Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (329 km/h)
Fuel, maker's test (11.7 L/100 km)
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment is mixed, with a clear divide between the driving experience and ownership experience.
6 problems reported (1 very frequent, 3 recurrent, 2 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentGeneral reliability and build quality concerns
Encompassing electronic gremlins, component failures, and fit-and-finish issues, noted as a brand-wide problem.
- RecurrentHydraulic system accumulator failure
A consumable part that fails every 3-4 years, causing PCC errors and preventing suspension mode changes.
- RecurrentIRIS infotainment touchscreen failure
Screen becomes unresponsive, no aftermarket alternative, costly OEM replacement ($2,000-$4,000).
+ 3 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentBattery-related issues
Particularly with expensive Lithium batteries ($2,200-$3,000); low charge can cause various electrical problems.
- IsolatedEngine cam phaser issues
Indicated by rough cold idle, vibration, and smoke; a costly repair.
- IsolatedWheel balance and tire mounting problems
Causing vibrations at high speed (specifically mentioned at 160 mph / 257 km/h).
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" version (e.g., Coupe vs. Spider, standard vs. optional packages). The 650S is frequently discussed as a preferable package to the earlier MP4-12C due to resolved issues and more power, and as a more balanced proposition than the rarer, more extreme 675LT.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Ferrari 458 Italia, Ferrari 488GTB, Lamborghini Huracan, Porsche 911 GT3 RS and Corvette C7 Z06.
Is the 650S right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
Full owner reportHide full owner report
Overall sentiment
Sentiment is mixed, with a clear divide between the driving experience and ownership experience. The vehicle is widely praised by owners and enthusiasts for its exceptional performance, engaging driving dynamics, and significant technological advancements over its predecessor, the MP4-12C. It is described as a "peak" model in the brand's evolution, offering a carbon monocoque chassis, potent twin-turbo V8 engine, and involving handling that makes it feel "glued to the road." However, this positive perception is heavily tempered by recurrent and severe criticism regarding long-term reliability, build quality, and the manufacturer's customer service. The consensus indicates deep satisfaction among driving enthusiasts who can tolerate or mitigate the maintenance challenges, but significant frustration among those expecting trouble-free exotic car ownership.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a significant evolution over the MP4-12C, with which it shares a chassis but features more power, a redesigned front end, and resolved early electronic issues. It is viewed as a more driver-focused and technologically advanced alternative to contemporaries like the Ferrari 458 Italia, often outperforming it on track. Compared to the later 675LT, it is seen as the more usable and less extreme variant, while the 675LT is considered the "hardcore, stripped-down, road-legal track monster" successor. Relative to mainstream supercar competitors like the Corvette C7 Z06, it is acknowledged for its exotic carbon construction and mid-engine layout but criticized for inferior build quality and higher running costs. The brand's broader positioning suffers from a reputation for worse reliability and customer service compared to Ferrari and Lamborghini.
Recommended configurations
A pre-purchase inspection (PPI) conducted by a specialist such as McLaren or an independent expert like McMedics is considered an absolute necessity. Purchasing a vehicle with an existing or extended manufacturer warranty is strongly recommended for peace of mind. Owners advise seeking out later model years (e.g., 2015-2017) as many early issues were reportedly ironed out. A vehicle with a documented service history, including recent replacement of hydraulic system accumulators (a known consumable item every 3-4 years), is preferred. Avoiding low-mileage "garage queens" in favor of examples that are driven regularly is suggested, as frequent use is associated with better reliability.
General recommendations
Suitable for experienced enthusiasts who prioritize driving engagement and performance over build quality and ownership convenience. Buyers must be financially prepared for significant maintenance costs and potential downtime. Essential steps include: a comprehensive PPI focusing on the hydraulic suspension, IRIS touchscreen, battery health, engine cam phasers, and lift system; verifying manufacturing date for later models; and establishing a relationship with a reputable specialist independent shop for servicing. Not recommended as a primary or only vehicle due to reliability concerns. Strongly advised to negotiate purchase price aggressively, as the model and brand suffer from high depreciation.
Remarks
Owner feedback is heavily contextualized by the brand's tumultuous reputation. The 650S is seen as part of a "golden era" (12C -> 650S -> 675LT) before the brand's expansion with the Sport Series (570S) allegedly diluted quality and exacerbated depreciation. Much of the negative reliability data is attributed to early-production (2012-2013) MP4-12C models, with claims that many issues were resolved in later 12Cs and the 650S. However, persistent reports of costly repairs and poor dealer service sustain the negative perception. The high cost of OEM parts (e.g., IRIS screen, batteries) is a significant ownership hurdle. Analysis based on approximately 15 substantive owner discussions and numerous comparative performance references.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearSource: NHTSA (US)Show table
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 2 | 1 | exterior lighting |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices1 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2015 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 19V141000
McLaren Automotive Incorporated (McLaren) is recalling certain 2012-2013 MP4-12C, 2014-2016 650s, 2015-2016 675 LT, 2014-2015 P1 and 2015-2017 570 vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Specifications
CAN-AM 3.8 V8 SSG
3.8L 8-cylinder · 650 hp · RWD · automatic
Built 2015–2016