McLaren GT Review

2020 McLaren GT public is McLaren's first GT model, achieving supercar handling with a lightweight body and 4.0T V8 power, while balancing long-distance travel comfort with class-leading storage space and luxurious configuration.

RM 908,000

McLaren GT

Segment

Grand Tourer

Body Type

Coupe

Capacity(L)

4.0

Engine Power(PS)

620

Transmission

DCT

Driven Wheels

All Wheel Drive

View McLaren GT > View Full Specs >

Review

User Review

Specs

In recent years, the demand for luxury GT models in Malaysia has been steadily increasing. Consumers are looking for both the performance genes of sports cars and the comfort and practicality required for long-distance driving. The McLaren GT is precisely designed to target this niche market. As the brand's first model positioned as a "Grand Tourer," it breaks the previously track-focused image of McLaren, combining performance with luxury comfort. Its core selling points lie in the lightweight body offering handling advantages, the powerful 4.0T V8 twin-turbo engine, and best-in-class storage space. This test drive aims to verify whether it truly strikes a balance between "sportiness" and "touring" attributes, providing potential buyers with a realistic reference.

At first glance, the McLaren GT's overall design continues the brand's signature aerodynamic supercar silhouette while incorporating the elegance unique to GT models. The front features a large trapezoidal grille accompanied by sharp LED headlights on both sides, with slim daytime running lights that offer high recognizability. The body’s side profile is sleek, with a fastback design extending from the A-pillar to the rear, reducing wind resistance. The combination of 20-inch front wheels and 21-inch rear wheels (front tires 225/35 R20, rear tires 295/30 R21) enhances its sporty aura. The rear design is minimalistic, with smoked LED taillights and a dual-exit exhaust layout hidden beneath the bumper, creating a look that is understated yet powerful. The lighting system comes standard with LED technology, and features such as automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers enhance everyday convenience.

Sitting inside, the interior leans towards a minimalist tech-oriented design. The center console is wrapped in ample Alcantara and leather materials, providing a refined touch and offering a noticeable luxury feel superior to other McLaren performance models. The 12.3-inch TFT full LCD instrument cluster is clear and supports different driving mode interfaces. The 7-inch touchscreen display on the center console has an intuitive layout and supports basic features such as Bluetooth connectivity, though the 4-speaker sound system may seem somewhat underwhelming for a luxury GT model. In terms of configuration, keyless entry/start, dual-zone automatic climate control, front side airbags, and other features come standard. Safety options such as active braking and electronic stability control are fully equipped, meeting the requirements of daily use. Space is a standout feature of the McLaren GT: a wheelbase of 2,670mm ensures ample front-row seating space. A 180cm-tall individual sitting in the front still has about a fist's width of headroom and legroom. The trunk offers 420 liters of storage capacity, capable of accommodating two 28-inch suitcases, which is highly practical for long-distance travel. Additionally, there are several small storage compartments in the front row for smaller items like phones and wallets.

In terms of power, the McLaren GT is equipped with a 4.0T V8 twin-turbocharged engine that delivers a maximum horsepower of 620PS and a peak torque of 770N·m (data from the manufacturer), paired with a 7-speed DCT gearbox. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is only 3.2 seconds. During actual driving, when switched to Comfort mode, the power delivery is smooth and the initial acceleration is gentle, making it suitable for urban commuting. Switching to Sport or Track mode remarkably enhances throttle response. When the accelerator is pressed hard, the sense of push-back is intense, and the mid-range acceleration (80-160km/h) exhibits exceptional explosiveness, making overtaking effortless. The chassis features front and rear double-wishbone independent suspension, tuned for sporty driving while retaining comfort. It effectively absorbs small road bumps during daily driving. On speed bumps or bumpy roads, the suspension rebounds quickly, and the body experiences minimal extra movement. The steering provides precise control with minimal dead zone, while the car maintains stable posture and excellent roll control during cornering, reflecting McLaren's handling genes.

In terms of fuel consumption, the official average fuel consumption is 11.9L/100km. During actual city driving, the fuel consumption is about 14-15L/100km, while on highways it can drop to 9-10L/100km, which is considered average for a 4.0T V8 model. The braking performance is excellent, with a combination of front ventilated disc brakes, rear disc brakes, and an ABS anti-lock braking system. The vehicle remains stable during emergency braking, with short braking distances. Regarding driving comfort, the cabin offers good sound insulation, with wind and tire noise controlled within a reasonable range during high-speed driving. The seat provides moderate wrapping and sufficient support, making long-distance driving less tiring. The engine start-stop technology and hill-start assist function also enhance convenience.

Overall, the core advantage of the McLaren GT lies in its "balance of performance and comfort"—offering supercar-level power and handling while also providing the practicality and luxury features of a GT model. Compared to competitors in the same segment, such as the Bentley Continental GT, the McLaren GT emphasizes driving enjoyment more, with its lightweight body (1530kg) offering quicker handling response. The Continental GT, on the other hand, leans towards ultimate luxury, with more exquisite interior materials and configurations. However, the McLaren GT's 4-speaker audio system and 7-inch infotainment screen seem slightly lacking in terms of features, and its price (Malaysia market guide price of RM 908,000) is also slightly higher than some competitors.

This car is suitable for two types of buyers: first, luxury car buyers who pursue a "multi-purpose vehicle" — seeking to enjoy driving pleasure on weekends while also needing comfort for long-distance travel; second, consumers who like supercars but are unsatisfied with purely track-focused designs. Overall, the McLaren GT successfully fills the gap in the GT niche for the brand. It is a "supercar you can drive daily" as well as a "performance-oriented grand tourer."

In conclusion, with its unique "performance + practicality" positioning, the McLaren GT has established a spot for itself in the luxury GT market. It is neither the most extreme performance car nor the most luxurious grand tourer, but it is one of the most well-balanced combinations of the two, making it suitable for luxury car buyers who value both driving experience and practicality.

Pros

Eye-catching design, streamlined body with high appeal, suitable for Malaysia's tropical environment

Strong performance, accelerates to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, easily overtakes at high speeds, stable chassis

Comprehensive safety features, such as active braking and vehicle stability system, enhance driving safety

Cons

Suspension is on the stiffer side, noticeable bumps when going over speed bumps or uneven roads, affecting comfort

Interior lacks a sense of luxury, few speakers with average sound quality, some trim panels tend to get hot

Auxiliary driving features are incomplete, lacking lane-keeping and other L2 functions, making long-distance driving tiring

Overall Rating

4.4

Excellent

From 20 Reviews

Section Rating

Performance

4.5 / 5

Interior Design

4.5 / 5

Safety

4.5 / 5

Exterior Design

4.3 / 5

Showing 20 reviews

5 Excellent

Panam4E

Owner of 2020 McLaren GT public

As the owner of a 2020 McLaren GT, driving it in Malaysia for almost two years now, I genuinely feel this car is perfect for the local environment! The exterior gets a full score with no flaws at all – every time I park it in front of KLCC or by the seaside in Penang, passers-by always turn their heads to look. The streamlined body combined with the bright orange paint under the tropical sun is incredibly eye-catching. Even the staff at petrol stations compliment it, saying, "This supercar is gorgeous!" As for the interior, I would give it 4 points. The combination of carbon fiber and Alcantara feels very premium, and the response of the central control screen is fast. However, since it's a supercar, the storage space is indeed a bit limited. Every time I go to Malacca to bring back souvenirs, I have to be extra cautious when placing them. But the seat's wrapping is excellent, so even during long drives on the North-South Expressway, it doesn't feel tiring, which deserves additional points. Safety-wise, it definitely deserves a full score! Last time on the Selangor highway, I encountered a sudden situation requiring hard braking. The braking response was super quick, and the car remained extremely stable, with no swaying at all. Moreover, the active safety system is very sensitive; it timely alerts me when there’s a car nearby while changing lanes. In Kuala Lumpur's traffic jams, it also helps me avoid minor collisions. It feels particularly reassuring to drive.

4 Excellent

J10_Qash

Owner of 2019 McLaren GT

As a 2019 McLaren GT owner, after nearly two years of driving in Malaysia, here’s my genuine feedback~ Exterior gives 4 stars: The streamlined body has an amazing presence in KL city, especially the LED headlights that are particularly eye-catching on Jalan Bukit Bintang in the evening. However, the rear design is understated, lacking the flamboyance of a supercar. If the rear wing could be sportier, it would be perfect. Performance gives 4 stars: The 3.2 seconds 0-100 km/h acceleration makes overtaking on the North-South Expressway super enjoyable, and the DCT gearbox shifts swiftly. But with the many asphalt road joints in Malaysia, the suspension is a bit stiff, so be cautious over speed bumps, or it gets quite bumpy. Fuel consumption of 11.9L in city traffic is slightly high, but acceptable on highways. Interior gives 4 stars: The 12.3-inch instrument panel exudes a strong tech vibe, and the keyless entry and dual-zone air conditioning are very practical. However, the 7-inch central control screen is a bit small, making navigation routes less convenient to view; the 4 speakers are average in sound quality, good enough for local radio but not great for lossless music playback. Overall, the GT is well-suited for daily commuting and occasional hill drives in Malaysia, though there’s room for improvement in certain details.

4 Excellent

BMW_E30

Owner of 2020 McLaren GT public

As the owner of the 2020 McLaren GT, after driving it in Malaysia for nearly two years, what I most want to talk about are the interior and safety aspects. Giving the interior 4 out of 5 stars is truly well-deserved. When stuck in traffic in Kuala Lumpur, resting my hand on the Alcantara steering wheel feels particularly comfortable, and the touchscreen in the middle console responds quickly, making it easy to adjust the air conditioning or switch songs without losing focus. However, there is one small regret—the carbon fiber trim on the front of the passenger seat, while it looks premium, gets uncomfortably hot when exposed to sunlight. Last time, a friend accidentally touched it and exclaimed out loud. Adding a heat-resistant coating would make it perfect. For safety, it must be a full 5 stars! Last month on the highway in Penang, I encountered a car that suddenly changed lanes. Before I could even react, the active braking system kicked in with a "thump" and stopped the car just centimeters away from the vehicle ahead. My palms were sweating from the scare. Later, I reviewed the dashcam footage and saw that the system reacted much faster than I did. Plus, during rainy days in Kuala Lumpur when the roads are slippery, the stability control system activates in a timely manner, making cornering feel steady without any skidding, which gives a strong sense of security.

5 Excellent

FerrariF8

Owner of 2019 McLaren GT

As the owner of a 2019 McLaren GT, driving it in Malaysia for almost two years, here’s my honest experience～ **Performance deserves a full score!** With a 4.0T twin-turbo engine and 3.2-second acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, overtaking during peak hours on highways in Kuala Lumpur (like NKVE) is simply "super thrilling" - just step hard on the gas pedal, and the pushback instantly pins you to your seat. Changing lanes and overtaking in traffic feels clean and effortless, with none of the "difficult-to-handle" vibes of a supercar. Instead, it feels like an obedient toy. While cruising at 120 km/h on the North-South Expressway and accelerating again, the power is still strong. During turns, the chassis support remains stable, even my wife, who’s usually afraid of speed, praised it as "steady and not like a typical sports car." **Safety gets 4 out of 5**, primarily because the basic features are complete – ABS, active braking, and side airbags are all included. I experienced active braking intervention on the highway once, and it was quite responsive. However, compared to other European GTs in the same price range, it lacks features like lane-keeping assistance. For the long-distance highways frequently driven in Malaysia, you still need to stay alert for long periods, which is slightly disappointing. But for daily city commutes and short-distance highways, it’s sufficient. **Interior gets 4 out of 5** as well. The overall craftsmanship is considered exquisite, and the combination of Alcantara and genuine leather feels high-quality, while the 7-inch central touchscreen is also easy to operate. That said, compared to its nearly one-million-ringgit price, the interior feels less luxurious than the Bentley Continental GT – for example, there are only 4 speakers, and during Malaysia's frequently encountered heavy rain, the music lacks a surround feel. Storage-wise, apart from the highly practical 420L trunk (which fits two carry-on suitcases), the cup holder and phone slot in the front are relatively small; I have to "tilt and insert" my large Android phone. These minor details feel less considerate. Overall, the GT nails its positioning perfectly – for those who want to occasionally enjoy supercar performance while also having a comfortable long-distance drive, it’s a “well-balanced choice” for Malaysian road conditions!

4 Excellent

FocusRS

Owner of 2019 McLaren GT

As the owner of a 2019 McLaren GT driving in Malaysia for nearly two years, I have the most say on these two points. First, let’s talk about performance: the 4.0T twin-turbo plus DCT transmission makes it incredibly satisfying to accelerate. On Kuala Lumpur's Jalan Ampang, a road with many traffic lights, the green light turns on, step on the accelerator, and the 3.2-second 0-100 km/h thrust leaves nearby cars far behind, making overtaking extremely enjoyable. However, on the bumpy country roads in Malacca, the suspension is tuned on the stiffer side. You have to go over speed bumps slowly, otherwise, it feels uncomfortable, so I’d give the performance a 4 out of 5. It’s great for highways and urban areas but be cautious on rough roads. As for the interior, the seats are made of Alcantara material, which doesn’t feel stuffy even after sitting for a long time—an important feature given Malaysia's hot weather. The 7-inch touchscreen on the center console responds quickly and is easy to operate. However, the storage space on the passenger side is a bit small—finding a place for a phone can take a while. Additionally, there are only 4 speakers, and the sound quality is average. Hence, I’d give the interior a 4 out of 5. Overall, the texture is good, but there’s room for improvement in terms of details.