Bowers & Wilkins Just Gave Its Flagship Headphones a Refined Upgrade

The British hi-fi manufacturer is breathing new life into its best-ever headphones.

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In late September, Bowers & Wilkins introduced the Px8 S2, its latest flagship pair of noise-canceling headphones — it claimed they are the best headphones it’s ever made.

Now, less than two months later, the acclaimed British hi-fi maker has introduced a special-edition version of those same flagship cans.

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 (McLaren Edition)

Person wearing black and orange over-ear Bowers & Wilkins headphones with gold ear cups against an orange background. — F1 driver Lando Norris modeling the new headphones.

Specifically, Bowers & Wilkins teamed up with McLaren, the iconic British automotive manufacturer, along with with its Formula 1 racing team, to release a special-edition colorway of its Px8 S2.

This isn’t a surprise, granted, as the pair have partnered to release “McLaren Editions” of several Bowers& Wilkins products, most recently its Px8 noise-canceling headphones and Pi8 wireless earbuds.

But, in my opinion, the McLaren Edition of the Px8 S2 does look to be the most striking collab yet.

Close-up of a McLaren-branded headphone arm with black and orange braided cable and metallic orange ear cup. — The Px8 S2 are luxury wireless headphones that marry aluminum and Nappa leather.

McLaren Papaya, Anthracite Grey

The special-edition headphones are adorned with the F1 team’s signature McLaren Papaya finish (a vibrant orange) and Anthracite Grey. And the combination is quite a departure from Warm Stone (white) and Onyx Black, the two standard finishes of the Px8 S2.

Over-ear black headphones with orange metal accents and padded headband against a gradient brown background. — Previously, the Px8 S2 were only available in black or white finishes.

In addition to the new colorway, the special-edition headphones feature some McLaren branding on the headband. It’s fairly subtle, but, admittedly, might not be what some people are looking for.

Close-up of an orange braided cable or hose with black and metallic circular components. — The special-edition headphones feature earcups and details with a McLaren Papaya finish.

Other than these details, the McLaren Edition models are the same PX8 S2 headphones as before. They are Bowers & Wilkins’ most high-end pair of wireless noise-canceling headphones, combining premium materials (mostly aluminum and Nappa leather) with gorgeous design and excellent audio quality.

Close-up of a black textured surface with the word "McLaren" embossed on it. — McLaren detailing on the headband.

While they look quite similar to their predecessors, the 2022-released Px8 headphones, Bowers & Wilkins made the “S2” models better in just about every way, including improved sound, noise-cancellation and battery life.

They’re also slightly lighter and slimmer, so they should be more comfortable to wear. Plus, the earpads and the headband are replaceable, which should extend the headphone’s overall lifespan.

Person wearing black and gold Bowers & Wilkins over-ear headphones against an orange background. — The Px8 S2 McLaren Edition headphones are available now.

Price and availability

The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 were already one of the more expensive wireless noise-canceling headphones on the market — they cost $799.

And you guessed it, the McLaren Edition models are even more expensive. They cost $899, so you’re paying a $100 premium to get the new colorway and McLaren accents.

You can purchase the headphones now from the company’s website.

Black and orange Bowers & Wilkins over-ear headphones with cushioned ear pads and headband.

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 (McLaren Edition)

$899 at Bowers & Wilkins

About the Author: Tucker Bowe has been on Gear Patrol’s editorial team since 2014. With a passion for consumer tech and hi-fi, he tracks everything from headphones and turntables to smartphones and wearables. If it lights up or makes noise, he probably covers it.

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