- Doors and Seats
2 doors, 2 seats
- Engine
3.8TT, 8 cyl.
- Engine Power
397kW, 540Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (98) 10.7L/100KM
- Manufacturer
RWD
- Transmission
Auto (DCT)
- Warranty
3 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
2017 McLaren 540C new car review
Why we're driving it
It's the first chance we've had in the most affordable model in McLaren's Sport Series range. Naturally, we're inquisitive whether you notice it's missing 22kW compared to the next-level 570S and therefore worth pocketing the $50k-odd price difference.
What we like
For those more concerned about how much money they spent rather than how much they get for it in return, the 540C's position at the bottom of the McLaren range could be seen as not having a big enough bat to swing around the corporate arena. For anyone else, this is a genuine supercar with supercar looks and supercar levels of performance.
For the most part, there is nothing obvious that sets it apart from the more expensive models; it doesn't look cheap, it's not missing anything in terms of major features and it still has the same twin-turbo V8, dual-clutch transmission set-up that can fire it from 0-100km/h in 3.5 seconds before topping out at 320km/h. In fact, its standard steel brakes (rather than carbon stoppers on the 570S) makes it easier to drive in everyday situations and, quite honestly, you don't notice the power deficit at all.
Otherwise, it carries all the good attributes – both practical and performance-related elements - we admire across the McLaren range. From a rational perspective, there's an excellent seating position, it has expansive vision (by supercar standards), decent storage space behind the seats and it is respectably comfortable to potter around town in.
At the other end of the driving spectrum, it is seriously quick and razor sharp when you unleash its full potential. The steering is a real highlight, with the kind of telepathic feedback, precision and weighting that Porsche was once renowned for before moving to electric power steering. And the engine? Well, it's ferocious above 3000rpm when the turbos kick-in, and it sounds glorious as the revs rise thanks to the warble generated by its flat-plane crankshaft configuration.
What we don't like
We don't have too many gripes about the 540C at all. Not that it's perfect mind you as it does possess the usual supercar compromises; There is very little space for small items in the cabin; It takes a bit of contorting to get in and out of by ducking under its dihedral-opening doors and sliding across its wide carbon-fibre sills; And the options list is both extensive and expensive.
Other than that, McLaren is still a brand you have to explain to those non gear-heads - yes, the car looks stunning, but it's not instantly recognisable like a Ferrari or a Lamborghini.
Would I buy one
It's partly because of that last point that I would buy the McLaren, as it is something different and appeals to those that appreciate the engineering ethos of the company rather than the badge itself. More than anything though, the 540C is more affordable than a 488 GTB or a Huracan without being any less of a proper supercar.
2017 Mclaren 540C Price and Specifications
Price: From $331,500 driveaway
Engine: 3.8-litre V8 twin-turbo petrol
Power: 397kW at 7500rpm
Torque: 540Nm at 3500-6500rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, rear-wheel-drive
Fuel use: 10.7L/100km