McLaren 720S vs Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
Compare the McLaren 720S vs Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. The McLaren 720S is £125,000 cheaper. The McLaren 720S is 1.0s 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 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is priced from £350,000, powered by a 5.4L Supercharged V8, producing 617 hp, with 780 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.8s, a top speed of 207 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 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren offers a 272-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 14 mpg, is covered by a 2yr / unlimited mi warranty.
On cost of ownership, the McLaren 720S is £125,000 cheaper than its rival, the McLaren 720S costs less in annual maintenance (£3,000 versus £5,000), the McLaren 720S is the more fuel-efficient choice, a full tank costs around £80 for the McLaren 720S and £95 for the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren.
Driving Character: McLaren 720S vs Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
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 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is a brutal manifestation of early 2000s super-GT excess, defined by a hand-built 5.4-litre supercharged V8 that delivers 617hp with unrelenting force. Its long-bonnet, front-mid engine layout dictates a heavy, rear-biased handling balance, accompanied by the visceral, side-exit exhaust note. While capable of prodigious speeds, it does not possess the agility of modern mid-engined peers. The steering is direct but weighty, and the overall driving experience is characterised by theatrical, high-speed stability rather than delicate cornering precision, requiring a firm hand to manage the immense torque and significant kerb weight.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the McLaren 720S takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 93 against 78. Characteristic of the McLaren 720S: Exceptional, communicative handling widely rated among the best-driving supercars. For the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren: Dramatic, supercharged V8 GT with genuine McLaren engineering input. In outright terms it is 710 hp against 617 — a 93 hp gap — and the McLaren 720S reaches 60 mph 1.0s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: McLaren 720S vs Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
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 interior represents a peculiar blend of McLaren-derived carbon fibre construction and Mercedes-Benz switchgear, resulting in a cabin that feels both bespoke and familiar. The butterfly doors provide an unparalleled sense of arrival, though the low-slung, cramped cabin makes ingress a deliberate process. Once inside, the driver is met with premium MB-Tex and structural carbon, though the infotainment and navigation systems are clearly relics of their era. Despite this, the hand-finished quality remains high, offering a uniquely dramatic environment that prioritises sensory impact over the ergonomic cleanliness expected in contemporary performance vehicles.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 74 against 75. Characteristic of the McLaren 720S: Distinctive, driver-focused cockpit with excellent visibility for a supercar. For the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren: Luxurious, distinctive cabin with genuine period-correct drama.
Daily Usability: McLaren 720S vs Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
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.
Daily utility is surprisingly coherent for a vehicle of this performance class, thanks to the front-mid engine configuration that allows for a functional 272-litre boot. It functions comfortably as a grand tourer, with an engine delivery that is better suited to long-distance speed than dense urban environments. The significant length and wide stance, however, render it problematic in tight parking conditions. Furthermore, the heat generated by the side-exit exhausts near the doors requires awareness during ingress and egress, a small inconvenience given the car's primary focus on highway dominance and long-legged cruising capability.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the McLaren 720S takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 55 against 50. Characteristic of the McLaren 720S: Usable as an occasional daily supercar. For the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren: Usable GT for longer journeys, if firmly sprung. that means 150 litres of boot space against 272, 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 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
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 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is a commitment to maintaining an iconic, low-volume collaboration. With values now firmly in the appreciation phase, finding specialists who can source bespoke components is essential. Both Mercedes and McLaren offer support programmes, but servicing costs are astronomical, reflecting the specialised labour required for the supercharged V8 and intricate aero-components. While the rarity of the model ensures significant appeal to collectors, the maintenance overheads are not for the faint-hearted, making it an investment-grade machine that demands a dedicated, well-funded approach to long-term stewardship.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the McLaren 720S takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 70 against 60. Characteristic of the McLaren 720S: Strong performance-per-dollar reputation on the used market. For the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren: Now a sought-after modern classic collaboration between Mercedes and McLaren. On the wallet the two diverge at £125,000 versus £350,000 — a £225,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £3,000 against £5,000, and warranty cover of 3yr / unlimited mi versus 2yr / unlimited mi.