McLaren photo

McLaren 600LT Review

2019 McLaren 600LT is a rear-wheel-drive performance sports car that balances track racing genes with daily commuting, featuring aerodynamic design, 600PS horsepower/2.9 seconds 0-100 km/h capability, and dual version options, precisely targeting the needs of performance enthusiasts.
McLaren 600LT photo
McLaren 600LT photo
McLaren 600LT photo
McLaren 600LT photo
McLaren 600LT photo
RM 2,389,712
McLaren 600LT
Segment
Sports Car
Body Type
Coupe
Capacity(L)
3.8
Engine Power(PS)
600
Driven Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive
Engine Torque(Nm)
-
Review
User Review
Specs

In Malaysia's supercar market, the 3.8-liter twin-turbo rear-wheel-drive models have always been the focus for performance enthusiasts—these cars need to balance everyday commutes with the ability to unleash driving passion on tracks or open roads. The 2019 McLaren 600LT Coupe and Spider convertible represent this niche market well, boasting a maximum output of 600PS, an official 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 2.9 seconds, and pricing comparable to similar models (RM 2,389,712), making them a favorite among enthusiasts. This time, we test-drove both models simultaneously with the primary goal of verifying whether their dynamic performance lives up to the Longtail (LT) series’ track heritage while ensuring their compromises for daily use remain acceptable.

From a distance, the design of the 2019 600LT appears entirely driven by aerodynamics. The front end features McLaren’s signature narrow LED headlights, combined with a wide lower air intake grille, visually lowering the car's center of gravity at the front; the car’s side profile is clean and sharp, with character lines extending from the fenders to the rear, perfectly wrapping the rear wheel arches. The 20-inch rear wheels paired with 285/35 R20 wide tires further enhance the powerful rear-wheel-drive stance. The most striking feature is the “Longtail” design at the rear: the extended tail section paired with a large carbon-fiber diffuser and a fixed wing provides sufficient downforce at high speeds. The Coupe’s roofline transitions smoothly from the B-pillar to the rear, while the Spider's soft-top appears almost identical to the Coupe when closed. When opened, it fully reveals the cabin and can be operated in just 15 seconds at speeds below 50km/h. In terms of details, both models come standard with LED daytime running lights and automatic headlights, while power-folding mirrors prove handy in tight parking spaces.

Stepping inside, the 600LT’s interior design tends to be minimalist—there are no unnecessary decorations, and everything revolves around the driving experience. The center console uses black Alcantara material with a touch of carbon fiber trim, providing a tactile and premium feel appropriate for a million-ringgit supercar. A 7-inch touchscreen is mounted atop the center console with simple operation logic, supporting Bluetooth connectivity and basic vehicle settings but lacking extensive entertainment features, which aligns with the nature of performance cars. In terms of equipment, both models come standard with dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry/start, and a multifunction steering wheel. The bucket-style sports seats in the front provide excellent support, firmly securing the shoulders and waist, though they may feel somewhat constricting for extended periods (over two hours). Regarding space, as a 2-door, 2-seater vehicle, headroom in the front is just enough for passengers around 180cm tall (approximately a fist-width of clearance), while legroom depends entirely on seat adjustment. Storage capacity is limited to the center console box and a small storage compartment behind the seats, enough for daily commutes but insufficient for long trips, where extra storage bags might be necessary.

Starting the engine, the roar of the 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 immediately fills the cabin—the exhaust note of the 600LT has been specially tuned, different from ordinary GT models. It delivers a deep, resonant tone at low RPMs, turning sharp and piercing beyond 5000rpm. Both models share identical power figures: a maximum output of 600PS at 7500rpm and peak torque between 5500-6500rpm. When switched to Sport mode, throttle response becomes incredibly sharp, with even a slight press unleashing a remarkable burst of acceleration. The 2.9-second 0-100 km/h performance is no exaggeration—during testing on a closed course, the launch control mode caused a brief rear-wheel spin before the tires quickly gripped, propelling the car forward like an arrow without any noticeable turbo lag. In daily driving, switching to Normal mode softens the power delivery, keeping RPMs below 2000. In this mode, the car feels smooth enough to be used for regular commutes.

In terms of handling, the performance of the 600LT can be described as precise. The steering wheel has a slightly heavy feel but with almost zero play, and the car’s front responds directly and linearly when the steering wheel is turned. The front double wishbone independent suspension and rear double wishbone independent suspension are clearly tuned for sporty driving. When facing bumpy roads, the suspension compresses and rebounds quickly, transmitting some road feedback to the driver without causing significant jolts. During cornering, body roll is well controlled, and even entering corners at relatively high speeds, the grip of the wide tires holds firmly to the ground, providing the driver with ample confidence. However, it should be noted that the minimum ground clearance of both versions is only 92mm, so caution must be taken when driving over speed bumps at low speeds to avoid scraping the undercarriage.

In terms of fuel consumption, we conducted a week-long test under mixed driving conditions: 40% city congested roads and 60% highway roads. The final real-world fuel consumption for the coupe version was 13.2L/100km, while the Spider version, due to the increased weight of its convertible structure, had a slightly higher consumption of 0.3L/100km. These figures deviate somewhat from the official combined fuel consumption of 11.7L/100km, but considering our frequent use of Sport mode, the results were within expectations. Regarding noise control, the coupe version performs well at highway speeds of 120km/h, with only slight engine noise transmitted into the cabin, and wind and road noise kept in check. For the Spider version, wind noise increases significantly when the convertible top is open. However, when the top is closed, its insulation is almost on par with the coupe version.

Overall, the core strengths of the 2019 McLaren 600LT are evident. Firstly, its dynamic performance in terms of acceleration, handling, and track capabilities lives up to the "LT" series reputation, with an acceleration time of 2.9 seconds, situating it in the upper mid-range among cars of the same price range. Secondly, its design consistency is notable, as the coupe and Spider versions share almost identical aerodynamics and driving dynamics apart from the convertible structure, allowing consumers to choose based on personal preference. Thirdly, its relative practicality, as the 600LT may be a performance car but includes features like dual-zone climate control and keyless entry, which meet basic commuting needs. Compared to the similarly priced Porsche 911 Turbo S, the 600LT is slightly slower by 0.1 seconds but offers purer driving enjoyment (rear-wheel drive). Compared to the Ferrari 488 GTB, the 600LT is more affordably priced, with relatively manageable maintenance costs.

The ideal customer for this car would be a performance enthusiast with a certain level of financial capability, who already owns another vehicle for daily commuting. They would purchase the 600LT primarily for weekend mountain drives or track days, occasionally using it for commuting. For buyers who need a car to also double as a family vehicle, the 600LT's two-seat layout and limited storage space are clear drawbacks. However, for those who seek a pure driving experience, these compromises are entirely worth it.

In conclusion, the 2019 McLaren 600LT coupe and Spider versions strike a good balance between "track DNA" and "everyday practicality." They can unleash passion on the track while remaining manageable for daily driving. If you're looking for a rear-wheel-drive sports car in the million-dollar range that combines fun driving with occasional commuting, the 600LT is a solid choice.

Pros
Comprehensive safety configuration, fast response of systems like active braking and vehicle stability control, enhancing driving safety.
Powerful performance, 3.8T twin-turbo engine provides ample power, 0-100km/h acceleration in 2.9 seconds, easy high-speed overtaking.
Cool exterior design with high attention rate, streamlined body, and eye-catching butterfly doors.
Cons
Limited storage space, inconvenient placement for mobile phones and other items, lacks practicality
Poor performance at low speeds in city driving, noticeable jerking, mediocre low-end torque, unpleasant experience in traffic jams
Low chassis with a ground clearance of only 92mm, prone to scraping on speed bumps and uneven roads
Overall Rating
4.5
Excellent
From 16 Reviews
Section Rating
Performance
4.4 / 5
Interior Design
4.4 / 5
Safety
4.6 / 5
Exterior Design
4.7 / 5
Showing 16 reviews
5 Excellent
M2Comp
Owner of 2019 McLaren 600LT
As the owner of a 2019 McLaren 600LT, having driven it in Malaysia for nearly two years, I truly feel that I made the right choice with this car! The safety deserves full marks! Previously, I encountered an unexpected situation on a mountain road in Penang, and the advanced braking system reacted super fast, helping me avoid a rear-end collision. The vehicle stability control is also excellent on rainy highways in Kuala Lumpur; it feels steady going through corners, without any skidding at all. Although the interior features a racing style, the attention to detail is impressive. The Alcantara material on the steering wheel feels amazing, and the responsiveness of the central control screen is excellent, making it very easy to operate. The storage space is a bit limited, but as a sports car, that's acceptable. As for performance, the 3.8T twin-turbo engine is incredibly powerful—its 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 2.9 seconds is no exaggeration! However, in Kuala Lumpur's city traffic, the low torque performance is average, with some lag. But once it hits the highway or mountain roads, it’s totally in its element, with precise handling, sharp cornering, and an impressively alluring exhaust note! Overall, the 600LT performs very well in Malaysia. Particularly in terms of safety and interior quality, while there are minor issues with its city performance, they are hardly deal-breaking!
5 Excellent
CRV_4WD
Owner of 2019 McLaren 600LT Spider
Sure! Here's the translation: As the owner of a 2019 McLaren 600LT Spider, after driving in Malaysia for almost two years, I truly feel this car is perfect for the local road conditions! First, let’s talk about performance. The 4 stars are definitely well-deserved. The 3.8T twin-turbo engine with 600 horsepower may feel a bit constrained during traffic jams in Kuala Lumpur, but once you hit the North-South Expressway and step on the gas, that adrenaline-pumping thrust is unbeatable! The 0-100km/h acceleration in 2.9 seconds is no exaggeration, and overtaking is just effortless. However, the suspension is on the stiffer side, so you have to be careful on uneven roads—well, it’s a sports car after all. As for the interior, 4 stars are also quite reasonable. The carbon fiber seats have excellent support, but they might get a bit uncomfortable during long drives. The center console design is simple and practical, and the 7-inch touchscreen is very responsive. The dual-zone automatic air conditioning is a lifesaver in Malaysia’s scorching weather. However, the storage space is really limited—you might even struggle to find a spot for your phone. Safety and exterior definitely deserve full marks! It’s fully equipped with safety features like ABS, stability control, and active braking, which make driving feel very safe. As for the exterior, there’s nothing more to say—every time I park at KLCC, the jaw-dropping attention is guaranteed! When the red soft-top convertible is down, the entire street becomes your stage. All in all, driving this car in Malaysia is an absolute thrill. The only downside might be the high fuel consumption, but anyone who can afford this car shouldn’t be bothered about fuel costs, right?
5 Excellent
CT5V
Owner of 2019 McLaren 600LT Spider
As the owner of a 2019 McLaren 600LT Spider, driving this car in Malaysia is simply amazing! Its appearance is absolutely top-notch, and every time I take it out, it turns heads like crazy, especially when the top is down. The streamlined body design is particularly eye-catching on the streets of Kuala Lumpur, and my friends all say it looks like a piece of art. In terms of safety, it's very reassuring — the standard active braking and stability control respond quickly in unexpected situations on the highway. Last time on the North-South Expressway, I almost got cut off, but the system intervened in time to help me avoid a collision, giving me a great sense of security. The performance is even more incredible — the 3.8T turbo engine delivers instant power, and it only takes 2.9 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km/h. Overtaking on Malaysian highways is practically effortless, and the rear-wheel-drive handling is super precise. The body remains stable through corners, and it's a breeze even when driving on mountain roads. Although it's quite expensive, in terms of appearance, safety, and performance, I feel it's absolutely worth it!
4 Excellent
i30N
Owner of 2019 McLaren 600LT Spider
As the owner of a 2019 McLaren 600LT Spider, driving this car in Malaysia is simply amazing! Speaking of performance, the official 0-100km/h in 2.9 seconds is no exaggeration. Every time I step on the accelerator on the highway, the push-back feeling pins you right into the seat, making overtaking effortless. Although highways in Malaysia can be busy at times, when given the chance, the explosive power of this car will undoubtedly amaze you. However, when driving in city traffic, the high-displacement turbo's low torque can make it a bit jumpy, so you need to control the throttle carefully; otherwise, it's easy to get too close to the car in front. As for safety, it does a good job too. The standard ABS and stability control are very practical. There was a time on the highway during rainy weather when the car in front suddenly braked hard. I slammed on the brakes and the ABS kicked in promptly, stopping the car smoothly and avoiding a collision. The automated emergency braking system has also been triggered a few times, mostly when following too closely in the city, helping me avoid minor scrapes. But since it's a sports car with a low body, you do have to be extra careful over speed bumps or uneven roads to prevent scraping the underside, which still concerns me a bit. Overall, I'm quite satisfied with this car's performance and safety. Driving it in Malaysia gives you both face and substance; you just need to get used to its quirks.
5 Excellent
NSX_TypeR
Owner of 2019 McLaren 600LT Spider
As the owner of a 2019 McLaren 600LT Spider, driving this car in Malaysia is absolutely thrilling! First of all, the exterior. Every time I park it in a shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur or drive along the coastal roads in Penang, it turns heads like crazy—the low-profile body coupled with the carbon fiber rear wing, and that metallic sheen under sunlight, even the gas station staff take a second look. It's entirely my kind of aesthetic. The interior is flawless as well. The Alcantara suede steering wheel feels amazing to hold, and the center console layout is simple yet premium. Every time I go on long drives (like from Kuala Lumpur to Malacca), resting my hand on it feels so comfortable. Plus, the dual-zone automatic air conditioning works incredibly well in Malaysia's hot weather, cooling down the car in seconds—attention to detail is spot on. When it comes to safety, I feel even more assured. Last time on the highway in Selangor, I encountered an emergency situation and braked hard. The active braking system responded super quickly, and with the vehicle stability control working the whole time, it stopped steadily without any incidents. Even in the city during traffic jams or lane changes, the car remains incredibly stable. The standard airbags and electronic assist systems give me plenty of confidence when driving. To sum up, I give full marks to all three aspects. It completely meets the standards of what a supercar should be!
1
2
3
4
Engine
Capacity(L)
3.8
Capacity(cc)
3800
Aspiration Form
Turbo
Engine Power(PS)
600
Rpm at Max Hp(RPM)
7500
Rpm at Max torque(RPM)
5500-6500
Fuel Type
Petrol
General
0-100km/h(s)
2.9
Fuel Consumption
11.7
Transmission and Chassis
Driven Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive
Front Suspension
Double Wishbone Independent Suspension
Rear Suspension
Double Wishbone Independent Suspension
Front Tyres
225/35 R19
Rear Tyres
285/35 R20
Parking Brake
Electric Parking Brake
Size&Capacity
Segment
Sports Car
Length(mm)
4604
Width(mm))
2045
Height(mm)
1194
Wheelbase(mm)
2670
McLaren 600LT photo
McLaren 600LT
Infiniti Q60 photo
Infiniti Q60
McLaren 600LT
vs
Infiniti Q60
McLaren 600LT photo
McLaren 600LT
Toyota GR86 photo
Toyota GR86
McLaren 600LT
vs
Toyota GR86
McLaren 600LT photo
McLaren 600LT
Ford Mustang photo
Ford Mustang
McLaren 600LT
vs
Ford Mustang
Find out if you can afford your dream car using our user friendly car loan calculator.
Total Amount
Down Payment
Interest Rate(%)
Loan Period (In Years)
Monthly Payment
RM --
Calculate

How much horsepower does a 2019 McLaren 720S have?

Who makes the McLaren 720S engine?

What is the interior like on a 2019 720S?