McLaren 570GT 9,500-Mile Review: Supercar For Daily Use

The McLaren 570GT stands out as a unique blend of raw supercar performance and surprising grand touring practicality. Powered by a 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 engine producing 562 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque, this rear-wheel-drive machine accelerates from 0-62mph in just 3.4 seconds, with a top speed exceeding 200mph. Over our extended test period covering 9,500 miles, it proved to be one of the most engaging vehicles to drive, offering track-day thrills alongside commuter-friendly traits.

Design and Everyday Practicality

Visually, the 570GT cuts a dramatic figure with its fighter-jet-inspired lines and carbon fibre MonoCell II chassis, keeping curb weight around 1,530kg for agile handling. The dihedral ‘grand piano’ doors and optional retractable glass roof enhance accessibility and open-air driving, making it more usable than hardcore siblings like the 570S.

A key highlight is the luggage space behind the seats, accommodating weekend bags or golf clubs, which sets it apart in the supercar segment. Seats are firm yet supportive for long hauls, and the driving position provides excellent visibility despite the low-slung stance. In daily use, it navigates urban streets with poise, though the firm ride demands adaptation on potholed roads.

• Storage capacity: Useful boot space for a supercar, ideal for light touring.
• Roof option: Retractable panel adds coupe-cabrio versatility.
• Doors: Butterfly-style for easy ingress/egress in tight spots.

Powertrain and Acceleration Benchmarks

The heart of the 570GT is its M838TE 3.8-litre V8, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. It delivers seamless shifts in Normal mode for cruising and lightning-quick changes in Track mode. Real-world tests confirm its credentials: 0-60mph in 3.3 seconds, quarter-mile in 10.9-11.1 seconds at over 130mph, and 0-100km/h in 3.2-3.4 seconds.

Braking is phenomenal, halting from 100-0km/h in 32 metres with optional carbon ceramics, instilling confidence during spirited drives. Launch control builds boost rapidly, propelling the car with ferocious speed that feels deceptively effortless on public roads.

Handling Dynamics Across Modes

McLaren’s Proactive Chassis Control shines here, with Normal, Sport, and Track settings tailoring the experience. In Normal, it absorbs bumps decently for a supercar, though some porpoising occurs at motorway speeds—Sport mode eliminates this without sacrificing comfort. Steering is direct and communicative, providing precise feedback whether carving corners or cruising.

On twisty B-roads, the 570GT exhibits huge grip from Pirelli P Zero tyres, with balanced chassis poise and minimal understeer at the limit. Track days reveal its sports car genes: agile turn-in, massive lateral grip, and explosive exits, though it’s less feral than the 600LT. Stability at high speeds is exemplary, making it a top cruiser.

Fuel Economy and Running Costs

Surprisingly frugal for its power, our test averaged 22.1mpg overall, with motorway runs hitting 32-38mpg in steady cruising—impressive for a 562hp supercar. City driving drops to around 11-16mpg due to the thirsty V8. Over 15,000 miles in one owner’s year-round use, it proved reliable for all-weather travel, including rain and light snow.

• Mileage covered: 9,500 miles in our test; up to 15,000 in private ownership.
• Best efficiency: 38mpg on long motorways.
• Average: 22-23.6mpg across mixed use.

Interior Comfort and Technology

The cabin blends Alcantara, carbon fibre, and leather for a premium feel, with supportive seats suiting tall drivers. Visibility is good forward and to the sides, aided by slim A-pillars. However, the infotainment system disappoints: small screen, sluggish response, and frequent glitches—outdated compared to mainstream rivals.

Climate control and audio are solid, but the lack of Apple CarPlay/Android Auto feels archaic. Thumbs-up from onlookers highlight its wow factor on every outing.

Reliability Challenges and Service

Despite dynamic excellence, reliability niggles soured the experience. Our car visited McLaren service thrice in six months for infotainment failures and other issues, frustrating at this price point. Other reports note similar electronic gremlins, though mechanical robustness holds up over high mileage. Warm evenings amplified joys, but downtime tempered enthusiasm.

Positive track and road prowess contrast with these ‘unacceptable problems,’ earning a mixed verdict: outstanding talent needing refinement.

Comparisons with Rivals

The 570GT edges out in usability over pure sports cars while matching speed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the McLaren 570GT suitable for daily driving?

Yes, its comfort modes, storage, and efficiency make it viable, though firm ride and tech issues limit appeal.

How reliable is the 570GT long-term?

Mixed: Excellent mechanically, but electronic faults require frequent dealer visits.

What’s the fuel economy like?

Averages 22mpg, up to 38mpg on motorways.

Can it handle track days?

Absolutely—grippy, agile, and powerful for thrilling laps.

How does it compare to the 570S?

Softer suspension, added practicality, slightly less aggressive.

Verdict: Thrilling Yet Flawed Grand Tourer

The McLaren 570GT redefines supercar versatility with stunning looks, explosive performance, and GT usability. Peaks of joy on open roads contrast with service frustrations, but its driving purity shines. Ideal for enthusiasts seeking more than track specials.