McLaren has established itself as a prominent player in the automotive industry when it comes to high-performance sports cars.
The McLaren 650S, a successor to the McLaren 12C, is one of the more remarkable examples of their engineering prowess and dedication to creating top-tier supercars.
In this comprehensive review, we will take deep look into the McLaren 650S, exploring its design, performance, technology and overall driving experience to understand why it’s earned its reputation as an exhilarating road and track monster.
Design and Exterior
The McLaren 650S boasts a design that seamlessly blends aerodynamics, aesthetics and functionality. It’s unmistakably a McLaren, with its sharp, aggressive lines and a low-slung, sleek silhouette.
The front end features the signature McLaren logo set against a blacked-out grille, flanked by menacing LED headlights that enhance visibility and add to the car’s striking appearance.
One of the most striking design elements is the dihedral doors, a McLaren trademark. These doors swing upwards, giving the car an exotic look and facilitating easier entry and exit. They’re also engineered for practicality, as they don’t require excessive clearance when opening.
Moving towards the rear, the McLaren 650S showcases a prominent air brake, which activates during hard braking and high-speed driving to enhance downforce and stability. The twin exhaust pipes nestled in the rear diffuser contribute to the car’s performance and emit a visceral, guttural growl when you unleash the engine’s power.
Interior and Comfort
The McLaren 650S boasts a luxurious yet functional cabin. Its interior is crafted with premium materials such as leather, Alcantara and carbon fibre, giving off a sense of lavishness. The car’s lightweight carbon fibre racing seats offer excellent support while still ensuring comfort during long drives.
The 650S’s infotainment system is highly functional, with an easy-to-use touchscreen interface that provides access to navigation, audio controls and vehicle information. While it may not match the offerings of luxury sedans, it’s more than sufficient for a supercar in this category.
Although interior space is limited, the car is comfortable enough for two passengers. Surprisingly, the trunk is spacious enough to accommodate luggage for a weekend getaway – offering more practicality than one might expect from a supercar.
Performance and Engine
The heart of the McLaren 650S is its incredible powertrain. Under the rear engine cover lies a 3.8-
litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces a staggering 641 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. This power is sent to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
With this potent setup, the McLaren 650S is capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 2.8 seconds – making it one of the quickest cars on the road. The car’s top speed exceeds 200 mph, a testament to its raw power and aerodynamic efficiency.
What sets the McLaren 650S apart from many other supercars is its balance between power and handling. The car features a carbon fibre monocoque chassis that ensures a rigid and lightweight structure, enhancing both performance and safety. The adaptive suspension system allows you to switch between Normal, Sport and Track modes, adjusting the ride quality and handling characteristics to suit your preferences or driving conditions.
The handling of the McLaren 650S is nothing short of remarkable. It’s a car that inspires confidence on twisty mountain roads or racetracks, thanks to its precise steering and impeccable grip. The combination of advanced aerodynamics and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential ensures that the car feels planted to the road even at high speeds.
Driving Experience
Getting behind the wheel of the McLaren 650S is an experience that’s hard to put into words. It’s a sensory overload of power, sound and precision. The roar of the V8 engine as you accelerate is exhilarating and the rapid gear changes from the dual-clutch transmission are seamless.
The car’s driving modes allow you to tailor the experience to your liking. In Normal mode, it’s surprisingly docile and easy to drive in everyday traffic. Sport mode sharpens throttle response and increases exhaust volume, while Track mode transforms the 650S into a track-focused beast, with minimal traction control intervention and lightning-quick gear shifts.
The steering is incredibly precise and provides excellent feedback. You can feel every nuance of the road through the steering wheel, allowing you to make minute adjustments effortlessly. The combination of powerful brakes and the air brake system ensures that the McLaren 650S can come to a halt at high speeds without breaking a sweat.
Fuel Economy and Efficiency
Unsurprisingly, fuel efficiency is not a strong suit of the McLaren 650S. With its high-performance engine and focus on speed, the car returns an EPA-estimated 15 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.
However, it’s worth noting that those who can afford a supercar of this calibre often prioritise performance over fuel economy.
Technology and Features
The McLaren 650S is renowned for its cutting-edge automotive technology and innovative features. At its core is an active aerodynamics system, featuring an adjustable rear spoiler, optimising downforce and stability during high-speed maneuvers. Its adaptive suspension system allows for a seamless transition between different driving modes, ensuring both comfort and performance are at their peak.
Optional carbon ceramic brakes provide exceptional stopping power, emphasising safety alongside speed. Inside, the 650S boasts an intuitive touchscreen infotainment system, offering access to navigation, audio controls and essential vehicle data.
The lightweight carbon fibre racing seats not only enhance the driving experience but also showcase McLaren’s commitment to weight reduction. Steering wheel controls offer convenient access to vital functions, while advanced driver aids such as parking sensors and a rearview camera enhance practicality.
Furthermore, the presence of launch control ensures maximum acceleration, making the 650S a pinnacle of high-tech automotive engineering, perfectly harmonising performance and convenience.
Safety
Safety is not the primary focus of a supercar like the McLaren 650S, but it still incorporates several safety features to ensure the well-being of its occupants. These features include:
Carbon fibre monocoque: The lightweight yet strong carbon fibre chassis provides excellent crash protection.
Airbags: The car comes equipped with front and side airbags for both the driver and passenger.
Stability control: The advanced stability control system helps keep the car under control during challenging driving conditions.
Tire pressure monitoring: This feature ensures that you’re always aware of the condition of your tires – crucial for maintaining control at high speeds.
Parking aids: Parking sensors and a rearview camera assist in low-speed manoeuvring and parking.
Pricing and Value
Owning a McLaren 650S is undoubtedly a luxury and it comes with a price tag to match. The base price of the 650S varies depending on options and customisations but typically starts around $280,000. Optional extras, such as carbon ceramic brakes or bespoke interior materials, can significantly increase the cost.
It’s important to note that owning a supercar like the McLaren 650S also comes with maintenance and operating costs, which can be substantial. Routine servicing, specialised tires and insurance for a high-performance car can add up over time. However, for enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate the blend of luxury and performance, the McLaren 650S is considered a valuable investment.
In terms of resale value, supercars like the McLaren 650S tend to hold their value relatively well compared to mainstream vehicles. However, depreciation can still be a factor, especially if you plan to sell the car after a few years. It’s worth considering factors such as mileage, condition and market demand when assessing the potential resale value.
Conclusion
The McLaren 650S is a testament to McLaren’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering. It’s a stunning supercar that not only looks the part but delivers on its promise of incredible performance. With a powerful V8 engine, precise handling and striking design, it offers an unforgettable driving experience that’s sure to leave a lasting impression on enthusiasts and collectors alike.
While it may not be the most practical choice for everyday use, the 650S isn’t intended to be. It’s a machine designed to excel on the open road and the racetrack, delivering an adrenaline rush every time you put your foot on the accelerator.
If you have the means and the passion for high-performance automobiles, the McLaren 650S is undoubtedly worth considering. It’s a symbol of automotive excellence, combining raw power, cutting-edge technology and a touch of luxury in a package that’s sure to satisfy the most discerning of supercar enthusiasts.
Whether you’re a seasoned driver or someone looking to experience the thrill of supercar ownership for the first time, the McLaren 650S will not disappoint. It’s a masterpiece of engineering that continues to capture the hearts of automotive lovers around the world.
