It’s always a bit nerve-wracking to pick up a McLaren press car when I’m fortunate enough to drive one. McLaren keeps their press cars in the New York area in Manhattan at The Classic Car Club, which sits on the West Side Highway near the Lincoln Tunnel.

Driving it home to northwestern New Jersey is always stressful for the first 20 or so miles, as I pass through the crowded tunnel and over the pock-marked and heavily trafficked roads near the big city.

The roads in and around New York City are certainly not the best place to drive a supercar, but those first miles were some of the most revealing to show off the unexpected abilities of the McLaren 720S.

On roads that should punish you for being in a stiffly sprung, low-slung car, the 720S is unusually comfortable and compliant, which are qualities that make it surprisingly approachable and usable.

Once clear of the congestion, the 720S lopes along easily on the interstate, with the biggest concern being run into by other drivers who are trying to shoot a video of the car while they’re driving.

Photo: David Haueter

Thankfully, the 720S has great visibility for a supercar, and with the short overhang of the hood and the low seating position you feel intimately close to the road.

As you would expect, the 720S isn’t particularly quiet on the highway (especially with the Sport Exhaust option), but its quieter than you may imagine and is not…