McLaren 720S Packages Explained: Base, Luxury & Performance

All three specifications use the same basic 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, seven-speed Seamless Shift Gearbox, carbon Monocage II structure, and Proactive Chassis Control II system. McLaren rated the 720S at 720 PS, or 710 bhp, and 568 lb-ft of torque.

McLaren launched the 720S in 2017, while the Spider followed in late 2018. Production continued into the 2023 model year before the 750S replaced it. Options and prices changed during that period, so always verify the exact model year.

720S Trim Overview: Base, Luxury, and Performance

McLaren described Base, Luxury, and Performance as three 720S specification levels. Owners and used-car listings often call them trims or packages. The important point is that 720S Luxury vs. Performance is mainly a specification choice, not a horsepower upgrade. 

For the original U.S. 2018 model year, McLaren listed the Luxury and Performance Coupés at the same MSRP. Each cost more than the standard 720S. 

Base 720S: Standard Equipment

The standard 720S already came with serious performance hardware. Moving to Luxury or Performance did not mean buying a faster engine.

McLaren's specification included:

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  M840T 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8
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  720 PS / 710 bhp
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  7-speed Seamless Shift Gearbox
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  Rear-wheel drive
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  Launch control
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  Carbon-fiber Monocage II structure
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  Proactive Chassis Control II
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  Adaptive dampers
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  Comfort, Sport, and Track modes
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  Carbon-ceramic brakes
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  Active rear spoiler and airbrake
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  Dihedral doors
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  Dual-zone climate control
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  McLaren infotainment system
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  Bluetooth and USB connectivity

The standard exterior used Dark Palladium on areas including the splitter, front intakes, rear aero bridge, lower rear bumper, and diffuser. Satin Graphite surrounded the windows. Inside, buyers could choose Alcantara or a Nappa leather and Alcantara combination.

McLaren 720S Luxury Package: What It Adds

The McLaren 720S Luxury package, more accurately called the Luxury specification in McLaren literature, focused on richer materials and comfort. It was designed for buyers who wanted the performance of the standard 720S without giving the cabin such a track-focused appearance.

Interior Differences

The major change was the McLaren Luxury interior. McLaren's original specification described:

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  Extended luxury leather
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  Leather across more of the dashboard and upper cabin
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  Zircon Silver and Brushed Iridium brightwork
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  Electric, heated memory sports seats
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  Interior ambient lighting

The early U.S. specification also extended leather into the rear luggage area and upper environment. Luxury cars could still receive carbon-fiber interior options. Choosing Luxury did not prevent the first owner from adding sportier components.

Exterior Differences

Luxury used Dark Palladium exterior detailing but added Zircon Silver window surrounds instead of the darker Satin Graphite treatment found on the regular and Performance specifications. Engine-bay ambient lighting was also included in the original Luxury configuration.

Des the 720S Luxury Have a Glass Roof?

Not automatically. This is a common source of confusion.

The 720S Coupé already used glazed C-pillars as part of its design. McLaren separately offered Gorilla Glass exterior door uppers and a carbon-fiber roof. The early Carbon Fiber Exterior Upgrade Pack 3 included the front air intakes and roof in carbon fiber.

The Gorilla Glass option therefore refers to the upper sections of the dihedral doors, not a Luxury-specific panoramic roof. The 720S Spider is different. Its retractable hardtop could be specified with electrochromic glazing on applicable cars. That roof option was separate from choosing Luxury or Performance.

McLaren 720S Performance Package: What It Adds

The McLaren 720S Performance package gives the car a more carbon-heavy and motorsport-inspired appearance.

It does not add horsepower or a different suspension calibration. Contemporary owner discussions also commonly recognize Luxury and Performance as materially and visually different rather than mechanically different.

Interior Differences

The By McLaren Performance cabin combined Nappa leather and Alcantara rather than the Luxury model's leather-focused treatment.

Original Performance specification included:

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  Nappa leather and Alcantara upholstery
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  Contrast colors and stitching depending on selected theme
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  Zircon Silver and Brushed Iridium brightwork
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  Carbon Fiber Primary Interior Components
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  Interior ambient lighting

Primary carbon components included details around the Active Dynamics Panel, steering-wheel clasp, and window switches. McLaren made these components standard on Performance and optional on the other specifications.

Carbon racing seats and additional carbon interior parts remained separate options.

Exterior Differences

Performance received Carbon Fiber Exterior Pack 1 as part of its original specification.

That included:

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  Carbon-fiber hood air intakes
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  Carbon-fiber rear fender air intakes
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  Carbon-fiber door-mirror casings

It also used Dark Palladium lower exterior trim, Satin Graphite window surrounds, and engine-bay ambient lighting. A sports exhaust was still a separate option. A Performance badge or listing description does not prove that the car has every carbon pack or performance-oriented extra.

Luxury vs. Performance: Differences at a Glance

Choosing between 720S Luxury and Performance is mostly about cabin materials and visual presentation.

McLaren's 2018 U.S. price sheet listed Luxury and Performance at the same MSRP, reinforcing that one was not positioned as a higher-performance engine variant. Do not assume Performance automatically has better resale value. Condition, mileage, color, carbon options, MSO content, service history, and overall specification usually matter more.

Individual Factory Options Outside the Packages

The McLaren 720S options list was extensive. Many features buyers now consider essential were independent choices rather than automatic Luxury or Performance equipment. Availability and pricing changed by year and market, but McLaren's early U.S. option list shows how configurable the 720S was.

Exterior and Performance Options

Major cataloged choices included:

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  Carbon Fiber Exterior Upgrade Packs 1, 2, and 3
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  Carbon-fiber front splitter
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  Carbon-fiber rear bumper lower
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  Carbon-fiber diffuser
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  Carbon-fiber front air intakes
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  Carbon-fiber roof
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  Carbon-fiber door uppers
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  Gorilla Glass door uppers
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  Visible Carbon Fiber Monocage II
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  Sports exhaust
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  Stealth Pack
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  Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires
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  Lightweight forged wheels
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  Super-Lightweight 10-spoke forged wheels
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  Different brake-caliper colors
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  Vehicle lift

Interior and Technology Options

Depending on model year, buyers could also choose equipment such as:

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  Electric steering column
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  Electric and heated memory seats
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  Carbon-fiber racing seats
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  Carbon-fiber seat backs
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  Primary and Secondary Carbon Fiber Interior Components
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  Carbon-fiber sill panels
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  Bowers & Wilkins 12-speaker audio
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  McLaren Track Telemetry
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  Track Telemetry cameras
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  360-degree park assist
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  Rear-view camera
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  HomeLink
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  Lithium-ion battery charger
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  Branded floor mats

Later cars used additional package groupings, including Performance Plus, Convenience, Black, and Track-related packages in certain markets and model years. This is why an option list from 2018 should not be treated as universal for a 2022 or 2023 car. 

MSO: McLaren Special Operations Options

The early MSO Defined range included special paint plus carbon-fiber components such as the hood, mirror arms, rear aero bridge, rear deck and engine cover, extended sills, fascia vents, steering wheel, and extended shift paddles. 

McLaren also offered an MSO Defined Track Pack with items including Super-Lightweight wheels, carbon racing seats, sports exhaust, McLaren Track Telemetry, and additional track-oriented components on applicable cars.

How to Identify Your Package on a Window Sticker 

Exterior photographs can provide clues, but they are not enough to prove a 720S specification. Carbon components and wheels can be changed after delivery.

Factory documentation is more useful.

Check the Window Sticker

On a McLaren window sticker, look for wording such as:

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  By McLaren - Luxury
• 
  By McLaren - Performance
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  Carbon Fiber Exterior Upgrade Pack
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  Performance Plus Pack
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  Stealth Pack
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  MSO Defined
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  Individual carbon-fiber components
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  Sports Exhaust
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  Vehicle Lift

A McLaren Window Sticker Lookup can be useful when the original paper sticker is missing. Enter the VIN and review the available original equipment and pricing information.

Understanding McLaren 720S Performance

The three main McLaren 720S packages are easier to understand once you separate styling from mechanical performance. Base provides the same core V8, carbon chassis, suspension, and carbon-ceramic braking hardware.  For a used 720S, the specification name is only the beginning. Individual carbon packs, seats, wheels, exhaust, technology, and MSO options can make two cars very different. 

If you are comparing specific vehicles, check the McLaren window sticker by VIN rather than relying only on a dealer description.