Mercedes-AMG GT vs McLaren 720S
Compare the Mercedes-AMG GT vs McLaren 720S. The Mercedes-AMG GT is £70,000 cheaper. The McLaren 720S is 0.3s quicker to 60mph. The McLaren 720S is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.
The Mercedes-AMG GT is priced from £155,000, powered by a 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8, producing 577 hp, with 800 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.1s, a top speed of 197 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 0-60 mph in 2.8s, a top speed of 212 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive.
The Mercedes-AMG GT offers a 350-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 22 mpg, is covered by a 3yr / unlimited mi warranty. 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.
On cost of ownership, the Mercedes-AMG GT is £70,000 cheaper than its rival, the Mercedes-AMG GT costs less in annual maintenance (£1,600 versus £3,000), the McLaren 720S is the more fuel-efficient choice, a full tank costs around £85 for the Mercedes-AMG GT and £80 for the McLaren 720S.
Driving Character: Mercedes-AMG GT vs McLaren 720S
The Mercedes-AMG GT demonstrates the prowess of a front-mid engine layout, prioritising balance and direct feedback for the enthusiast driver. With 577hp directed to the rear wheels via a mechanical limited-slip differential, the car offers a visceral, involving experience. Steering is sharp and communicative, allowing for precise placement in corner apexes, though the rear-wheel-drive platform demands respect in damp conditions. Acceleration is blistering, with a 3.1-second 0-60mph sprint. While less forgiving than its AWD competitors, the AMG GT rewards committed driving with a dynamic repertoire that remains a benchmark for pure driver engagement within the contemporary supercar class.
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 McLaren 720S takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 82 against 93. Characteristic of the Mercedes-AMG GT: Thunderous AMG V8 with a more usable, GT-focused character than before. For the McLaren 720S: Exceptional, communicative handling widely rated among the best-driving supercars. In outright terms it is 577 hp against 710 — a 133 hp gap — and the McLaren 720S reaches 60 mph 0.3s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Mercedes-AMG GT vs McLaren 720S
Inside, the AMG GT presents a cockpit-like environment dominated by a high transmission tunnel and a wide, driver-centric dashboard. The interior materials are of a high standard, showcasing bespoke AMG instruments and Alcantara detailing. Space is deliberately intimate, reflecting the car’s focused nature rather than grand touring comfort. Visibility is somewhat compromised by the low-slung roofline and thick pillars, yet the driving position is perfectly aligned with the pedals and steering wheel. It is an environment designed to insulate the driver from distractions, keeping the focus squarely on the task of piloting a high-performance machine through demanding roads.
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 Mercedes-AMG GT takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 84 against 74. Characteristic of the Mercedes-AMG GT: Genuinely usable 2+2 cabin with strong build quality. For the McLaren 720S: Distinctive, driver-focused cockpit with excellent visibility for a supercar.
Daily Usability: Mercedes-AMG GT vs McLaren 720S
Usability in the AMG GT is naturally restricted by its performance-oriented design. The front trunk provides a 260-litre storage area, adequate for light travel but far from comprehensive for extended road trips. The suspension is remarkably firm even in Comfort mode, which can result in an unsettled ride on poor surfaces or urban speed bumps. Ingress and egress require a degree of physical dexterity, given the low ride height and sculpted seats. While the car can manage city errands, its primary habitat remains the open road where its performance credentials can be exercised without the constraints of suburban infrastructure.
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 Mercedes-AMG GT takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 72 against 55. Characteristic of the Mercedes-AMG GT: More practical than the previous 2-seat GT thanks to rear seats. For the McLaren 720S: Usable as an occasional daily supercar. that means 350 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: Mercedes-AMG GT vs McLaren 720S
Owning an AMG GT is an investment in the traditional, high-performance V8 heritage of the brand. Residual values remain strong, bolstered by consistent demand from enthusiasts who prize the V8 character. Servicing is handled through the robust Mercedes dealer network, ensuring that specialists are always within reach, though owners must prepare for high costs associated with performance-grade brakes and tyres. Annual maintenance of £1,600 is standard for the class. Insurance costs reflect the car’s high performance and the complexity of its mechanical components, yet the model remains a prized inclusion in the garages of those who value pure engagement.
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 McLaren 720S takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 68 against 70. Characteristic of the Mercedes-AMG GT: Backed by Mercedes-AMG's established V8 reliability record. For the McLaren 720S: Strong performance-per-dollar reputation on the used market. On the wallet the two diverge at £155,000 versus £125,000 — a £30,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £1,600 against £3,000.