McLaren 720S vs McLaren Senna
Compare the McLaren 720S vs McLaren Senna. The McLaren 720S is £525,000 cheaper. The McLaren Senna is 0.1s quicker to 60mph. The McLaren 720S 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 Senna is priced from £1,200,000, powered by a 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8, producing 789 hp, with 800 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 2.7s, a top speed of 211 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 Senna offers a 100-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 18 mpg, is covered by a 3yr / unlimited mi warranty.
On cost of ownership, the McLaren 720S is £525,000 cheaper than its rival, the McLaren 720S costs less in annual maintenance (£3,000 versus £4,500), the McLaren 720S is the more fuel-efficient choice, a full tank costs around £80 for the McLaren 720S and £85 for the McLaren Senna.
Driving Character: McLaren 720S vs McLaren Senna
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 Senna is an uncompromising track weapon that prioritises lap times above every other metric. With 789hp available from its twin-turbo V8, the Senna delivers blistering acceleration, but its true genius lies in the massive active aerodynamics, which generate 800kg of downforce. This results in razor-sharp responses and an ability to corner at speeds that defy conventional road-car physics. The driving experience is visceral and brutal; the chassis is stiff to the point of punishment on poor road surfaces, and the steering is hyper-communicative. It is a car that demands constant, intense concentration, offering little comfort to those seeking a leisurely drive.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the McLaren Senna takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 93 against 97. Characteristic of the McLaren 720S: Exceptional, communicative handling widely rated among the best-driving supercars. For the McLaren Senna: The most extreme road-legal track car McLaren has built - visceral and uncompromising. In outright terms it is 710 hp against 789 — a 79 hp gap — and the McLaren Senna reaches 60 mph 0.1s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: McLaren 720S vs McLaren Senna
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 is a raw, race-derived environment defined by exposed carbon fibre and a total lack of conventional creature comforts. The glazed doors, which provide extraordinary outward and downward visibility, are a signature touch that helps the driver place the car with surgical precision during track sessions. Everything is oriented toward the driver, with switches and dials stripped to the absolute essentials. Sound deadening is almost non-existent, meaning the engine and road noise are constant companions. For those who view driving as a purely athletic endeavour, the Spartan cockpit is a masterclass in functional, high-performance design.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the McLaren 720S takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 74 against 45. Characteristic of the McLaren 720S: Distinctive, driver-focused cockpit with excellent visibility for a supercar. For the McLaren Senna: Stripped-out, motorsport-focused cockpit.
Daily Usability: McLaren 720S vs McLaren Senna
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.
While technically road-legal, the Senna is poorly suited for daily life. The suspension is extremely firm, and the lack of cargo space is such that even a single overnight bag becomes an logistical puzzle. Ingress and egress are hampered by the complex door mechanism and low seating position. While a nose lift system is included to handle basic obstacles like driveway lips, the car's extreme width and limited outward visibility from the low driving position make navigating tight urban streets or congested car parks an exercise in immense patience and caution. It is a car for the track, not the high street.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the McLaren 720S takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 55 against 15. Characteristic of the McLaren 720S: Usable as an occasional daily supercar. For the McLaren Senna: Not built for daily use - a pure track weapon. that means 150 litres of boot space against 100, plus a usable front boot in the McLaren 720S, and everyday running costs that favour the McLaren 720S at the pumps.
Ownership: McLaren 720S vs McLaren Senna
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.
Owning a Senna is a privilege afforded to the few, with values consistently among the highest for any modern McLaren. As a collector-grade machine, it receives comprehensive, priority support from McLaren Special Operations, which is necessary given the exorbitant cost of replacement bodywork and bespoke components. With production limited to only 500 units, the scarcity of the vehicle ensures it remains an iconic piece of engineering art. Maintenance is significant, reflecting its status as a track-ready car that requires constant, expert attention to keep its aerodynamics and powertrain performing at the peak level expected by its demanding owners.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the McLaren Senna takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 70 against 82. Characteristic of the McLaren 720S: Strong performance-per-dollar reputation on the used market. For the McLaren Senna: Instant collector status as McLaren's most extreme road-legal special. On the wallet the two diverge at £125,000 versus £1,200,000 — a £1,075,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £3,000 against £4,500.