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McLaren 650S: generations, engine and what to know when buying used
The McLaren 650S is a British supercar with a carbon fibre body and a V8 twin-turbo engine, produced from 2014 to 2017. In this article, we discuss the Coupé and Spider generations, the engine, and what to check before buying.
The 650S in brief
The 650S is an update to the McLaren 12C, featuring a revised front end, more powerful engine, and sharper dynamic character. The car has a mid-mounted engine, rear-wheel drive, and a carbon fibre central 'MonoCell' structure.
The name comes from its power output — 650 horsepower. Thanks to its lightweight construction and powerful engine, the car is incredibly fast, yet surprisingly comfortable for daily driving.
Which version to choose
The 650S is available with a coupé (Coupé) and a retractable hardtop (Spider) body. The Spider has a folding hard roof and is slightly heavier, but offers an open-top driving experience.
Most buyers opt for the Coupé due to its greater rigidity and lower price. There were also limited-edition versions released, which are rarer and more expensive.
Engine and transmission
The 650S features a 3.8-litre V8 twin-turbo engine producing around 650 hp. The engine is mounted in the middle, with the transmission driving the rear wheels.
The transmission is a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. There is no manual option.
What to check when buying a used 650S
The most important thing is the service history with an official McLaren dealer and whether all software updates have been carried out. Ask for all the invoices and check if there were any recall notices.
Test the hydraulic suspension, brakes, dual-clutch gearbox, and all electronic systems. Check for any leaks of oil or coolant, and inspect the roof mechanism in the Spider version.
Inspect the body for any damage or poor paintwork – carbon fibre repairs are expensive. Before buying, arrange an independent inspection with a specialist.
Trim levels
Names and equipment vary by market and year; we list the versions and trims most commonly found in Europe.
650S Coupé
2014–2017The base coupe version.
- 3.8-litre V8 twin-turbo engine
- Seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox
- Carbon fibre construction
650S Spider
2014–2017Version with a retractable hard top.
- Same tech as the coupe
- Retractable hard top
- Slightly heavier
650S Can-Am ir Le Mans
2015–2016Generations with limited runs.
- Special trim and interior
- Very limited production
- Collector's editions
Comparing versions
| Coupé | Spider | Ribotos serijos | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | For dynamic driving | For open-top motoring | For collectors |
| Engine | 3.8-litre V8 biturbo, around 650hp | 3.8-litre V8 biturbo, around 650hp | 3.8-litre V8 biturbo, around 650hp |
| Gearbox | 7-speed dual-clutch | 7-speed dual-clutch | 7-speed dual-clutch |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | €€€ | €€€ | €€€ |
There are plenty of buyers for the Coupé version. The Spider is only worth considering if an open-top experience is important.
Pros
- Very fast and dynamic
- Carbon fibre construction
- More practical for daily use than most supercars
- Distinctive design
Cons
- Very expensive to maintain
- Small boot space and limited practicality
- Some systems (multimedia) technologies are already outdated
Frequently asked questions
What power does the McLaren 650S have?
Around 650 hp from a 3.8-litre V8 twin-turbo engine.
Does the 650S have a manual gearbox?
No, just a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
How does the 650S differ from the 12C?
The 650S is an updated version with a revised front end, more powerful engine and sharper handling.
Updated 2026-10-19 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
