McLaren’s philosophy on cars is to operate on the principles of lightness, aerodynamics, and precision, and few things can be more striking or monumentally more impressive against the Dubai skyline. When it comes to supercar days, you’re likely to find yourself in two contenders in the shortlist: the 720S and the Artura. They’re both quite quick, but they’re also completely different in feel and Dubai traffic is far from being the place where spec sheets apply.

Prior to comparing them, look the McLaren rental in Dubai provides to have a look at the models specific rental organizations offer for your dates. It changes from day to day, so make sure to check early to see what is on the line up.

Two very different characters

The 720S is the McLaren most people imagine – twin-turbocharged V8 behind your shoulders with doors that open up and forward, and a shape that’s shaped by the flow of air. The road-facing lights have a unique “eye socket” style, and can be spotted from a distance across a car park. It’s loud, intense and theatrical.

The Artura is McLaren’s top performance hybrid. It utilizes an electric motor and compact twin-turbocharged V6 engine and can be used for short-distance electric driving. Still a proper supercar of course, but a calmer and a more modern one.

Scenario one: an evening in the city

Now, imagine Sheikh Zayed Road, Downtown and the Marina on a Friday night: low traffic, valet parking and hotel driveways.Now imagine Sheikh Zayed Road, Downtown and Marina on a Friday night: low traffic, valet parking/hotel driveways.

The Artura is the winner at this point. Using the electric mode for quiet hotel entry is quite a special time, and the electric torque provides instant acceleration when it’s time to slow down. Here, the 720S is more demanding. Low and wide, it will need care from speed bumps and steep car park ramps, although many cars have the nose lift function which can help. The good news is that the glass canopy provides greater visibility than perhaps you’d expect.

Scenario two: a mountain morning

Imagine Jebel Jais or the road to Hatta at sunrise and with no bends in the road and clear skies.

Here’s both cars really clever, in a different way. Every straight becomes an event with the 720S; the V8 booms on the rock walls and gets quick off the blocks with just a bit of gasoline. The Artura is responsive, agile and precise, filling in every gap in the power with electric response. The 720S is a little faster if it’s a drama you’re going for.

Scenario three: the photo shoot

If you want a car that looks the part, there’s no rival to the 720S. Lock it in front of the Museum of the Future or lock it in the Marina at dusk—people will stop. The Artura is also a beautiful car, although less flashy.

Downtown (with the Burj Khalifa in the rearview mirror), Marina (at night), Al Qudra desert roads (at dawn) and Jebel Jais mountain viewpoints are excellent places to park either car. Please park in designated spots as some locations may have restrictions on parking.

Scenario four: your first supercar

If you have never driven an engine this awesome, the Artura’s more progressive and less intimidating behaviour. The 720S is a car that pays off for the driver’s experience. It’s not difficult to drive, but it’s always eager, and you feel it.

Before you book

Compared to a regular car rental, a McLaren rental requires more documentation. Read deposit and insurance conditions, check on daily mileage limit before planning a mountain run and ask how Salik tolls and fines are charged. The age and driving-experience requirements vary from company to company, so check the offer conditions.

The planning becomes easier one thing: the booking on Yango Drive can be canceled for free up to 48 hours prior to the beginning of the rental period. Often you can book early, just in case of changes of plans, for a busy weekend.

Not sure it should be a McLaren?

Halfway through planning, some travellers find themselves thinking that they would like to travel in a grand tourer, a luxury sport utility or a convertible to the coast. If you are the type of person, you need to consider premium car hire in Dubai from a much wider perspective to compare different brands and classes before taking the final decision.

Our pick

Select the 720S for the biggest sound, the biggest doors and the biggest presence for the most emotional weekend ever. If you are planning to spend a lot of time in the city and require a modern, truly practical supercar, the Artura is for you. Either way, make sure to time your travels to avoid the quiet hours and schedule ample time for those photos.

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