(November 21, 2025) Bowers & Wilkins is adding a little supercar flair to its best-performing headphones with the release of the PX8 S2 McLaren Edition, a special version of the company’s current flagship wireless model. The standard PX8 S2 already impressed us earlier this year with its balance, refinement, and sense of control, and this new collaboration adds a visual twist for fans of design, engineering, and the intersection of audio and automotive culture.
This is the latest release in a long-running partnership between Bowers & Wilkins and McLaren, which has produced several limited edition models over the years. The PX8 S2 McLaren Edition uses the same underlying acoustic platform as the standard model, so the sound, tuning, and adaptive noise cancellation remain unchanged. What you get is the same flagship listening experience, wrapped in a finish that borrows from McLaren’s design language.
The exterior receives a set of distinct cosmetic touches, including a metallic gray chassis accented with McLaren’s signature papaya highlights. The headband and ear cups are wrapped in premium leather, and the aluminum components drip with automotive inspiration. It's a familiar silhouette, but the new finish gives the PX8 S2 a presence that stands apart from the core lineup.
For buyers who want something that feels more personal than a standard colorway, these special editions add a layer of identity, making a product feel less like a piece of tech and more like a collectible. They also serve as a gateway, capturing the attention of new listeners and pulling them into the hi-fi space; that alone is a call for celebration. As someone who has always enjoyed the creativity behind these collaborations, it is nice to see Bowers & Wilkins revisit the concept with a platform as capable as the PX8 S2.
As I stated, everything about performance remains flagship-level. The PX8 S2 uses Bowers & Wilkins 40mm carbon-cone drivers, delivers high-level adaptive noise cancellation, supports high-resolution wireless audio via aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless, and features a refined DSP chain that contributes to the headphone’s clear, open character. Battery life is rated at up to 30 hours, and convenient fast-charging via USB-C gives you near-instant access to extra listening time.
Of course, those familiar with the PX8 S2 will know a companion app provides granular EQ adjustments and device control, features we highlighted in our full review for their ease of use and flexibility.
The Bowers and Wilkins PX8 S2 McLaren Edition is available now for $899 through bowerswilkins.com and select retail partners.
If you want a deeper breakdown of how the PX8 S2 performs, check out our full review here.
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