2021 Mclaren 570S

You’re not spoilt for choice when choosing trim levels, as the 570S is only available in one configuration. However, it is fairly well equipped with features like sports seats with leather upholstery, a 7-inch infotainment system, automatic wipers and headlights, staggered alloy wheels with 19-inch at the front and 20-inch at the rear, keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, and more.

McLaren also offers carbon fiber and blacked-out styling packages. The luxury pack brings in some creature comforts like power-adjustable seats with heating, an upgraded 12-speaker audio system, and more. For track use, the optional track pack includes racing seats, upgraded wheels, telemetry, and a lot more.

Which Trim should you buy?

Since the 2021 McLaren 570S Coupe is a high-performance sports car, there is only one trim available with a starting price of around $200,000. It is fairly well equipped with plenty of luxuries especially if you opt for the luxury pack that adds heated and power-adjustable front seats, adjustable steering, and an upgraded 12-speaker audio system. If you plan on hitting the track often, the optional track pack is also recommended for improved performance.

For a high-performance sports car, the 2021 McLaren 570S Coupe is surprisingly efficient during regular usage, returning 15 MPG in the city, and 22 MPG on the highway. Fuel capacity is also adequate at 19 gallons, giving it an ln impressive highway range of 285 miles in the city and 418 miles on the highway. There is no hybrid tech available with the 570S to boost economy figures.

Surprisingly, the McLaren 570S is one of the most efficient sports cars in its class, returning an impressive 18 MPG combined, matched only by the Nissan GT-R NISMO. The Porsche 911 Turbo S takes the second spot, while the Audi R8 with its big V10 engine is the least efficient returning only 13 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. However, the R8 boasts a large tank which boosts up its range.

Like all McLarens, the 570S gets a simple interior with plenty of exposed carbon fiber. The central vertical infotainment display sits in the middle with a floating design. Ride mode controls and the gear lever are placed on the center console with carbon-fiber surrounds. The higher door sills and low seating does compromise ergonomics, making it difficult to get in and out easily. Interior space is average for the class, and the 570S gets sports seats for both the driver and passenger with leather upholstery.

McLaren has made a lot of compromises in the name of weight reduction like the abysmal cargo capacity and limited feature list. However, opting for the luxury pack brings in a lot of features like power-adjustable front seats with heating, and a 12-speaker audio system. Cargo capacity is limited to just 5.3 cubic feet because of the mid-engined layout and compact dimensions.

With an abysmal cargo capacity of 5.3 cubic feet, the McLaren 570S is the least practical sports car in its class. The Audi R8 also gets a 2 seater configuration with better cargo space at 8 cubic feet, while both the Porsche 911 Turbo S and Nissan GT-R NISMO can squeeze in two more passengers. As a result, the Porsche and GT-R can also be used daily driven exotic cars. Some notable interior features include:

• Fully digital instrument cluster
• Keyless entry
• Dual-zone climate control
• Leather-wrapped sport steering wheel
• Front sports seats

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The 2021 McLaren 570S Coupe continues to get the same 7-inch infotainment system as standard. Although all the modern features like Bluetooth, navigation, Wi-Fi hotspot, SiriusXM satellite radio, a 4-speaker audio system, and more are included as standard, the interface feels sluggish at times, and almost all systems including climate control are accessed through the display. Overall, for a sportscar that focuses on the drive, a lot of these issues can be forgiven, and the system is adequate for the most part.

The advanced fully digital instrument cluster also includes various functions including telemetry. Some standout infotainment features include:

• A 7-inch vertical touchscreen infotainment system
• SiriusXM satellite radio
• Optional 12-speaker premium audio system
• Turn-by-turn navigation
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Wi-Fi hotspot

Unlike most of its rivals, the 2021 McLaren 570S Coupe can easily be mistaken for a high-performance supercar even though it is the entry-level baby McLaren. With a similar design as the P1 supercar, the 570S gets a sleek design with C-shaped Led headlights, taillights, and flared wheel arches. The side vents are well integrated, and gel well with the overall design.

McLaren also uses a staggered wheel setup with 19-inch alloys at the front and 20-inch alloys at the rear.However, unlike its bigger brothers, there are no active aerodynamic elements on offer and instead, rely on fixed airflow solutions. In terms of dimensions, the McLaren appears to be one of the compact cars in the segment followed by the Audi R8. As far as the weight is concerned, McLaren boasts its lightweight advantage which further helps with the agility while driving on the track.

In terms of overall dimensions, the McLaren 570S is as compact as the Porsche 911 Turbo S, overshadowing the Audi R8. With a conventional design, the Nissan GT-R is bigger than all of its rivals measuring a length of 184.6 inches, a width of 74.6 inches, and a height of 53.9 inches. Also, the GTR dominates the competition in terms of weight.Some of the notable exterior features include:

• Automatic projector LED headlights
• Lip spoiler
• 19-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels
• Black design inserts including the front grille and window trims
• LED C-shaped brake lights

Because of its high sticker price and limited sales, the McLaren 570S hasn't been tested by government agencies. The 570S is also devoid of any driver assistance features even as an option since the car is put on a diet for better performance. It still gets all the regulated features like 6 airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, and more. Tire pressure monitoring, parking sensors at both ends, and a backup camera system are also included as standard. Like most McLarens, the 570S also uses a complete carbon fiber monocoque chassis the offers excellent rigidity and safety. Some notable safety features include:

• Roll stability control
• Brake steer
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Dynamic Electronic Stability Control (DESC
• Traction Control (TC)

2021 McLaren 570S Coupe vs 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S

Over the years, the Porsche 911 has developed a reputation for being the most usable and practical sports car on the market with compromised performance. However, with the latest model, the Porsche 911 Turbo S is now the quickest in its segment, beating the McLaren 570S in terms of outright performance, and braking all the while offering two more seats and a usable cargo area. As an everyday sports car, the 911 is still a better option. However, if you want a hi-tech purpose-built sports car, the 570S is the one to go for.

2021 McLaren 570S Coupe vs 2021 Audi R8 V10 Performance

Being one of the only sports cars to offer a massive V10 engine under the hood, it’s hard to ignore the Audi R8. The Audi is also the more comfortable option, offering a lot more luxury and creature comforts, making it a better everyday sports car. But, for track use and dynamics, the 570S still outshines the R8 in several areas and the McLaren 570S is the most affordable comparatively.

2021 McLaren 570S Coupe vs 2021 Nissan GT-R

The Nissan GT-R has been around for ages now, but it still manages to keep up with the competition, especially in the track-focused NISMO trim. Although weight is a concern, the GT-R still manages to offer similar performance and a lot more practicality with seating for four passengers and a practical trunk. The GT-R is also a size bigger than the McLaren and gets all-wheel drive as standard. It is still a mystery how the Japanese are able to milk insane performance from a car that is more than a decade old now.

The 2021 McLaren 570S Coupe can easily be considered as a budget supercar thanks to its excellent dynamics, and high performance. However, it's not as practical as its rivals, and can only seat 2 passengers. Cargo space is also non-existent, limiting daily usability. Unfortunately, there are no major updates to speak of, and the 570S is expected to be replaced soon by the upcoming Artura hybrid sports car. Overall, if you’re on the lookout for a high-performance sports car that’s engineered to perfection, the 570S is still the best option out there.