Meet the £126,000 McLaren 540C

‘Base’ McLaren 540C inherits all the exhilarating traits of its more muscular big brothers for rather less cash.
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Sarah Bradley|Autocar30 December 2016

‘Entry-level’ and ‘supercar’ may appear mutually exclusive phrases, but when the manufacturer is McLaren and the range is so beautifully defined as its own, that description for the £126,000 540C seems entirely appropriate. The base model feels no less complete on the road than the £143,000 570S. With its similar size and weight, plus identical carbonfibre monocoque, 3.8-litre V8 and seven-speed transmission, it provides a similar level of all-round capability.

In fact, one of the only differences – apart from £17,000 – is the 540C’s 30 fewer horses, while only the most devout fan will spot the few minor styling deviations. Under the panels, the suspension uses a slightly less hi-tech set-up involving coil springs, adaptive dampers and anti-roll bars, and the standard-fit brakes are cast iron, although you can pay extra for carbon fibre units.

The base (or “most attainable”, in McLaren parlance) model is mainly aimed at certain markets around the globe where high supercar taxes of up to 100% can significantly increase price differentials. Meanwhile, here in the UK, you can climb behind the 540C’s wheel by forking out ‘only’ a £35k deposit and less than £1000 a month for three years on a personal lease scheme. That’s a positive bargain in the rarefied world of high-end performance machinery.

Putting race-circuit action aside, how does the 540C perform in real-world conditions, the kind that an average user would face on an average drive? Well, we can assure anyone who’s concerned that the ‘missing’ 30bhp is indiscernible. A 10.5sec 0-200km sprint and 199mph are plenty.

The engine sounds slightly farty at idle after an impressive initial start-up blip, but moving off is a delight thanks to the predictable clutch take-up. The smoothly self-shifting box changes with perfect precision, while the paddleshifters make manual changes excellent fun. Modes are multi-selectable via the slightly confusing fascia-mounted rotary switches.

Appointments, detailing and interface in the stunning cabin are even better than those in earlier McLaren models. The most marked improvement is with the infotainment system, which is now quicker acting and much more usable.

The 540C’s steering is quicker and more consistently weighted than before, while the car’s low-speed manoeuvrability hints at its mere 1311kg and belies its size. Its ride is flat and beautifully damped, with only the most severe bumps crashing through into the cabin.

Even with £17,000-worth of money-saving spec omissions compared with the 570S, the 540C is still a superb place to put your money. The mechanical differences are barely discernable on the road, while the cabin’s slightly simpler décor does not detract from the feeling of innate quality. That this cheaper option can make McLaren ownership a reality for a broader cross-section of buyers is no bad thing, either – for the manufacturer or its multitude of fans.

KEY STATS - McLaren 540C

On sale: Now
Price: £126,000
Engine: V8, 3799cc, turbo, petrol
Power: 532bhp at 7500rpm
Torque: 398lb ft at 3500rpm
Gearbox: 7-spd auto
Kerbweight: 1311kg
0-62mph: 3.5sec
Top speed: 199mph
Economy: 26.4mpg
CO2/tax band: 249g/km, 37%
Rivals: Audi R8, Porsche 911 Turbo S

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