McLaren 720S Spider

Monocage II-S and the retractable hardtop

The McLaren 720S Spider combines a 3,994 cc twin-turbo V8 with rear-wheel drive, producing 720 PS, approximately 710 bhp, and 770 Nm. Its Monocage II-S structure and electrically retractable hardtop distinguish it from the coupe. McLaren's specification table lists 2.9 seconds to 100 km/h and 341 km/h; the page overview separately says 2.8 seconds. The catalogue retains the table's 2.9-second figure and records that presentation difference rather than blending it into a new claim.

We have not driven this model for this article. This guide uses McLaren's official Spider page, the PistonHeads 720S buying guide and McLaren's recall portal. The independent article dates from 2021, so its prices and warranty examples are not current. No official Spider production total is established by these sources, and the catalogue count remains unset.

Demonstrate the complete roof sequence

Operate the hardtop through a complete opening and closing cycle with the seller's permission and in suitable conditions. Watch for even movement, alignment and warning messages rather than judging the roof from a static photograph. Ask for previous adjustment, seal, sensor or mechanism invoices. These are inspection recommendations, not a claim of a universal Spider roof defect.

Inspect the fabric or trim around the roof mechanism, seals and nearby cabin surfaces for wear or water marks. Ask the specialist to examine accessible drainage paths. If weather, battery condition or access prevents a full demonstration, arrange another opportunity and record the limitation. A seller's video of an earlier cycle does not replace observing the actual car.

Electrochromic roof and cabin equipment

If the optional electrochromic roof is fitted, demonstrate its operation and confirm the equipment against the build record. Do not assume that every Spider has it. PistonHeads identifies this as a notable option, so its presence or absence affects the individual inspection and specification rather than serving as a generic model claim.

Test the infotainment, Bluetooth, navigation, cameras and audio controls. The Spider's system differs from earlier IRIS units, and the buying guide's comments should not be transferred wholesale from an older McLaren. Check seat adjustment, windows, mirrors, climate control and lighting, and record any intermittent function for diagnosis.

Adaptive suspension and front lift

PistonHeads identifies adaptive-damper leaks and accumulator concerns on the 720S. Ask a McLaren specialist to inspect the hydraulic components, dampers and ride height, and request the history of any warning or repair. The Spider's open body does not justify skipping these checks or assuming that the coupe's individual history applies.

Demonstrate front lift where fitted and inspect the splitter and underbody independently. Look for leaks, settling or incomplete operation and ask which undertrays were removed. Compare tyre wear with alignment and suspension condition. Circuit use or storage should be connected to subsequent maintenance rather than used as a substitute for measurements.

Brake-banjo recall and carbon-ceramic condition

The 2021 guide discusses a brake-banjo recall affecting certain 2019 and 2020 720S models. The Spider's catalogue span begins in 2019, so the VIN and dealer record are essential. Do not infer applicability or completion from the model year alone. Use McLaren's regional recall route and retain authorised-retailer confirmation.

Measure carbon-ceramic discs and pads and review brake-fluid history. A clean surface cannot establish remaining service life. Ask for any post-track inspections and current estimates for identified work. Campaign completion and consumable condition are separate pieces of evidence and should not be used to answer each other's questions.

Glass, trim and active aerodynamics

Inspect the windscreen and other glass for cracks, and test the wipers and washers. PistonHeads reports glass concerns on the 720S, but each mark should be assessed individually rather than turned into a model-wide prediction. Ask about any replacement and whether the work was documented.

Inspect the active rear spoiler, roof surround, front splitter and body panels for damage and alignment. Demonstrate equipment through appropriate controls rather than an improvised road test. Check cabin trim, seatbelts and switches for looseness or discolouration, and compare replaced items with the build record.

V8 and twin-clutch service history

Observe the engine cold and warm, inspect accessible fluids and request diagnostic records before warnings are cleared. Annual or 10,000-mile service invoices should connect oil, filters, coolant work and any suspension or roof repairs. Historic service prices in the guide are not current quotations.

Assess the twin-clutch gearbox through normal operation and model-appropriate diagnostics. Avoid repeated launches and do not import single-clutch assumptions from another brand. Ask about software updates and whether any shift or warning symptom returned after repair. A coherent service file is more useful than a short demonstration alone.

Provenance and recall confirmation

Match the car's options, including the electrochromic roof, wheels and cabin equipment, to the factory build record. Ask for storage and recommissioning history, battery support and any software campaigns. A regularly used car with complete invoices can be more informative than a low-mileage car with long gaps.

Use McLaren's official recall portal to select the relevant regional route and confirm the VIN with an authorised retailer. Retain evidence of completed work. The portal does not provide one worldwide all-campaign result, and a clear regional check does not verify unrelated servicing.

Method and limits

An independent Spider assessment should include a complete roof cycle, optional roof equipment, adaptive suspension, lift, measured brakes, glass, trim and diagnostics. Record anything not demonstrated and arrange follow-up for material omissions. Keep owner accounts separate from physical measurements and completed repairs.

We have not driven this model for this article. No current transaction price, investment return or universal reliability claim is made. Official McLaren material establishes the Spider's structure and equipment, while the dated buying guide supplies bounded ownership prompts. Production remains unset, and the individual car's documented condition is more useful than an unsupported total.