McLaren 540c Driving Experiences

Launched in 2015, the same year as their 570S model from their McLaren Sports Series, the McLaren 540c was primarily designed as an ‘entry level’ version of its more powerful cousin, first showcased at that year’s Shanghai Motor Show.

The press releases at the time of its launch all highlighted and pointed out that the 540c was ‘their most attainable and usable McLaren ever’, in particular citing its cheaper price point over the 570S.

However, cheaper certainly doesn’t equate with poorer quality and performance in the case of this fine tuned machine. Kitted out with a 3.8 twin-turbo V8 engine, that sings out with an impressive 533 bhp, it means it is just at home on the city streets as it is out on the circuit track.

And quite a performance it puts in too; with acceleration from 0 - 60 mph in a rapid 3.5 seconds, on its way to achievable top speeds of just under 200 mph, you will be left under no illusion that the 540c is a worthy compatriot to its older relation.

The only market where McLaren chose not to launch the 540c was North America - instead, they opted to push the more powerful 570S in this territory. However, in Europe it has performed very well indeed. Since rolling off the production line in 2016, a total of 120 models were sold in its first three years alone.

The motoring press’ praise for the 540c was glowing, and they immediately picked up that this was a supercar of real quality despite its lower price point. Rating it 5/5 in their review, Autocar magazine said it was ‘no less complete or exhilarating on the road than the firm's brilliant 570S … compact, capable … and superb fun.’