Mclaren driving position
Discussion
Any input would be appreciated from owners and previous owners regarding Mclaren driving position and comfort. I had my heart set on a 650 spider, however 20 mins into a test drive my back was done. I’m 6ft and 95kg, but I couldn’t get comfortable, and the steering wheel at its highest was too low.
I sat in a 570 spider, which felt better but still not right. Then the 570 coupe felt like it was perfect and I could do a long drive in it without issue. Time unfortunately didn’t allow for a drive. However I’m concerned having being set on a 650 the 570 may feel too much like a compromise, and may not be completely happy.
Since coming back home I have been wondering maybe wait 6 - 12 months and get a 720 spider. Is the 720 spider bigger inside the cabin that I’ll be comfortable? Or will it have to be a coupe again? Although that certainly wouldn’t be compromise over a 650.
Looking forward to some insightful information, many thanks.
I sat in a 570 spider, which felt better but still not right. Then the 570 coupe felt like it was perfect and I could do a long drive in it without issue. Time unfortunately didn’t allow for a drive. However I’m concerned having being set on a 650 the 570 may feel too much like a compromise, and may not be completely happy.
Since coming back home I have been wondering maybe wait 6 - 12 months and get a 720 spider. Is the 720 spider bigger inside the cabin that I’ll be comfortable? Or will it have to be a coupe again? Although that certainly wouldn’t be compromise over a 650.
Looking forward to some insightful information, many thanks.
OP, was there anything different about the seats on the 3 cars? Ie were all 3 the same format, standard non electric, electric, bucket seats? I was going to say you might just be really unfortunate and just were someone who didn't get on with the seating position as it can be quite an individual thing but if you found the 570 coupe great but not the others that is a bit strange.
Fwiw driving ergonomics is imo one thing Mclaren have absolutely got spot on, my old 12c had by far the best seating position in a rhd car I have ever had.
Fwiw driving ergonomics is imo one thing Mclaren have absolutely got spot on, my old 12c had by far the best seating position in a rhd car I have ever had.
Thanks for the answers folks. Good question about the seat types, all 3 had electric seats. I like my seat as low as possible and far back. The spiders didn’t allow enough rear adjustment. The 570 coupe was spot on, but if a 720 spider has more room I’d happily wait 6-12 months for that. As opposed to jumping the gun and getting a 570 coupe here and now, then being disappointed I settled when a 720 is more in line what I set out for in the 650. No offence to those with a 570, but that’s not what I had my heart set on. I was gutted the 650 was such a literal pain.
I'm 5'11" and 75Kg and of all the supercars I have sat in the 650S/675LT with P1 style racing seats is the best driving position I have ever experienced.
None of my current or numerous previous supercars even come close.
If you are struggling in a 650S I think you may struggle with any supercar by the sounds of it.
720S might be slightly bigger than 650S
You wouldn't stand a cat in hells chance in my Lamborghini Performante with full carbon racing seats.
None of my current or numerous previous supercars even come close.
If you are struggling in a 650S I think you may struggle with any supercar by the sounds of it.
720S might be slightly bigger than 650S
You wouldn't stand a cat in hells chance in my Lamborghini Performante with full carbon racing seats.
cossievin said:
Thanks for the answers folks. Good question about the seat types, all 3 had electric seats. I like my seat as low as possible and far back. The spiders didn’t allow enough rear adjustment. The 570 coupe was spot on, but if a 720 spider has more room I’d happily wait 6-12 months for that. As opposed to jumping the gun and getting a 570 coupe here and now, then being disappointed I settled when a 720 is more in line what I set out for in the 650. No offence to those with a 570, but that’s not what I had my heart set on. I was gutted the 650 was such a literal pain.
Perhaps try to find 650 with the standard non electric seats and see if you get on better. you sit a bit lower on them vs the electric ones. Or better yet look for one with the 675 bucket seats (albeit they can be quite narrow and tight fitting which without wanting to sound harsh at 95kg you might not easily fit those) which are absolutely spot on in terms of recline and support imo. I guess we're all different shapes, but I'll echo some of the previous comments. My 650 Spider is the most comfortable car I've owned, and that includes a Cayenne. I'm 5'11 and probably more like 95Kg after lockdown!
I'm not sure how many seat options are available on these cars, but mine has electric seats of some kind. I do prefer a different driving position though - I sit low, but prefer to sit quite far forward.
I'm not sure how many seat options are available on these cars, but mine has electric seats of some kind. I do prefer a different driving position though - I sit low, but prefer to sit quite far forward.
rickyneil said:
6’2 and 75kg in a 650 with electric seats
McLarens are generally accepted to have one of the best driving positions and the most comfortable of cars, not just super cars
Similar...6' 2" and 99kg and have a 650 spider with alcatra electric seats.McLarens are generally accepted to have one of the best driving positions and the most comfortable of cars, not just super cars
I have never felt uncomfortable whilst driving it yet.
Intact, just made a post about a wee trip I took yest...so just over 1000miles on the last 7 days in my 650 with no issues of discomfort.
I'm 6'6" and tried a few combinations before I found something that worked:
12C / 650S:
- just couldn't get comfortable with headroom no matter what I did
570S:
- With electric seats - just couldn't get them low enough, so still problems with headroom
- Bucket seats - fine for very very short periods, better in terms of headroom, but was left really sore after a 40 min test drive due to my frame being just too big for the seat. When you are in these you can't wiggle around or adjust your body position to relieve pressure anywhere if you're big, you're just wedged in.
- Manual seats - I am just about ok in these. They drop slightly lower than the electric ones and that difference gives me just enough headroom now
Hope that helps.
12C / 650S:
- just couldn't get comfortable with headroom no matter what I did
570S:
- With electric seats - just couldn't get them low enough, so still problems with headroom
- Bucket seats - fine for very very short periods, better in terms of headroom, but was left really sore after a 40 min test drive due to my frame being just too big for the seat. When you are in these you can't wiggle around or adjust your body position to relieve pressure anywhere if you're big, you're just wedged in.
- Manual seats - I am just about ok in these. They drop slightly lower than the electric ones and that difference gives me just enough headroom now
Hope that helps.
6ft and 106kg with a long broad back and couldn't get comfortable in the 12C/650S.
I was in the market for a 650s or 570s, ultimately spent more on a 570s than the 650s I was looking at. Pace was similar but in my opinion the 570s was more enjoyable, looked better and I could sit lower and more comfortably in the car.
Initially I was worried about not getting the 'bigger' one, but haven't regretted my decision one bit since taking it.
I was in the market for a 650s or 570s, ultimately spent more on a 570s than the 650s I was looking at. Pace was similar but in my opinion the 570s was more enjoyable, looked better and I could sit lower and more comfortably in the car.
Initially I was worried about not getting the 'bigger' one, but haven't regretted my decision one bit since taking it.
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