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McLaren 540C 2015: How McLaren Built Its Most Affordable Supercar
The McLaren 540C made its world debut at the Shanghai Motor Show in April 2015. It was the second Sports Series model after the 570S and the cheapest McLaren yet, priced from 126,000 pounds in the UK. Its 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 gave 397 kW (540 PS), and deliveries began in early 2016. Production ran until 2020, and the hybrid Artura now fills its role.
Key takeaways
- Revealed in Shanghai in April 2015, a few weeks after the 570S was shown in New York.
- 397 kW (540 PS) and 540 Nm, rear-wheel drive, 0–100 km/h in 3.5 seconds.
- UK price 126,000 pounds (about €174,000 at 2015 rates); not sold in the United States.
- Built until 2020; the Artura of 2021 is the entry McLaren in October 2026.
The Shanghai reveal and McLaren's three-tier plan
McLaren chose China for the premiere of its least expensive model. The P1 hypercar formed the Ultimate Series, the 650S and 675LT the Super Series, and the new Sports Series sat below them.
The McLaren 570S had opened the Sports Series in New York earlier that April. The 540C followed as a cheaper version for markets outside North America.
Our June 2015 report listed the main differences: lower engine output, different suspension tuning and new wheels. Both cars were built in Woking, England.
McLaren 540C specifications at launch
| Specification | McLaren 540C (2015) |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8, mid-mounted |
| Power | 397 kW (540 PS) at 7,500 rpm |
| Torque | 540 Nm from 3,500 to 6,500 rpm |
| Gearbox | seven-speed dual-clutch (SSG), rear-wheel drive |
| Chassis | carbon fibre MonoCell II, aluminium body panels |
| Dry weight | from 1,311 kg with lightweight options |
| 0–100 km/h / 0–200 km/h | 3.5 s / 10.5 s |
| Top speed | 320 km/h |
| UK price | 126,000 pounds |
The 540C kept the 570S's dihedral doors and Brake Steer system. A seven-inch IRIS touchscreen ran navigation, audio and climate, and adaptive dampers offered Normal, Sport and Track modes. The 570S produced 419 kW (570 PS), and our 2015 report put its 0–100 km/h time 0.3 seconds quicker. See how the two compare with the power-to-weight calculator.
The 540C against its rivals in 2015
German magazine Auto Bild saw the Porsche 911 Turbo as its natural rival. In Germany the 540C cost €160,000 in April 2015, about €15,000 less than the 570S. A rear-drive Lamborghini Huracán followed that November at a higher price.
The 540C was the only one of these with a carbon fibre tub. McLaren tuned its dampers for daily driving, and the redesigned tub made getting in and out easier than before.
What came after the 540C
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| April 2015 | 570S revealed in New York, 540C in Shanghai |
| Early 2016 | First 540C deliveries |
| March 2016 | 570GT shown at Geneva, a softer touring version |
| July 2017 | 570S Spider revealed at Goodwood |
| June 2018 | 600LT revealed with 441 kW (600 PS) |
| 2020 | 540C production ends |
| February 2021 | Hybrid Artura revealed as the new entry model |
| 2021 | 570S production ends, closing the Sports Series |
The 540C was the first Sports Series model to go. McLaren then replaced the whole range with one plug-in hybrid, ending the twin-turbo V8 as its entry engine.
Is a McLaren 540C worth buying in 2026?
In October 2026 the McLaren Artura is the cheapest new McLaren. It pairs a twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor, and since 2024 its combined output has been 515 kW (700 PS). It is quicker and more efficient, but heavier and more complex.
A used 540C suits a driver who wants a carbon-tub McLaren at the lowest entry price. Choose one with a full service history and compare it with a 570S of the same age. The full range is in the McLaren catalogue, and the comparison tool helps set it against rivals.
FAQ
When was the McLaren 540C released?
It was revealed at the Shanghai Motor Show in April 2015, a few weeks after the 570S appeared in New York. Orders opened straight after the show, and the first customer deliveries began in early 2016.
How much did a new McLaren 540C cost?
The UK price was 126,000 pounds in 2015, about €174,000 at the exchange rate of the time. In Germany it cost €160,000, roughly €15,000 less than the more powerful 570S.
What is the difference between the McLaren 540C and 570S?
The 540C had 397 kW (540 PS) instead of 419 kW (570 PS), softer damper settings and its own wheels. Both shared the carbon tub, V8 and gearbox.
Was the McLaren 540C sold in the US?
No. McLaren sold only the more powerful 570S in North America. The 540C was offered in Europe, the UK, Asia and other markets as the brand's entry model.
