McLaren 570S 2019 Review

In Malaysia's sports car market in 2019, although ultra-luxury brands dominated the headlines, there has always been stable demand in the "near-supercar" segment aimed at advanced players—consumers seeking track-level performance while balancing the practicality of daily commuting. The McLaren 570S Coupe, as the core model of the brand's "Sports Series," was launched precisely to meet this demand. With its 570-horsepower 3.8L V8 twin-turbo engine, 3.2-second 0-100 km/h acceleration, and a relatively "affordable" recommended retail price of RM 1,870,570, many enthusiasts are curious to know whether it can truly balance the dual identities of a "track beast" and a "daily driver." The core purpose of this test drive is to evaluate the car's performance in terms of dynamics, interior experience, and practicality, providing potential buyers with a clear reference point.

In terms of appearance, the 570S Coupe is unmistakably McLaren—a low-slung stance (standing at just 1201mm in height) combined with a sleek and aerodynamic design. The "flying blade" LED daytime running lights on the front seamlessly merge with the large intake grille, offering high recognition. On the side, the "dihedral doors" are the highlight; they not only create a strong visual impact when opened but also facilitate passenger entry and exit in tight parking spaces. At the rear, the simple LED taillight design and central dual exhaust layout complement each other, while the rear diffuser directly hints at its aerodynamic performance. The overall style retains the aggressiveness of a supercar without leaning towards being overly flamboyant or exaggerated.

Once inside, the interior exudes a racing-oriented atmosphere, yet the materials and meticulous detailing reflect the brand's sense of refinement. The center console is angled towards the driver, with most mechanical buttons concentrated around the steering wheel and the central control touchscreen, making operation intuitive. The 7-inch touchscreen responds quickly and satisfies basic needs such as navigation and Bluetooth connections. The multifunctional steering wheel wrapped in leather has a moderate size, offering a solid grip while delivering clear road feedback during turns. The seats utilize a sporty bucket seat design, providing excellent lateral support and ensuring comfort even during long drives. The addition of dual-zone automatic air conditioning and keyless entry also enhances convenience for daily use. However, limited by its sports car positioning, storage space is not abundant—the door pockets can only accommodate a mobile phone, the small storage slot below the center console is suitable for a wallet, and while the trunk capacity is not officially specified, it can fit a single 20-inch carry-on suitcase, barely meeting the needs of short trips.

The dynamic performance is the core strength of the 570S Coupe. The 3.8L V8 twin-turbo engine delivers 570 horsepower at 7500 rpm and a maximum torque of 600N·m between 5000-6500 rpm, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. When you fully press the accelerator at the start, a strong sense of acceleration surges instantly, and the 3.2-second 0-100 km/h sprint experience fully aligns with the official figures. Switching to "Sport" or "Track" mode further accelerates the transmission shift speeds, and the blipping sound during downshifts is highly exhilarating; even in "Normal" mode, the power delivery remains smooth, with no noticeable jerkiness during low-speed crawling, making it suitable for urban driving. The steering precision is exceptionally high, with virtually no dead zones; during cornering, it accurately executes the driver's intentions. The combination of double-wishbone independent suspension at the front and rear provides strong support in corners; body roll is well-contained, and the car remains very stable during high-speed cornering. When faced with common city speed bumps or bumpy roads, the suspension is not overly stiff, filtering out most minor vibrations and maintaining a certain level of comfort.

In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 10.7L/100km. During our test drive, the fuel consumption was about 14-15L/100km in congested urban conditions but could drop to 8-9L/100km during highway cruising. For a 3.8T V8 sports car, this performance is fairly average. The braking performance is excellent, with a front ventilated disc and rear ventilated disc brake system achieving a braking distance of approximately 32 meters from 100km/h-0. The brake pedal feel is linear and inspires confidence. Regarding noise control, the cabin is relatively quiet at low speeds, while tire and wind noise increase at high speeds but do not affect normal conversation. The exhaust note becomes richer in Sport mode and more explosive in Track mode, satisfying enthusiasts' expectations for sound.

Compared to other models in its class, such as the Porsche 911 Carrera S (priced approximately from RM 1,700,000), the 570S Coupe has an advantage in terms of power figures and acceleration performance, and the butterfly door design is also more distinctive. Although the 911’s rear seats offer more storage space, the 570S features superior sport seat support and driving purity. Overall, the core highlight of the 570S Coupe lies in its “balance between performance and practicality” — capable of unleashing a ferocious 570 horsepower on the track while also handling daily commutes comfortably with its smooth Normal mode and basic comfort configurations.

This car is best suited for individuals who already own a family car and are looking for an advanced sports car that can occasionally hit the track while also serving as a daily driver; or for young consumers who prioritize personality and performance and don’t mind the limited storage space. If you’re seeking a "versatile" entry-level supercar, the 570S Coupe is definitely worth considering — it avoids the high premiums of ultra-luxury brands while delivering a driving experience close to that of a supercar. It is the ideal choice for balancing "driving fun" and "practicality."