarmac.

Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera — 5.2L twin-turbocharged V12; provides massive low-end torque for effortless high-speed progress; the McLaren 720S — Proactive Chassis Control II; handling balance and body control exceptional. Characteristic of the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera: Rear-wheel drive dynamics; chassis maintains composure despite immense engine output. For the McLaren 720S: Variable drift control system; throttle-adjustable handling for experienced drivers. In outright terms it is 715 hp against 710 — a 5 hp gap — and the McLaren 720S reaches 60 mph 0.5s sooner.

Interior & Cabin: Aston Martin DBS Superleggera vs McLaren 720S

Inside, the cabin is an exercise in excess and traditional elegance, heavily draped in high-quality leather and aluminium accents. The layout follows a classic grand touring aesthetic, prioritising comfort over the minimalist tech focus seen in the latest generation of supercars. While the materials are undeniably opulent, the infotainment system feels dated, reflecting the development cycle of its era. The seating position is low and supportive, perfectly suited for long-distance cruising, even if the user interface occasionally requires more effort than the streamlined systems found in current, competition-focused rivals within the same price bracket.

The cabin design prioritises visibility and function, featuring a unique folding instrument display that creates a clean, distraction-free environment for circuit work. Carbon fibre and Alcantara are the primary materials, imparting a tech-forward, high-end feel that justifies its market position. The primary weakness lies in the infotainment system, which is notoriously dated and struggles with basic connectivity compared to its rivals. However, the F1-inspired driving position and the sheer amount of glass in the dihedral doors create an airy, commanding environment that makes the 720S feel far more approachable than its rivals from Maranello or Sant'Agata.

Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera — Luxury-focused cabin; premium leather materials deliver a refined grand touring environment; the McLaren 720S — Folding dihedral doors provide an event of entry unique in class. Characteristic of the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera: Driver-focused layout; integrates modern technology with traditional artisan interior finishes. For the McLaren 720S: Relatively practical interior for a supercar; usable storage and visibility.

Daily Usability: Aston Martin DBS Superleggera vs McLaren 720S

For all its performance, the DBS Superleggera remains a usable grand tourer, provided one understands the limitations of its 244-litre boot. Ingress and egress are straightforward for a car of this profile, and the ride, while firm, is well-damped for motorway work, making it an excellent candidate for long-haul journeys. Urban environments present the greatest challenge; its width and aggressive stance can make tight parking situations stressful. It is an assertive presence on the road, offering a level of comfort that suits high-speed cruising perfectly, provided one keeps the long, muscular bonnet clear of low-speed obstacles.

For a vehicle capable of 212 mph, the 720S is surprisingly adept at daily errands. The adjustable suspension mode turns the car into a compliant, smooth-riding machine that handles city driving with unexpected composure. The front trunk provides a modest 150-litre space, perfect for an overnight bag, though owners must rely on the front nose lift to negotiate even minor driveways. Ingress is made easier by the dihedral doors, but the wide sills still demand a degree of flexibility. Provided one keeps a close eye on ground clearance, it is perhaps the most versatile supercar of its generation.

Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera — 244L boot capacity; accommodates enough luggage for extended grand touring trips; the McLaren 720S — Electrochromic roof adds light; 150L boot adequate for weekend luggage. Characteristic of the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera: 120mm ground clearance; sufficient for standard speed bumps and driveway transitions. For the McLaren 720S: Active Dynamics panel enables genuine Comfort mode for everyday use. that means 270 litres of boot space against 150, plus a usable front boot in the McLaren 720S, and everyday running costs that favour the McLaren 720S at the pumps.

Ownership: Aston Martin DBS Superleggera vs McLaren 720S

Running a V12-powered DBS Superleggera requires commitment, as the high-output engine and premium components result in significant annual maintenance costs. The model benefits from a well-established dealer network, but owners should be prepared for the realities of high-performance parts and servicing. As an out-of-production model, it has reached a point of relative stability in the second-hand market, though it is not a car that will ever be considered inexpensive to keep. It remains a coveted choice for enthusiasts seeking the definitive V12 Aston Martin experience before the forced transition to smaller displacement, forced-induction powertrains.

Maintaining a 720S is a significant commitment, with annual service costs averaging £3,000, though this is a standard entry fee for the tier of performance provided. The McLaren dealer network is well-established, and the 3-year unlimited mileage warranty provides necessary coverage for the complex drivetrain. Used prices have settled into a range that offers significant value for money compared to the original £225,000 sticker price, making it an attractive prospect for performance-focused buyers. While turbo and transmission maintenance costs are non-trivial, the car’s desirability and strong standing in the enthusiast community ensure that it remains a sound long-term investment.

Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera — Extensive brand dealer support; provides consistent maintenance for performance-oriented owners; the McLaren 720S — 720S strong used market demand; appreciated after production ended. Characteristic of the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera: High prestige; luxury brand status ensures stable demand in the enthusiast market. For the McLaren 720S: McLaren certified pre-owned programme provides some ownership support. On the wallet the two diverge at £175,000 versus £125,000 — a £50,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £4,200 against £3,000.

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