‘I thought I had driven the world’s best supercar – but then I drove the McLaren 750s’

Mirror Motoring’s Stephen Jones gets to drive some of the best cars in the world – and until now he thought he had experienced it

About five years ago I thought my life had already peaked when I drove ‘the world’s best supercar’ the McLaren 720s – and that life couldn’t get much better.

Well it just happened.

When McLaren unleashed the 720s, the motoring world was set alight. A masterstroke of engineering, performance, and design, it became a benchmark for supercars. But with the arrival of the McLaren 750s, the British carmaker has made a daring claim that the 720s has been eclipsed.

It was a bold claim, but now I have been lucky enough to knock around in the 750s for a few days and take it for a break in the British countryside, I must admit, it’s a breathtaking upgrade.

My first impression was it’s lighter, meaner and ready to pounce on any rival.

Right off the bat, the 750s feels lighter on its feet compared to its predecessor. At 1,430kg, it’s 30kg lighter than the 720s, a number that may seem modest on paper but is immediately noticeable when you get behind the wheel. McLaren’s relentless focus on weight-saving measures (carbon-fibre body panels, thinner glass, and an all-new titanium exhaust) has given the 750s a more agile and responsive character.

The 750s cuts through the air like a hot knife through butter, aided by its aggressive yet elegant design. The familiar sleek, aerodynamic lines of the 720s have been refined even further, giving the 750s an even more purposeful stance. The redesigned front end, with its sharp headlights and larger intakes, makes it clear that this is not just an update; it’s a car that’s been meticulously fine-tuned to deliver the very best driving experience.

Under the bonnet, the 750s features a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that pumps out an astonishing 740bhp, a 30bhp increase over the 720s. This power is sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The 0-62mph sprint time is a blistering 2.7 seconds, just a fraction faster than the 720s, but the real difference becomes apparent in the way the car handles.

Where the 720s is impressive in its own right, the 750s offers a level of precision and responsiveness that pushes the envelope even further. The steering is razor-sharp, giving you the feeling that the car is an extension of your own body. Every input is met with immediate feedback, and it’s this direct connection to the road that makes the 750S so special. On a winding country road, the 750s dances with a level of grace and control that will leave any driving enthusiast grinning from ear to ear.

The suspension has been tweaked for greater comfort and agility, without sacrificing the raw track-ready performance that McLaren is famous for. Through tight corners and sweeping bends, the 750s stays composed, with minimal body roll and an uncanny ability to read the road beneath. It’s a car that invites you to push it harder, to explore the very limits of what it can do. And when you do, the reward is immense.

On the country lanes, where a supercar’s true mettle is tested, the 750s shines. There’s a sense of immediacy in how the car responds to throttle inputs – it’s never caught off-guard. The engine roars to life with a distinctive, aggressive growl, and as you surge down the straights, the speed builds so quickly you can feel the g-forces pressing you back into the seat. But it’s not all about straight-line performance. It’s the way the 750s remains poised through tight corners that steals the show.

Compare this to the 720s, and you’ll see just how much McLaren has refined the handling. While the 720s was undoubtedly fast and capable, the 750s feels even more balanced. The brakes are phenomenal, offering unrivaled stopping power that’s perfectly calibrated for a country-road blast. The feeling of safety and control allows you to take liberties with your driving that you simply wouldn’t consider in a lesser machine.

There’s also a noticeable improvement in the interior. The 750s features a driver-focused cabin that feels luxurious yet purpose-built. The seats, while firm, provide excellent support, and the infotainment system has been updated for better usability on the move – I am a big fan of Apple CarPlay and how it makes any journey that much easier. The cabin is quieter, with less road noise intruding on the experience, making long drives even more enjoyable.

That said, it’s not unexpectedly still tight on space as my wife who is (now too often, she will tell you) forced to sit in the passenger seat clutching my golf clubs will testify. I say it’s a small price to pay!

There’s no question in my mind, the 750s is the new king of the road.

It’s hard to deny that the McLaren 750s takes everything that made the 720s so thrilling and refines it to near perfection. The power, handling, and overall experience are elevated in every conceivable way. Whether you’re cruising along the English countryside or tackling a twisty mountain pass, the 750s offers an experience that leaves you in awe of its capabilities.

While the 720s will always be a remarkable car in its own right, the 750s proves that McLaren’s pursuit of perfection is relentless. The 750s is faster, lighter, and more exhilarating to drive than its predecessor, and it’s an experience that you won’t soon forget.

In the world of supercars, the McLaren 750S is a triumph. If you can afford the price tag – from £254,320 for the 750s, a smidgen more than the £227,300 for the 720s – it’s an absolute must-have.