McLaren 720S vs McLaren Artura
Compare the McLaren 720S vs McLaren Artura. The McLaren Artura is £30,000 cheaper. The McLaren 720S is 0.2s quicker to 60mph. The McLaren Artura 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 Artura is priced from £195,000, powered by a 3.0L V6 Hybrid, producing 671 hp, with 720 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3s, a top speed of 205 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 Artura offers a 188-litre boot, runs on petrol hybrid, returns around 42 mpg, is covered by a 3yr / unlimited mi warranty.
On cost of ownership, the McLaren Artura is £30,000 cheaper than its rival, the McLaren Artura costs less in annual maintenance (£3,000 versus £2,800), the McLaren Artura is the more fuel-efficient choice, a full tank costs around £80 for the McLaren 720S and £70 for the McLaren Artura.
Driving Character: McLaren 720S vs McLaren Artura
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 Artura marks a pivotal shift toward electrification without sacrificing the brand's legendary dynamic purity. Built upon the bespoke carbon fibre monocoque, it exhibits a level of chassis rigidity that translates into exceptionally sharp turn-in and predictable mid-corner balance. The V6 hybrid powertrain provides immediate, torque-rich acceleration, effectively eliminating the turbo-lag issues associated with older designs. While the transition between electric and internal combustion modes is generally seamless, the sheer complexity of the drivetrain can occasionally make the power delivery feel less telepathic than the pure mechanical V8s of the past, though it remains a formidable track weapon.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the McLaren 720S takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 93 against 88. Characteristic of the McLaren 720S: Exceptional, communicative handling widely rated among the best-driving supercars. For the McLaren Artura: McLaren's first series hybrid - sharp, rewarding, and genuinely road-focused. In outright terms it is 710 hp against 671 — a 39 hp gap — and the McLaren 720S reaches 60 mph 0.2s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: McLaren 720S vs McLaren Artura
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.
Inside, the Artura discards the cluttered ergonomics of previous models in favour of a cleaner, more focused cockpit environment. The interior design successfully integrates modern technology, featuring a crisp digital instrument cluster and a responsive infotainment system that finally feels contemporary. Build quality is improved, with tactile materials and a refined aesthetic that suits its high-tech brief. However, the cabin remains undeniably snug; taller drivers may find head and shoulder room restricted, and the relative lack of integrated storage space serves as a blunt reminder that this remains a performance-first machine rather than a grand tourer.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the McLaren Artura takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 74 against 78. Characteristic of the McLaren 720S: Distinctive, driver-focused cockpit with excellent visibility for a supercar. For the McLaren Artura: Modern, tech-forward cockpit with genuine daily usability.
Daily Usability: McLaren 720S vs McLaren Artura
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 Artura manages urban environments with surprising grace, largely thanks to its EV-only mode, which allows for silent, emissions-free operation in city centres. Standard nose lift functionality further enhances its daily utility, enabling the car to negotiate speed bumps and steep inclines without anxiety. While the ride quality is undeniably firm in Sport settings, it remains compliant enough for moderate journeys. The primary trade-off for this hybrid functionality is the space sacrificed to house the battery pack, which reduces luggage capacity and necessitates careful packing for any extended weekend getaway.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the McLaren Artura takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 55 against 78. Characteristic of the McLaren 720S: Usable as an occasional daily supercar. For the McLaren Artura: Widely reported as a genuinely daily-usable hybrid supercar. that means 150 litres of boot space against 188, plus a usable front boot in the McLaren 720S, and everyday running costs that favour the McLaren Artura at the pumps.
Ownership: McLaren 720S vs McLaren Artura
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.
Ownership of the Artura places the driver at the forefront of McLaren's electrification strategy, supported by a comprehensive warranty that covers the hybrid components—a vital safeguard for a new platform. Initial demand remains high, reinforcing its status as a significant milestone in the manufacturer's history. While annual maintenance costs are reflective of its hyper-performance engineering, the dealer network remains well-versed in the requirements of the new hybrid systems. Long-term durability is the only real question mark for prospective buyers, given the inherent complexity of the hybrid setup compared to the brand's historically mechanical V8 engines.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the McLaren 720S takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 70 against 65. Characteristic of the McLaren 720S: Strong performance-per-dollar reputation on the used market. For the McLaren Artura: Improving reliability reputation as software updates mature. On the wallet the two diverge at £125,000 versus £195,000 — a £70,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £3,000 against £2,800.