McLaren 720S Review: Hypercar Performance at Supercar Prices

The 720S in One Word: Relentless

The McLaren 720S is the car that made the entire supercar industry recalibrate. When it launched, it posted performance numbers that embarrassed vehicles costing twice as much. A 2.7-second 0 to 60 time. A quarter mile in the low 10s. A top speed of 212 mph. And all of this from a car that weighs just over 3,100 pounds and costs a fraction of what a hypercar demands.

For exotic car renters, the 720S occupies a unique position. It delivers hypercar-level performance at supercar rental prices. At roughly $1,000 to $1,500 per day, you are getting a vehicle that can embarrass nearly anything on the road while looking like nothing else in the process.

The Twin-Turbo V8

The 720S is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that produces 710 horsepower. Unlike some turbocharged engines that feel laggy at low RPM, the McLaren's twin-scroll turbochargers spool almost instantly. The power delivery is linear and progressive, building from a strong low-end shove to a ferocious top-end pull. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission shifts with machine-gun precision, and in Track mode, each upshift is accompanied by a sharp crack from the exhaust.

The engine note is not as emotionally stirring as a naturally aspirated V10 or V12. McLaren has never prioritized sound the way Lamborghini or Ferrari does. But what it lacks in drama it makes up for in sheer velocity. The 720S accelerates with a violence that is difficult to describe until you have experienced it. The horizon rushes toward you in a way that makes 200 mph feel inevitable rather than aspirational.

Driving Dynamics

Where the 720S truly separates itself is in the way it handles. The carbon fiber MonoCell II chassis is incredibly rigid, which means every input you make through the steering wheel and pedals is translated to the road without any flex or delay. The hydraulic suspension system, called Proactive Chassis Control, reads the road surface and adjusts each corner independently. The result is a car that rides comfortably in Normal mode but becomes a razor-sharp instrument in Track mode.

The steering is light and direct, and the car rotates on corner entry with precision that makes it feel smaller than it is. The rear-wheel drive layout rewards smooth inputs and punishes aggression, which makes it a more engaging drive than the all-wheel-drive Huracán. Experienced drivers will love the 720S for its purity. Less experienced drivers should start in Normal or Sport mode and work their way up.

The Dihedral Doors

The 720S features McLaren's signature dihedral doors, which swing up and forward rather than out like conventional doors. The opening motion is dramatic and immediately marks the car as something extraordinary. In a rental context, the doors are a major part of the experience. Every stop for gas, every valet handoff, every arrival at a restaurant becomes a moment because the doors demand attention.

Who Should Rent the 720S

The McLaren 720S is the right rental for someone who prioritizes driving over spectacle. If you want the fastest, most capable supercar available for rent and you care more about how the car performs than how loud it is, the 720S is the answer. It is also the right choice for anyone who has already rented a Huracán or a 488 and wants to step up to something genuinely faster without jumping to hypercar pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to rent a McLaren 720S?
McLaren 720S rentals in Southern California typically range from $1,000 to $1,500 per day. Weekly and monthly discounts are available.

Is the McLaren 720S faster than a Lamborghini Huracán?
Yes. The 720S is significantly faster in a straight line and on a track. It produces more horsepower, weighs less, and has a more advanced aerodynamic package. The Huracán is easier to drive and has all-wheel drive, but the 720S is the faster car.

Is the McLaren 720S hard to drive?
In Normal mode, the 720S is very manageable. The electronic aids are well-calibrated and the car is confidence-inspiring at street speeds. In Track mode with reduced traction control, the car demands respect and experience. Start in Normal mode and work your way up.

Does the McLaren 720S have a trunk?
The 720S has a small front cargo area that can fit a laptop bag or small overnight bag. Like most mid-engine supercars, storage space is minimal.