2019 McLaren 720S Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byKurt NiebuhrSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　

What's new

No significant changes for the 720SPart of the first 720S generation introduced for 2018

　　The 2019 McLaren 720S is, basically speaking, a mid-engine coupe. But there's a lot more here that elevates the 720S to supercar status. As with other McLarens, the backbone of the 720S is a carbon-fiber tub that gives the chassis incredible rigidity and helps keep weight down. Power comes from a twin-turbocharged V8 that pumps out a thundering 710 horsepower. And topping it all off are dihedral doors (they open out and up for easier entry) and sleek styling that's unmistakably McLaren.

　　Part of McLaren's Super Series, the 720S sits smack-dab in the middle of McLaren's lineup. That means the 720S takes its place between less expensive models such as the 570S and track-dedicated — and much more expensive — machines such as the McLaren Senna. McLaren has strived to make the 720S just as comfortable as it is fast, and though that's a tall order, the 720S maintains a fair bit of day-to-day usability. It can be outfitted with supple leather and a solid audio system, and it even offers front and rear trunks for added practicality.

　　There's not much else that offers what the 2019 720S offers, but other notable vehicles include Porsche's ultimate 911, the GT2 RS and the Lamborghini Huracan Performante. Competitors might come with more evocative engine sounds or a more storied racing lineage, but it's hard to argue with this McLaren’s breadth of performance and comfort.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

　　

Which 720S does zzdcar recommend?

　　Of the three trim levels, we'd keep it simple and stick with the standard 720S and pick off the best, most practical options individually. Out of the myriad paint and appearance options, we recommend the sport exhaust, the vehicle lift to clear steep driveways, the surround-view camera system for easy parking, and the upgraded 12-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system.

　　

2019 McLaren 720S models

　　The 2019 McLaren 720S Coupe is a supercar available in three trim levels: base, Luxury and Performance. The powertrain consists of a mid-mounted twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 (710 horsepower, 568 lb-ft of torque) that drives the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

　　Base

　　Every McLaren 720S comes standard with:

　　19-inch front wheels and 20-inch rear wheels Carbon-ceramic brakes LED headlights Adaptive dampers Keyless entry and ignition Dual-zone automatic climate control Manually adjustable seats Imitation suede upholstery and interior trim 7-inch touchscreen Four-speaker audio system Navigation system Satellite radioLuxury

　　The 720S Luxury adds:

　　Dark gray exterior trim Engine bay lighting Interior ambient lighting Power-adjustable heated seats Leather upholstery and interior trimPerformance

　　The Performance adds the following to the base 720S:

　　Carbon-fiber exterior trim Engine bay lighting Interior ambient lighting Carbon-fiber interior detailing Leather/imitation suede combination upholstery and trimAs with all high-end supercars, the 720S coupe offers a deep customization program to tailor the vehicle to your preferences.

　　Exterior or performance-based options include:

　　Several carbon-fiber trim packages Forged alloy wheels Painted brake calipers High-performance Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires Sport exhaust Vehicle lift system Rearview camera 360-degree camera (gives you a bird's-eye view of the car for tight parking situations)Inside, you can opt for:

　　Fixed-back carbon-fiber sport seats Power-adjustable steering wheel 12-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system Contrast-color stitching Numerous carbon-fiber trim additions via McLaren's MSO customization program

　　

2019 720S Highlights

Trim: BaseLuxuryPerformanceBase

　　

Base MSRP	$293,000
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	18 MPG
Cost to Drive	$260/month
Seating	2 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	12.7 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / unlimited miles