Top 10 Things You Should Know About the McLaren 720S
I’ve been tearing up the streets of Dubai in my McLaren 720S for over two years now, and let me tell you, this car isn’t just a machine—it’s a lifestyle. From cruising Sheikh Zayed Road to carving through the desert highways toward Hatta, the 720S is a beast that demands respect and rewards passion. As a proud owner in this city of supercar fanatics, I’ve learned a thing or two about what makes this car tick, and I’m here to share the unfiltered truth. Buckle up, because I’m diving deep into the top 10 things you need to know about the McLaren 720S, with insights from my own experiences, my mates in the Dubai car scene, and some exclusive technical nuggets you won’t find on any generic car blog.
The McLaren 720S is powered by the M840T, a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that’s a marvel of engineering. This isn’t just an engine; it’s a symphony of 710 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque, delivered with a ferocity that pins you to the seat. I remember my first full-throttle run on the Dubai-Al Ain Road—0 to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds felt like a rocket launch. The twin-scroll turbochargers spool up with a distinctive whistle, and the lightweight crankshaft shaves milliseconds off response times.
Here’s a stat you won’t find in most reviews: the M840T’s port fuel injection system is tuned to deliver 92% of peak torque at just 2,800 rpm, making it insanely responsive in real-world driving. My friend Omar, who owns a 720S Spider, says the engine’s low-end grunt makes it a dream for overtaking sluggish traffic on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road.
Tip. The engine’s dry-sump lubrication system reduces oil slosh by 18% compared to the 650S, ensuring consistent performance during high-G cornering at Dubai Autodrome.
Shark-Inspired Design
The McLaren 720S looks like it was sculpted by the wind itself, and that’s no accident. Its teardrop shape, inspired by the great white shark, channels air with surgical precision. The double-skin dihedral doors aren’t just for show—they funnel air to high-temperature radiators, reducing drag by 15% compared to the 650S. I’ve noticed how the car stays planted at 200 km/h on desert runs, thanks to 50% more downforce than its predecessor.
My buddy Khalid, who races his 720S at Yas Marina, swears by the active rear wing’s DRS (Drag Reduction System) mode, which deploys at 70-80% for high-speed stability. Fun fact: the wing’s hydraulic actuators adjust in 0.3 seconds, faster than a human blink.
- Airflow Mastery: Integrated headlight air intakes cool radiators without compromising aesthetics.
- Drag Coefficient: 0.34 Cd, optimized for Dubai’s long, straight highways.
- Pro Tip: Spec the carbon-fiber airbrake for an extra 12% downforce at 250 km/h.
The Carbon Fiber Soul
The McLaren 720S rides on a carbon-fiber Monocage II chassis, a structure so light and rigid it feels like it’s defying gravity. At 1,283 kg (coupe), it’s 157 pounds lighter than a Porsche 911 GT3. I took my 720S to a weigh-in at a local garage, and the techs were stunned at how it balances strength with featherweight construction. The chassis extends into the roof, allowing slimmer A-pillars for 360° visibility—crucial when weaving through Dubai’s chaotic traffic.
Feature | McLaren 720S (MonoCage II) | Ferrari 488 GTB | Lamborghini Huracán |
|---|---|---|---|
Chassis Weight (kg) | 82 | 110 | 142 |
Torsional Rigidity | 33,000 Nm/deg | 30,000 Nm/deg | 32,000 Nm/deg |
Roof Integration | Yes | No | No |
Suspension Sorcery
The Proactive Chassis Control II (PCC II) is where the McLaren 720S turns witchcraft into science. This hydraulic suspension system uses 12 accelerometers and eight pressure sensors to adjust damping in 2 milliseconds. I’ve driven over Dubai’s notorious speed bumps in Comfort mode, and it’s smoother than my mate’s Bentley Continental GT. Switch to Track mode at Dubai Autodrome, and the car corners so flat it feels like it’s glued to the tarmac.
During a night drive to Jebel Jais, the PCC II soaked up uneven roads while keeping the car poised for hairpin turns. My passenger, a car newbie, thought I was showing off, but it was all the 720S’s magic.
- Comfort Mode: 40% softer damping than the 650S.
- Sport Mode: 25% stiffer for spirited drives.
- Track Mode: 15% more roll resistance for circuit precision.
Visibility That Redefines Supercars
Forget the claustrophobic cabins of other supercars. The McLaren 720S’s glass canopy and slim pillars give you a panoramic view that’s unmatched. I’ve parked in Dubai Marina’s tight spots with ease, thanks to the 360° visibility. The glazed C-pillars let me spot sneaky motorbikes in my blind spots—a lifesaver on Sheikh Zayed Road.
Info. The 720S’s A-pillars are 20% slimmer than the Ferrari 488’s, reducing blind spots by 15 degrees.
Mate’s Take: My friend Ali, who owns a 720S Spider, says, “It’s like driving a fighter jet with a glass cockpit—you see everything.”
Ownership Costs in Dubai
Owning a McLaren 720S in Dubai isn’t cheap, but it’s worth every dirham. A used 2019 coupe starts at around AED 900,000, while a new Spider can hit AED 1.3 million with options. Maintenance is where things get spicy—expect AED 15,000-20,000 annually for routine servicing at Al Habtoor Motors. My mate Hassan had to replace his carbon-ceramic brake rotors after 25,000 km, costing AED 35,000. Insurance? About AED 30,000 a year for a 30-year-old driver with a clean record.
Tip
Look for a car for sale in Dubai with a full service history to avoid surprises. I snagged mine from a dealer in Al Quoz who threw in a year’s extended warranty.
Table: Ownership Costs (AED)
Item | Cost (Annual/One-Time) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Purchase (Used) | 900,000-1,100,000 | 2019-2021 models |
Service | 15,000-20,000 | Annual maintenance |
Insurance | 30,000 | Varies by driver profile |
Brake Rotors | 35,000 | Every 20,000-30,000 km |
Infotainment Quirks
The 7.0-inch touchscreen in the McLaren 720S is a mixed bag. It’s angled toward the driver, which is great for quick glances, but I’ve had it freeze twice during Bluetooth pairing. A software update at the dealership fixed it, but it’s not as slick as a Porsche 911’s system. The folding driver display is a party trick—switch to Track mode, and it retracts into a minimalist strip showing only revs and speed. My friend Noor, who daily-drives her 720S, says the Bowers & Wilkins 12-speaker system is worth the AED 15,000 upgrade for blasting tunes on Dubai’s highways.
Tip. Update the firmware before long drives to avoid glitches.
Myths and Truths
The McLaren 720S has a bad rap for reliability, but my experience says otherwise. I’ve clocked 18,000 km without major issues, though I had a suspension error message pop up once (fixed under warranty). My mate Yousef, who tracks his 720S regularly, had an accumulator failure at 22,000 km—costly if out of warranty (AED 25,000). The key? Regular maintenance and a good dealer. For a McLaren for sale in Dubai, always get a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) from McMedics or a trusted indie shop.
- Common Issues: Infotainment glitches, suspension sensor errors.
- Fix Cost: AED 5,000-25,000 depending on severity.
- Reliability Tip: Drive it regularly—low-mileage cars are more prone to issues.
McLaren 720S Standard
- Dubai
McLaren 720S Standard
- Dubai
The Dubai Supercar Scene
The McLaren 720S is a head-turner in Dubai, where supercars are as common as taxis. I’ve lost count of how many strangers have stopped me at JBR to snap photos or ask about the car. During a Cars & Coffee meetup in Al Barsha, my 720S in Azores Orange drew a bigger crowd than a mate’s Lamborghini Huracán. The dihedral doors and “eye socket” headlights make it a social conduit, sparking conversations wherever you go.
Unleashing the Beast
The McLaren 720S is a track weapon disguised as a road car. I’ve lapped Dubai Autodrome’s GP circuit in 2:08.7, shaving 3 seconds off my previous best in a Porsche 911 Turbo S. The carbon-ceramic brakes bite like a viper, stopping from 200 km/h in just 117 meters. The Variable Drift Control lets you dial in slip angles for controlled slides—perfect for showing off without kissing a barrier.
Track Specs:
- 0-200 km/h: 7.8 seconds
- Quarter-Mile: 10.4 seconds
- Braking (200-0 km/h): 4.6 seconds
FAQs About the McLaren 720S
Is the McLaren 720S reliable for daily driving in Dubai?
With proper maintenance, it’s solid. I’ve driven mine daily for two years with only minor glitches. Get a PPI and keep the warranty active.
How does the 720S compare to a Lamborghini Huracán?
The 720S is lighter, faster, and has better visibility. The Huracán’s V10 sounds better, but the 720S outhandles it on twisty roads.
What’s the resale value like in Dubai?
A 2019 720S holds 70-80% of its value after three years, depending on mileage and condition. High-spec models retain more.
