2022 McLaren 720S

The 2022 McLaren 720S offers a lot of performance and serious go. The exhilaration includes explosive launches and the kind of ethereal agility that’ll send serious drivers into ecstasy. At the heart of McLaren’s lightweight, carbon-fiber-intensive dream machine is a 710-hp twin-turbo V-8. While the engine has considerable turbo lag, the short pause after you stomp the accelerator allows a beat to prepare for a rush to 100 mph in just 5.2 seconds and the ability to reach a claimed 212 mph.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Both the coupe and convertible version of the 2022 McLaren 720S cradle a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 that produces 710 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque. Those totals are funneled through a paddle-shifted seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The 720S coupe we tested at our track rocketed to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds and reached 100 mph in 5.2 ticks. We also had the opportunity to pilot a similar version at our annual Lightning Lap, where we called it “wonderfully fun and scary fast.” We drove one on a twisting and ill-maintained road in California, where its advanced suspension was able to smooth out imperfections and the steering system was a communicative companion. The experience was further evidence that McLaren has unrivaled chassis tuning.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Since the 2022 McLaren 720S clearly isn’t a typical commuter car, it doesn’t receive the typical EPA certification. We estimate the mid-engine machine would achieve between 15 mpg in the city, 22 mpg on the highway, and 18 mpg combined. However, we expect its real-world fuel economy to varying drastically depending on how much time it spends with its throttle wide open.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The core of every 2022 McLaren 720S is its carbon-fiber tub that helps limit weight and ensure rigidity, all while protecting passengers. Contained within this lightweight structure is a two-seat cabin that caters to the driver. While its interior design is less flashy than rivals from Ferrari and Lamborghini, the aesthetic is pleasing, and outward visibility is excellent. Sure, it can be a pain to escape from the low-slung seating position, but that’s standard supercar procedure. Instead, the cabin can be outfitted with a variety of premium materials and bespoke options. Don’t expect ample space to store small items in the 720’s cabin but at least there is a luggage compartment under the hood.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Every 2022 McLaren 720S is fitted with a vertically oriented 7.0-inch touchscreen that includes convenient features such as Bluetooth, a four-speaker audio system, and two USB ports. Those who want a more powerful audio system to drown out the sound of this six-figure supercar’s twin-turbo V-8 can upgrade to a 12-speaker Bowers & Wilkins unit. There’s also an optional track-data recorder (called McLaren Track Telemetry) with or without three exterior cameras to save lap times and relive moments at the racetrack.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2022 McLaren 720S does not offer any traditional driver-assistance technology but can be equipped with several useful options that help keep it free of dents and scratches. For more information about the 720S’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

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