McLaren 570S

What is it?

 The McLaren 570S is the sportiest member of the all-new McLaren Sports Series – the entry series that sits below the Super Series that includes the 650S and the Ultimate Series, with the incredible P1 and P1 GTR.

The 570s has some tough rivals including the latest R8 and Porsche’s iconic 911. Has the 570S got the measure of these established rivals? Business Car Manager was lucky enough to drive it to find out.

What’s hot

•  The familiar 3.8-litre turbo V8, that’s powered both the previous 12C and current 650S, but in the 570 S develops a breathtaking 562bhp, 443lb/ft of torque, plus accelerates to 60mph in just 3.2 seconds and has a top speed of 204mph.
• Supercar fans reckon the V8 in the McLaren doesn’t sound great, but we’d disagree. When trundling along it almost sounds like the flat four in an old air-cooled Porsche. We’re also fans of the turbo induction noise when the performance gets more serious.

• Considering the performance, we think it’s impressive that the McLaren 570S is still capable of a 38.4mpg Extra urban figure and has CO2 emissions of 249g/km. Although we don’t believe that the consumption and emissions will be high on the list of priorities for McLaren 570S buyers!
• Whether the McLaren 570S can be as good to drive as its legendary sister cars is important and thankfully it doesn’t disappoint. Apart from the extra width, we reckon it’s as easy to drive as the Audi R8. When the roads open up and of course keeping a close eye on the speedo, you first notice the amazing steering feel, the slick changes from the seven-speed SSG gearbox, plus the reassurance of strong carbon ceramic brakes when you need to stop!
• On top of the performance, the 570S has to be the best-handling McLaren road car in our opinion. Despite missing out on the clever active hydraulic suspension of the 650S, bodyroll on the 570S is non-existent, with impressive levels of grip. This is adjustable via the throttle and the excellent steering feel.
• Considering the 570S offers supercar performance, we were impressed by how well it rode. However, turn on the Adaptive Dynamic panel and you can tailor the way this McLaren drives to according to your environment. Normal is fine for the road, however twist it to sport and the 570S felt like it was happier moving around a little bit, with even sharper throttle responses. We didn’t try ‘Track Mode’ but reckon it’s probably best left for track work, where you can make the most of that 562bhp without fear of losing your licence and freedom!
• Outside, the 570S has the familiar supercar look first seen on the 12C, then refined on the 650S. However, for the 570S, McLaren has interestingly added some P1 into the mix. With its rounded corners and curvy rear end, the 570 looks more compact, even though in reality it’s longer and wider! We particularly like the side cut-out and the detailing for the dihedral doors.
• The 80mm lower sills of the carbon fibre tub that underpins the 570S, helps entry and exit from this McLaren when compared with the 650S. When you’re in, the driving position is excellent – even for taller drivers. This is the result of the multi-adjustable, supportive seats. We’re also fans of the tactile switchgear, plus the easy-to-read instruments, which are now provided by a changeable LCD screen.
• Considering this is a sportscar, the 570S is surprisingly practical, with plenty of stowage space, including a glovebox and a deep 144-litre front mounted boot.
• £148,150 is a lot, but when you consider the performance and how easy it is to drive, we actually reckon the McLaren 570S is good value for a sports car. There’s also the exclusivity of owning a McLaren, with the benefit of sector-leading residuals at 62% after three-years. Plus, early 12Cs are already appreciating in value.

What’s not 

• The performance of those carbon ceramic brakes might be strong, but they lack feel and are hard to modulate.
• The 570S has McLaren’s latest version of their Iris infotainment system, which is an improvement over the same system we’ve previously tried in the 650S. However, it’s still not particularly intuitive in its operation – the fact it lost the GPS signal on the test route and then we had to reprogram the sat-nav was particularly annoying.
• With the McLaren 570S’s 249g/km CO2 emissions and 37% charge, it is definitely going to be a business car bought with the heart not the head.

Business Car Manager Verdict on McLaren 570S

If emissions and consumption aren’t at the top of your buying list for your next business car – but buying a special sportscar is, then we reckon the McLaren 570S should be at the top of your list.

In our view, it’s a better all-rounder than the Audi and Porsche opposition.

The lowdown on McLaren 570S

…..and what it costs