Skip to main content

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

Bowers & Wilkins and McLaren launch special-edition Px8 headphones

Luxury British supercar maker McLaren is known for making some of the world’s fastest cars. But watch how fast your money leaves your wallet when you get a load of its latest collaboration with longtime audio partner Bowers & Wilkins — the Px8 McLaren Edition headphones, which launched today and retail for $799.

The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 McLaren Edition headphones.
Bowers & Wilkins

The McLaren Edition is a “specially designed” version of B&W’s premium flagship Px8 wireless headphones, tricked out with what B&W calls a “Galvanic” grey metallic finish and, most notably, a “Papaya” orange ring around each earcup and matching fabric covers inside, which pay homage to the early racing cars of founder Bruce McLaren.

The special-edition headphones were dreamed up to celebrate the two companies’ partnership, which goes back to 2015 when B&W began developing audio systems for McLaren’s cars, and the recent launch of McLaren’s hybrid supercar, the ridiculous Artura, which is of course kitted out with B&W sound. Earlier this year the two companies renewed their vows, locking in a new multiyear deal with B&W becoming McLaren’s “Official Audio Partner.”

The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 McLaren Edition headphones.
Bowers & Wilkins

Outside of the cool McLaren stylings, the Px8 McLaren Edition headphones otherwise are just a repackaged pair of their fantastic Px8 cans ($699), which we reviewed back in November. But that’s not a bad thing. They sound great, driven by a pair of 40mm Carbon Cone drivers that are precisely angled to maintain a consistent distance from your ears, have some industry-leading active noise cancellation (ANC), and have a respectable 30-hour battery.

The Px8 are also made for high-quality audio playback and feature Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive Bluetooth codec technology. You’ll need a compatible phone, though — sorry, iPhone users. But if you truly want to hear what these over-ear headphones can do, you can use the Px8’s direct-digital USB-C connection for lossless 24-bit audio or a DAC (digital audio converter) and the included 3.5mm-to-USB cable if you’re an iPhone user.

Additionally, the B&W Px8 McLaren edition headphones can be set up, fine-tuned, and customized using the Bowers & Wilkins Music App.

“We are tremendously proud of our long-standing relationship with McLaren Automotive, which is rooted in a shared desire to lead in performance,” Dan Shepherd, B&W’s Vice President of Licensing & Partnerships, said in a press release. “The Px8 McLaren Edition celebrates this partnership, extending the appeal of our industry-leading sound performance and McLaren’s DNA to outside the car.”

If you’re lucky enough to have experienced a B&W McLaren car audio system first-hand while hopefully zipping down some empty country road, good for you. If not, dropping the $800 for these headphones might be the closest you’ll get. You can find them at select retailers, , and the McLaren online store.

Editors' Recommendations

Derek Malcolm
Contributing Editor – AV + Home Theater
Derek Malcolm is a Toronto-based technology journalist, editor, and content specialist whose work has appeared in…
Bower & Wilkins 700 Series makes the company's best speaker tech affordable
Bowers & Wilkins 700 Series

A fresh new line of speakers from acclaimed manufacturer Bowers & Wilkins will bring technology from the costly 800 Series Diamond line to those with thinner pocketbooks. Called the Bowers & Wilkins 700 Series, the new line features nine new speakers that range in size from large floor-standers to small, stand-mounted options. The 700 Series replaces the CM Series 2 as the mid-cost contender in Bowers & Wilkins overall speaker range.

Audiophiles will be excited to learn that every model in the new 700 Series features the same Continuum cone technology that the company debuted with the 800 Series Diamond speakers. A woven composite that provides controlled break-up in the midrange, the technology is reported by the company to provide "a sweeter, more detailed midrange." The 700 Series also gets a new implementation of the low-frequency Aerofoil cone first seen in the 800 Series Diamond, providing improved bass performance over the previous CM Series 2 models.

Read more
Second-gen McLaren Super Series gets new 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V8
McLaren Super Series engine teaser

The second-generation McLaren Super Series will depart from its predecessor in one major way.

Since McLaren began producing cars in volume, every model it's made has used some variation of the same 3.8-liter, twin-turbocharged V8. This engine has powered every modern McLaren, from the "entry-level" Sports Series models to the P1 hybrid hypercar. But it won't power the new Super Series.

Read more
McLaren’s 570S Design Editions aim for a distinctive but classy look
McLaren 570S Design Edition 1

It used to be enough to simply own a supercar. But many of today's supercar buyers want to stand out even more, and they have the cash to indulge that desire. McLaren is happy to cater to them, too.

The British automaker is launching five new Design Editions of the 570S, its "entry-level" model. Each version features different combinations of paint colors, interior trim, and other items from McLaren's vast catalog of personalization options, hand picked by the company's own designers. If nothing else, this should help create cars that are appealing to look at, as well as distinctive.

Read more