McLaren 540C - **A Car for all Seasons**

Here at ss8000cars we are pretty excited because we have the McLaren 540C on loan for the next four weeks or so. This follows on from our test of the 570GT late last year which I thought was a tremendous machine but I also thought fell between two stools, it neither had quite the suppleness required of a proper GT, i.e. useable every day, nor the last tenths of body control available in the 570S.

The 540C is the entry model in the McLaren range, it has a compliant suspension system, 30HP less than the 570S which you simply do not notice in every day driving. The same 3.8 litre Twin Turbo V8 propels the 540C and this car really is supercar fast!! However it is also useable every day notwithstanding that you still have to climb over the McLaren's Carbon MonoCell to get in and out of the cabin.

I feel the suspension in this car is perfectly judged and if if your emphasis is on city or long distance driving you will appreciate the genuine comfort on offer without, as far as I can tell, any compromises to be made in the handling department.

The 540C engine produces 540hp or 533bhp at 7500rpm. 0-62 is dispatched in 3.5 seconds with the 100mph mark coming up in 7 seconds dead when the car is truly getting into its stride. 0-124mph comes up in 10.5secs. This is true Supercar fast and In the real world this is all the performance you will ever need. The car would stay easily with a GT3RS Porsche in a straight line which has a 0-124mph time of 10.9secs. In fact we had the two cars together on the drive last week.

As mentioned McLaren has stuck with the Carbon MonoCell on the Sports Series which keeps the weight to a minimum, 1350Kg, and provides great rigidity which is clearly noticeable in the car in the way it drives. There is no roll even thought this car uses a more conventional suspension with anti-roll bars than McLaren's now famous automated hydraulic system found in the 650S.

A big thank you to the management at 'The Manor House Hotel' at Castle Coombe who allowed us to film the 540C at this Wonderful location. It was greatly appreciated!! Visit The Manor House to receive a very special experience.

Thanks for watching and please make sure you subscribe now to see further videos of the McLaren 540C when they are released and there will be quite a few coming!

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[ThatFitnessDude]

I promised myself that one day I'll own this beauty

[MTobin]

The 540c is a VERY exciting car. Beautiful lines, aggressive stance and very sporty rims. The leather interior looks supple and ever so comfortable. Certainly an every day daily-driver that can also keep itself above the fray on the track. I like the storage room behind the seats....somewhat similar to the 570GT. Great review Ian! I'm so looking forward to the videos you'll be making while you have possession of this beautiful car. Love the new "fly in" opening too.

[muskistutter]

Thanks for bringing this to us Ian. Looking forward to seeing you put it through its paces and hear your comparisons to the the 570s - Cheers from the States.

[mbp]

Thanks Ian, Looking forward to more reports on the 540c.

[arthurgibbs]

Keep the content coming Ian. Enjoy all the videos you & the boys produce. Any further on tuning the Golf R by the way?

[markllewhellin]

Great video, thank you so much. Also love the music at the start of the video. Can you tell me who it’s by and the track please. Great music for workouts 😊

[gwionrobert]

Love the McLaren videos! Will be going to woking on the 2nd to have a look at the P14 😅

[DzasterNL]

6 years after uploading this video.
We did it.
Traded in the 2016 Porsche 911 and bought a 2019 Mclaren 540c.
Same colour is in the video, its a daily driver.

23k km's, warranty and some carbon options and a rear wing.


I feel the inside has cheap parts but keep in mind, cheap is low weight.
This thing is build for speed, can feel it right away.

Just watch out for the speed bumps.

Only strange thing occured is the fuel gauge, its going everywhere.
Maybe it needs some calibration.


Less luxury than the Porsche but its so much more fun.
The suspension is even more soft than i tought.

Only positives coming out.

Lets see what the conclusion is after 3 months and 12 months.

[alvarocosta]

one day... I'll buy a McLaren, one day...

[sspender]

Hi Ian, if you press and hold the unlock button the passenger door will open. This will also work on your 675LT.

[allenbency]

Is it 4 wheel drive or reare wheel drive

[MrAlpinab]

if only it had just a tiny spoiler on the back ! Was it too much to ask ?!

[Fourdays]

Do you just ask Mclaren for a car for a couple of weeks so you can review it? or do you intend to buy one?