Insider Advice: Which McLaren is Right for Your Trip?

By James Hernandez, Monarc.vip Fleet Manager

(Intro Body) Most rental sites just copy and paste the factory spec sheets. But driving a supercar in Miami is different than driving it on a track. You have to deal with the Rickenbacker Causeway traffic, the tight valet ramps at Komodo, and the July heat.

I’ve managed this fleet for years. Here is my honest breakdown of which McLaren you should actually book based on what you plan to do.

The "Showstopper": McLaren 720S

Best For: The "Arrival" Photo, Highway Cruising, Experienced Drivers.

The McLaren 720S is the most aggressive car in our fleet. It is wider and lower than the 570S, and it features the iconic Dihedral "Butterfly" Doors that swing up and forward.

• The "Miami Reality": This car gets the most attention, but it requires attention to drive. You must engage the hydraulic nose-lift system before entering any valet ramp or speed bump in South Beach. We will show you exactly how to do this during your handover.

• Luggage Warning: The "frunk" (front trunk) fits one carry-on bag. There is zero storage behind the seats. If you have luggage, send it to your hotel in an Uber or book our Rolls-Royce Cullinan for your luggage transfer.

The "City Daily": McLaren 570S / 570S Spider

Best For: Brickell Dinners, First-Time Supercar Renters, City Traffic.

If you plan to spend most of your time in city traffic (Brickell, Design District, Ocean Drive), the McLaren 570S is actually the better choice. It is slightly narrower, easier to park, and the suspension is more forgiving on city streets than the 720S.

• Convertible vs. Coupe: We highly recommend the Spider (convertible) for Miami. The retractable hardtop drops in 15 seconds. If you prefer a V8 convertible but want something Italian, compare this against our Ferrari 488 Spider.

The "Road Tripper": McLaren GT

Best For: Driving to Key West, Golf Outings, Couples with Luggage.

The McLaren GT is the only supercar we own that can actually fit luggage. The engine is lowered to create a rear luggage deck that can fit a full set of golf clubs or two weekend bags.

• Why Book This: If you are driving the 3 hours to Key West, this is the car you want. It has "Comfort Seats" that are far more plush than the carbon-fiber racing buckets in the 720S.

Miami Logistics: What You Need to Know

1. The Valet Protocol Most high-end venues (Sexy Fish, Swan, Mila) have aggressive valet ramps. Do not let a valet park the 720S unless you see them engage the lift. If you are uncomfortable, text our concierge; we can often arrange "up-front" VIP parking at select venues.

2. SunPass & Tolls Every Monarc vehicle is equipped with a SunPass transponder. You do not need to stop at toll booths. We simply tally the tolls at the end of your trip and deduct them from your deposit—no hidden "admin fees" or fines.

3. Fueling Up All McLarens require 93 Octane Premium fuel. Please leave the receipt in the cup holder so we can verify the fuel quality upon return.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to the questions other companies hide.

Q: Do I need special insurance to rent a McLaren? A: Yes. You must have a full coverage policy that extends to a rental vehicle. If you are unsure if your policy covers an exotic car (many standard policies cap out at $50k), our team can verify it for you instantly. Read our Guide to Rental Insurance for more details.

Q: How much is the security deposit? A: Deposits for the McLaren fleet typically range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on your insurance deductible. Unlike competitors who hold your funds for weeks, Monarc releases this hold immediately upon the safe return of the vehicle.

Q: Can I drive the car to Orlando or Naples? A: Our standard contract includes 100 miles per day. Orlando is roughly 240 miles away, so a round trip would incur mileage fees. You can calculate these costs in advance using our Mileage Fee Guide. If you plan a long trip, let us know—we often offer "unlimited mile" packages for multi-day rentals.

Q: How old do I need to be to rent? A: The minimum age for our "Supercar" tier (which includes McLaren) is 25. However, we can sometimes make exceptions for ages 21-24 with an increased security deposit and insurance verification.