McLaren Lineup Compared: Artura, GT, 720S, 750S, and 765LT

McLaren’s current and recent lineup covers a wider range of buyers than most people think. At the entry, you’ve got the hybrid V6 Artura. At the top, you’ve got the track-bred 765LT. They share a brand DNA, but they’re built for very different drivers. This article walks through the five core McLarens you’re most likely weighing today, and how to think about the choice.

For broader brand context on pre-owned McLaren ownership, our complete guide to buying a pre-owned McLaren covers the basics. This piece is the model-level comparison.

The Lineup at a Glance

McLaren’s modern lineup is built around a carbon tub. Nearly every model uses it. So the differences between cars come down to drivetrain, body, weight, and intent — not new platforms.

Artura. Entry point. Twin-turbo V6 plus electric motor. McLaren’s first series-production hybrid. Smaller, lighter, and easier to use daily than the V8 cars.

GT. Front-mid engine V8 in a more relaxed, touring body. Built for long trips, not track tools.

720S. The car that defined the modern McLaren era. Twin-turbo V8, lighter than rivals, and known for a chassis at the very top of its segment.

750S. The 720S’s successor. Same architecture, but with refinements: more power, sharper damping. It’s the McLaren you can buy new today as the “core” V8 supercar.

765LT. The Longtail variant. Track-focused, lighter, more powerful, more aggressive looking, and built in limited numbers. So it’s the closest McLaren has to a collector-grade modern supercar.

Artura: McLaren’s Hybrid Entry Point

The Artura is a different animal than the V8 cars.

The drivetrain. A 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 paired with an electric motor in the gearbox housing. Combined output is about 671 hp. The electric motor gives you instant torque off the line. The hybrid system also lets you drive short distances on EV only — handy for quiet morning starts.

The experience. The Artura feels smaller and lighter than the 720S or 750S. Steering is sharper. The car turns in more aggressively. And the smaller V6 with its electric assist has a different power delivery than the V8 cars. Some drivers love it. Others miss the sonic drama of the V8.

The buyer. Artura buyers tend to want day-to-day usability, slightly easier ingress and egress, and a more modern hybrid drivetrain. It’s the McLaren most likely to be your only car if you don’t have a separate daily driver.

Watch points. This is McLaren’s first series hybrid. Early Arturas had software and quality issues. Most have been addressed through updates. But used buyers should still pay close attention to service history and any open recalls. Our piece on exotic car maintenance costs covers the broader brand cost picture.

GT: The Touring McLaren

The GT is the most misunderstood car in the lineup.

The drivetrain. A 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with 612 hp, driving the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch. Less peak power than the 720S. But it’s tuned for broader midrange and more relaxed delivery.

The body. Longer, with usable luggage space behind the engine and under the hood. That’s real cargo room for a mid-engine supercar. Visibility is also better than the 720S or 750S. And the ride is much softer.

The intent. The GT is built for cross-country and cross-continent driving. It’s the McLaren you take on a 1,000-mile road trip. It’s not as fast around a track as the 720S — but that’s not the point.

The buyer. GT buyers want a McLaren for the experience and the brand, but they drive on real roads, not tracks. We often see existing Aston Martin or Bentley GT owners step into a GT.

720S: The Benchmark

Even with the 750S now on sale, the 720S remains the benchmark mid-engine supercar of its era.

The drivetrain. A 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with 710 hp (720 PS — hence the name). It runs through a seven-speed dual-clutch. The mix of power, light weight, and chassis tuning gives you numbers that beat cars two tiers above it in price.

The chassis. This is what made the 720S famous. McLaren’s proactive chassis control gives the car an unusual mix of ride comfort and body control. It rides better than a Ferrari F8 or a Lamborghini Huracán in most conditions. And it out-corners both in many measures.

Our comparison. Our existing piece McLaren 720S vs Ferrari F8 Tributo goes deeper on the matchup against Ferrari’s V8 mid-engine car of the time.

The market position. In many ways, the 720S is the value champ of the modern McLaren lineup. As a used buy, you get the carbon tub, the chassis sophistication, and V8 character at a price well below the 750S or 765LT.

750S: The Evolution

The 750S takes the 720S recipe and refines it across the board.

What changed. More power — 740 hp — plus sharper damping, retuned aero, and detail upgrades throughout. It’s not a clean-sheet design. It’s an iteration on the 720S formula.

The driving experience. Sharper throttle response, more aggressive damping in track mode, and a louder, more present exhaust. If you found the 720S almost too refined, the 750S brings back some edge.

The market position. The 750S is the current new car and the McLaren most allocation buyers focus on. The used 750S market is still developing as cars work through first-owner cycles.

For Ferrari cross-shoppers. The 750S goes up against the Ferrari 296 GTB more than any other car. We cover that in our McLaren 750S vs Ferrari 296 GTB piece.

765LT: The Longtail

The 765LT is the most extreme of the five cars here. It’s also the only one with limited-production collector dynamics.

What “LT” means. “Longtail” — McLaren’s tag for its most track-focused, lightest, most powerful variants. The name traces back to the 675LT, which itself referenced the 1990s McLaren F1 GTR Longtail racing variant.

The package. Compared to the 720S it’s based on, the LT brings more power (754 hp), big weight reduction, more aggressive aerodynamics, sharper damping, lighter wheels, and detail changes throughout for track use.

Production volume. Production was limited (765 coupes plus a separate Spider count). Historically, that’s driven different market dynamics than the open-production 720S and 750S. We’d caution against assuming that pattern continues. Our exotic cars as investments piece covers the broader category.

Who it’s for. The 765LT suits buyers who want a McLaren that’s genuinely uncompromising — and who have at least one other car for daily and long-distance use. The LT is harder-edged than the 720S or 750S in damping, in cabin noise, and in usability. For its mission, those are features.

How to Choose Between Them

A quick walk through the decision tree:

If you want a daily-usable McLaren with a modern hybrid drivetrain: The Artura is the obvious answer.

If you want a McLaren mostly for road trips and long-distance comfort: Go with the GT. Don’t fight its character by cross-shopping it against the 720S or 750S.

If you want the most performance-per-dollar in the used market: The 720S is the answer. It’s still exceptional, and the used market gives you real buying power.

If you want the current new McLaren: The 750S is the car. It’s the current model and the natural pick if you want the latest version.

If you want a limited-production, hard-edged, track-focused McLaren with collector appeal: The 765LT is the answer — when you can find one at a reasonable price.

Cross-Shopping Against Ferrari and Lamborghini

In this segment, you’re rarely choosing between only McLarens. Most buyers also look at Ferrari and Lamborghini equivalents.

Against Ferrari, McLaren usually wins on raw track performance and chassis sophistication. But it tends to lose on brand prestige, allocation dynamics, and dealer relationship value. Against Lamborghini, McLaren wins on driver-focused engineering. Still, it tends to lose on aesthetic presence and brand recognition with non-enthusiasts.

Our broader Ferrari vs Lamborghini pre-owned comparison covers the brand-level dynamics. The McLaren equation is genuinely different. So it’s worth thinking through on its own terms.

What We Tell McLaren Buyers

McLaren ownership rewards buyers who value the engineering and the drive. But it’s been more challenging for buyers who care most about brand prestige or strong residual values. The 765LT has been the exception on the residual side. Still, past behavior is not a reliable guide to future market behavior.

For the right buyer — someone who wants a uniquely engineered modern supercar and isn’t buying for the badge alone — McLaren is one of the most rewarding picks in the segment. The choice between Artura, GT, 720S, 750S, and 765LT mostly comes down to how you’ll actually use the car.

If you’re working through that choice and want to talk it through, reach out. We’re happy to help you think through which McLaren fits and how to find the right example.

McLaren Specification Strategy: Color, MSO, and Used-Market Realities

McLaren ownership rewards thoughtful specification more than many buyers realize. The brand’s design language is angular and engineered-looking. Colors that align with the cars’ visual identity — Volcano Orange, Lantana Purple, Memphis Red, the various MSO blues, satin and matte finishes — have historically drawn broader buyer interest than choices that ignore the car’s design.

MSO commissioning runs from modest paint upgrades to full bespoke builds with custom paint, interior treatments, and detail engineering. For 720S, 750S, and 765LT examples in particular, well-executed MSO content has often been a buyer-interest factor in the used market. From what we’ve seen, subtle and considered MSO builds tend to attract broader interest than aggressive or polarizing builds. Of course, there are exceptions — ultra-distinctive MSO commissioning has its own collector audience. Our paint-to-sample and bespoke specifications article covers strategic specification choices across brands.

A few spec items that come up over and over in McLaren buyer conversations:

Carbon fiber treatment. Lots of exterior carbon visually intensifies the cars and cuts weight modestly. If you want the track-focused look, you’ll favor extensive carbon. If you prefer a more elegant look, you’ll favor less. Interior carbon is similarly divisive.

Wheel specification. Lightweight forged wheels are available on most variants. They affect both performance and looks. Original-spec wheels in documented condition draw broader interest than aftermarket swaps in most cases.

Vehicle Lift (front axle lift). Essential for South Florida driveways and most exotic-owner garages. Skipping this option creates daily friction that hurts livability.

Sport Exhaust. Standard on most variants. Worth checking on used examples. Aftermarket exhaust mods have variable effect on buyer interest.

Interior trim choices. Carbon Black Alcantara, Comfort sport seats vs. carbon racing seats, contrast stitching — these compound choices affect both daily livability and market interest. The “track-focused interior” choices (carbon buckets, less sound insulation, no radio) suit cars actually used on track. They feel out of place on cars that aren’t.

In the pre-owned market, we’ve seen this play out clearly: well-specified examples — even at higher initial prices — attract stronger buyer interest than ordinary or compromised examples. The selectivity dynamic from our Q2 2026 market report applies hard in McLaren deals.

For buyers commissioning a new McLaren build, the question isn’t just “what do you want now?” It’s “what will you still want in three to five years?” Builds that reflect lasting preferences tend to be more satisfying over the ownership cycle than builds chasing current trends. These are sophisticated cars, and they reward owners who stick with them for years, not months.

Frequently Asked Questions About the McLaren Lineup

Is the 720S still a smart used buy with the 750S available?

For many buyers, yes. The 720S delivers exceptional performance, the same chassis sophistication that defines McLaren, and a much lower entry price than the 750S. The 750S is more refined and current. But the 720S is not an outdated car. It still performs at the very top of the segment. If you don’t specifically need the latest model, the 720S is often the better value.

How does the Artura compare to the Porsche 911 Turbo S in daily use?

These cars solve daily use differently. The Turbo S has all-wheel drive, more conventional ergonomics, and a larger service network. So daily life is generally easier. The Artura is lighter, more agile-feeling, and offers EV-only mode for quiet residential exits. But its cabin is less practical. If pure daily ease matters most, you’ll usually prefer the Turbo S. If you want the McLaren character with reasonable daily usability, you’ll prefer the Artura.

Is McLaren service really a problem?

The honest answer: it depends on your market. In South Florida, Los Angeles, New York, and most major metros, McLaren authorized service is accessible and competent. In smaller markets, the dealer network is sparser than Porsche or Ferrari. The independent specialist network has been growing for McLaren, but it’s less mature than for Porsche or the Italian exotics. Buyers in major markets don’t usually feel the friction. Buyers in smaller markets sometimes do.

Will the 765LT continue to hold value?

We don’t predict markets. The 765LT has historically drawn strong interest as a limited, track-focused McLaren. Current market activity suggests continued buyer interest. But whether that pattern continues depends on factors we can’t forecast — broader collector market direction, McLaren’s brand trajectory, new ultra-limited variants, and macro conditions. Don’t buy a 765LT primarily as a financial position.

Should I cross-shop the 750S against a Ferrari 296 GTB?

Yes — and we cover the head-to-head in our McLaren 750S vs Ferrari 296 GTB article. The cars target similar buyers. The 750S has more conventional V8 supercar character. The 296 has the newer hybrid V6 setup. Brand experience, driving feel, and budget all factor in.

Is the GT really a McLaren, or is it a luxury GT in McLaren clothing?

It’s genuinely a McLaren. The carbon tub, the V8, the dihedral doors, the engineering DNA — all consistent with the rest of the lineup. But the mission is different: touring rather than performance. Buyers who reject the concept usually do so before driving the car. Buyers who try it either connect with the touring mission or realize they want one of the V8 performance cars instead.

What’s the right McLaren for someone who has never owned one?

It depends entirely on use case. For most first-time McLaren buyers, the 720S in the used market is the natural entry — accessible price for the segment, mature platform, broad capability. The GT suits buyers who want touring use. The Artura suits buyers who want hybrid and slightly smaller scale. The 750S is the current new-purchase choice. The 765LT is generally not where most first-time buyers start.

How does McLaren depreciate compared to other exotic brands?

McLaren depreciation has historically been more variable than Ferrari or Porsche across most variants. Limited-production specials (765LT, 600LT, P1, Senna, Speedtail) have followed different patterns than open-production cars. The broader pre-owned McLaren market has consistently offered real value compared to MSRP on the open-production cars. Our exotic depreciation article covers the broader pattern.

Should I worry about McLaren’s long-term brand stability?

McLaren has had business challenges over recent years. That’s prompted some buyer concern. The company has continued production, continued service support, and continued new model development through those challenges. For prospective owners, the practical questions are about current service support and parts availability — not brand survival. Current support is reasonable in major markets. But if long-term brand concerns weigh on you, factor it in.

How does McLaren’s MSO program compare to Ferrari Tailor Made?

McLaren Special Operations (MSO) is McLaren’s bespoke division. It’s broadly comparable in concept to Ferrari Tailor Made, but smaller in scale. MSO supports custom paint, interior treatments, carbon fiber details, and limited additional customization. Tailor Made offers somewhat broader bespoke scope, reflecting Ferrari’s larger production and longer-established bespoke program. Both deliver real customization for buyers committed to bespoke commissioning. Our paint-to-sample article covers the strategic spec considerations.

What about the McLaren W1 successor to the P1?

The McLaren W1 is the brand’s hypercar successor program. Allocation involves direct manufacturer-client relationships at the top level. For buyers with established McLaren relationships and serious interest in the hypercar segment, the W1 is the brand’s most extreme current expression.

McLaren Used Market Considerations

Each McLaren variant has distinct used market dynamics worth understanding.

Artura used market. Limited inventory given relatively recent introduction. Early production cars have software and quality history worth verifying.

GT used market. Lower inventory than the V8 cars. Specific buyer pool for touring-focused configuration.

720S used market. Active across years. Strong value proposition relative to current 750S. Specifications and condition matter heavily.

750S used market. Limited inventory given recent introduction. Pricing reflects current production status.

765LT used market. Limited inventory throughout. Documentation and provenance essential. Pricing variability significant.

For each variant, our recommendation: focus on documented service history, original or returned-to-stock specification, and condition over chasing the lowest pricing. Quality examples support better long-term ownership than compromised examples at any price point.

Frequently Asked Questions — Continued

Should I cross-shop the McLaren GT against Bentley Continental GT or Aston DB12?

These cars share GT character but differ meaningfully. McLaren GT brings carbon tub and mid-engine architecture. Bentley and Aston offer more traditional GT character with different brand experiences. Personal preference for engineering vs traditional luxury drives the choice.

What about McLaren extended warranty programs?

McLaren extended warranty coverage is available and often worthwhile for buyers planning long-term ownership beyond original warranty period.

How do I find McLaren specialist service in smaller markets?

The independent McLaren specialist network is developing. Major metros have established options. Smaller markets may require longer drives to authorized service or qualified specialists.

Should I add tracking and security to McLaren?

Yes for high-value variants. GPS tracking supports recovery in theft scenarios.

What about McLaren’s electrification roadmap beyond Artura?

McLaren has announced continued hybrid and electric development. Future model lineup likely includes additional electrified options. Specifics depend on McLaren’s strategic direction.

This article is general educational content based on our experience as an exotic car dealer. It is not investment, financial, or technical advice. Specifications, prices, and market dynamics change over time and vary by individual vehicle. Before buying any specific vehicle, conduct your own inspection, verify the car’s history, and consult appropriate professional advisors.