Skip advert
Advertisement

New entry-level McLaren 540C revealed in China

Most basic McLaren sports car gets 533bhp and will do 0-62mph in 3.5 seconds. The 540C is priced from £126k

A new entry-level McLaren 540C has been unveiled at the 2015 Shanghai Motor Show, undercutting the recently revealed 570S in the brand’s Sports Series range. 

The 540C can be pre-ordered now, with first deliveries early next year. Prices start from £126,000 – putting it in direct competition with the Porsche 911 Turbo, Audi R8 V10 and Mercedes AMG-GT S

Advertisement - Article continues below

Billed as “the most attainable McLaren yet”, the 540C is the fourth new McLaren to be launched this year, continuing the British manufacturer’s intense model onslaught. It’ll share its platform with the £143,250 570S, using the same carbon fibre MonoCell II chassis and aluminium body panels. 

The 540C gets a subtly revised aerodynamic package and a new alloy wheel design to separate it from the 570S. The 19-inch (front) and 20-inch (rear) wheels are shod in Pirelli P Zero rubber and have been developed specifically for the McLaren Sports Series models. The dampers have been tweaked to offer a more comfortable ride, but retain the familiar Normal, Sport and Track modes for greater engagement when desired. 

All 540C models feature unique aero blades below the front bumper, which channel air through the bodywork and over the bonnet towards the rear of the car. Like the 570S, the 540C uses the same mid-engine rear-wheel-drive configuration, applying power through a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox.

Despite this being the cheapest McLaren ever, the performance stats don’t disappoint. The 0-62mph sprint takes just 3.5 seconds, while 0-124mph is covered in 10.5 seconds. It’ll keep accelerating right up to 199mph, and is said to do 25.5mpg with a light right foot.

McLaren says the 540C has been designed with a “focus on space and ergonomics, offering great outward visibility and interior space.” All cars get leather upholstery on the seats, dash and lower doors, with a seven-inch touchscreen display on the centre console. DAB radio, sat-nav and Bluetooth are also on the standard kit list.

Find out more about the cars of the 2015 Shanghai Motor Show on our hub page 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Deputy editor

Richard has been part of the team for over a decade. During this time he has covered a huge amount of news and reviews for Auto Express, as well as being the face of Carbuyer and DrivingElectric on Youtube. In his current role as deputy editor, he is now responsible for keeping our content flowing and managing our team of talented writers.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

World's fastest road cars 2025
Fastest road cars - header

World's fastest road cars 2025

Find out everything you need to know about the fastest road cars ever built
Best cars & vans
6 Jan 2025
Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond
Best new cars coming soon - header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond

These are the biggest and most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
1 Jan 2025
McLaren gets a new owner with big plans for the future
McLaren 750S Spider - front

McLaren gets a new owner with big plans for the future

Abu Dhabi-based CYVN Holdings aims to “redefine high-performance mobility”
News
9 Dec 2024
McLaren lifts the lid on how its future road cars will look
McLaren design sketches

McLaren lifts the lid on how its future road cars will look

With plans to enter new segments and all-electric power on the horizon, McLaren has reaffirmed its design strategy
News
27 Mar 2024

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: new Ford Capri looks a lot less controversial at this price
Ford Capri - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: new Ford Capri looks a lot less controversial at this price

Rebooted Seventies classic is now an electric SUV for a low monthly outlay. It’s our Deal of the Day for 5 February
News
5 Feb 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Nissan Leaf for under £140 a month is bargain electric motoring
Nissan Leaf - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Nissan Leaf for under £140 a month is bargain electric motoring

It may be getting on a bit, but the Leaf still represents simple – and cheap – electric motoring. It’s our Deal of the Day for 3 February
News
3 Feb 2025
Vauxhall Corsa Yes Edition gets a price hike, but it’s still cheap-as-chips
Vauxhall Corsa Yes Edition - front

Vauxhall Corsa Yes Edition gets a price hike, but it’s still cheap-as-chips

The petrol Vauxhall Corsa Yes Edition now starts from £18,995, while the electric version comes in at £27,495
News
5 Feb 2025

Find a car with the experts