McLaren 720S vs McLaren 570S
Compare the McLaren 720S vs McLaren 570S. The McLaren 570S is £80,000 cheaper. The McLaren 720S is 0.3s quicker to 60mph. The McLaren 570S is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.
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 0-60 mph in 2.8s, a top speed of 212 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive. The McLaren 570S is priced from £95,000, powered by a 3.8L Twin-Turbo V8, producing 562 hp, with 600 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.1s, a top speed of 204 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive.
The McLaren 720S offers a 150-litre boot, a usable front boot, runs on petrol, returns around 23 mpg, is covered by a 3yr / unlimited mi warranty. The McLaren 570S offers a 150-litre boot, a usable front boot, runs on petrol, returns around 24 mpg, is covered by a 3yr / unlimited mi warranty.
On cost of ownership, the McLaren 570S is £80,000 cheaper than its rival, the McLaren 570S costs less in annual maintenance (£3,000 versus £2,800), the McLaren 570S is the more fuel-efficient choice, a full tank costs around £80 for the McLaren 720S and £75 for the McLaren 570S.
Driving Character: McLaren 720S vs McLaren 570S
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.
The McLaren 570S stands as the quintessential entry-level supercar, utilising a lightweight carbon fibre monocoque that provides unmatched structural rigidity. Its 3.8L twin-turbo V8 delivers 562 hp, propelling the car to 60 mph in a mere 3.1 seconds. The hydraulic-assisted steering is widely regarded as the benchmark for the segment, offering granular detail that feels missing in its competitors. While the engine displays noticeable turbo lag at lower rpm, the chassis balance is sublime, providing a sense of fluidity and poise that invites the driver to push harder through every apex with complete confidence.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the McLaren 720S takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 93 against 90. Characteristic of the McLaren 720S: Exceptional, communicative handling widely rated among the best-driving supercars. For the McLaren 570S: Sharp, communicative entry-level McLaren with genuine supercar dynamics. In outright terms it is 710 hp against 562 — a 148 hp gap — and the McLaren 720S reaches 60 mph 0.3s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: McLaren 720S vs McLaren 570S
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.
The cabin focuses on a minimalist, driver-centric design that eschews excessive ornamentation in favour of functional elegance. High-grade leather and Alcantara dress the interior, creating a cabin that feels both sophisticated and purposeful. The vertical infotainment screen is undeniably dated compared to modern rivals and can be unresponsive, which remains the system's primary weakness. Visibility is genuinely impressive, thanks to the thin A-pillars and the unique dihedral door design, which not only eases ingress but also makes the car feel like a significant event every time the driver settles into the cockpit.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the McLaren 720S takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 74 against 70. Characteristic of the McLaren 720S: Distinctive, driver-focused cockpit with excellent visibility for a supercar. For the McLaren 570S: Driver-focused cockpit, decent usability for a McLaren.
Daily Usability: McLaren 720S vs McLaren 570S
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.
For a mid-engined supercar, the 570S is remarkably accommodating in day-to-day scenarios. The suspension setup is soft enough to handle urban speed bumps and undulating B-roads without breaking the driver’s spine, cementing its status as the most road-biased model in the McLaren stable. With a usable 150-litre rear boot and an additional front storage area, it manages supermarket runs and light luggage far better than its rivals. However, the low ride height makes parking kerbs a genuine hazard, necessitating the optional nose lift system to protect the front splitter from unnecessary and expensive damage.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the McLaren 720S takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 55 against 55. Characteristic of the McLaren 720S: Usable as an occasional daily supercar. For the McLaren 570S: Usable as an occasional daily supercar.
Ownership: McLaren 720S vs McLaren 570S
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.
As the gateway to the McLaren family, the 570S represents a balanced proposition for the aspiring supercar owner. Residuals have remained robust across the Sports Series, helped by a reputation for being the most usable model in the range. Maintenance is a significant consideration, with annual servicing costing around £2,800, and owners must be prepared for the specific costs associated with DCT transmission care. The McLaren network is comprehensive and highly professional, ensuring that support is readily available, though the high performance of the twin-turbo V8 means regular, proactive inspection is non-negotiable for long-term health.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the McLaren 720S takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 70 against 68. Characteristic of the McLaren 720S: Strong performance-per-dollar reputation on the used market. For the McLaren 570S: Now a discontinued entry point into McLaren ownership. On the wallet the two diverge at £125,000 versus £95,000 — a £30,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £3,000 against £2,800.