The 720S was launched at the Geneva Motor Show on 7 March 2017 and is built on a modified carbon monocoque, which is lighter and stiffer than the previous model, the 650S.

The new system features accelerometers on the top and pressure sensors at the bottom of the dampers to precisely communicate to the car's onboard computer the driving conditions in real-time for optimum suspension settings.

[9][10] The carbon fibre tub used in the 720S' chassis is based on the similar principle of the MonoCage unit in the P1 but is 18 kg (40 lb) lighter than its predecessor.

Called the MonoCage II, the tub allows for dihedral doors[citation needed] with large cutouts for easier entry and exit.

A Bowers and Wilkins audio system and fixed carbon fibre racing seats are included as an option.

[15] McLaren claims class-leading efficiency for the new 720S, with CO2 emissions of 249 g/km and combined fuel economy of 26.4 mpg‑imp (22.0 mpg‑US; 10.7 L/100 km)[16]—both of these figures represent an improvement of around 10% from the previous 650S.

The rear of the car features thin LED taillights similar to those on the McLaren P1, and two round exhaust pipes.

Due to the integral roll structure of the monocoque used in the 720S, the Spider did not need additional bracing to compensate for the loss of a fixed roof.

The modified monocoque loses the spine running from front to the rear of the car and is dubbed the Monocage II-S. Due to the loss of the roof, the 720S Spider uses traditional dihedral doors.

This is the driver’s point of reference at all times, in order to circle the bend on the ideal line and to be able to accelerate out of it as early as possible.

On the outside, the presentation vehicles show either white or red paintwork and thus reproduce the typical colors of curbs in the group photos when they are parked next to each other.

Air intakes, exterior mirrors and the active rear spoiler are made of visible carbon fibre.

The wheel arches are filled with ultra-light forged ten-spoke rims and at the rear you can find the tailpipes of the sports exhaust, which comes as standard with the Apex Collection.

As the otherwise optional Track Pack is standard on the MSO Apex Collection, there is a titanium rollbar behind the seats including belt attachment points for six-point harnesses, which provide much more support on the racetrack.

[22] Unveiled on 3 March 2020, the 765LT is a limited (765 units worldwide[23]) version of the 720S and the successor to the 675LT as a Super Series Longtail car, focused on track performance.

Other testing sources such as DragTimes have recorded quarter mile times as low as 9.33 seconds at 150.87 mph (242.8 km/h).

[26] The Senna's brake calipers are also available as an extra-cost option; McLaren claims these have four times the thermal conductivity as conventional carbon ceramics, while Pirelli Trofeo R tyres are standard.

Suspension changes involve a 5 mm (0.2 in) reduction in ride height and the use of lightweight main springs with secondary "helper" units as well as an upgraded Proactive Chassis Control system.

[27][28][29] It is a version of 720S coupé celebrating the 25th anniversary of McLaren F1 GTR #59's 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans race win.

Essentially a facelifted version of the 720S, it features redesigned front and rear ends and an increase in power to 750 PS (552 kW; 740 hp).