McLaren 570S review - MPG, CO2 and Running Costs

If you can afford a supercar, then worrying about the cost of running one might seem a bit churlish. Still, it’s worth knowing you can eke 26mpg out of a 570S if you want to extend your range between fuel stops. The fuel tank carries 72 litres of super unleaded, but it’s hard to imagine anyone driving a 570S to maximise economy. Owners may not be that interested in the 249g/km CO2 emissions, either.

Some will be interested in the company car tax cost of running a 570S, and with a 37 per cent Benefit-in-Kind rate you’ll be looking at annual tax bills of more than £20,000 before you’ve added any options to the basic £143k list price. Fuel benefit will add another £3,000 or so.

There’s a first year road tax/VED charge of £2,000, followed by a £450 annual charge that incorporates the ‘luxury’ car premium until the car’s sixth birthday, when VED reverts to £140. 

Those running costs are par for the course at this exalted level of motoring, but the McLaren still looks better value than some rivals. But it’s easy to get carried away when it comes to adding options to your 570S – we recently tested one with added extras that included £3,500 worth of paint, a £3,000 sports exhaust and a £4,000 pack with reversing camera, parking sensors and nose-lift system. The latter item probably looks like good value when you consider the potential cost of repairs if you run into a sleeping policeman and need repairs, however.

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Insurance groups

The 570S is a Group 50 car – the top banding for insurance. However, many owners will have a McLaren as one of a stable of cars, and will negotiate their own multi-car deal with their broker. 

Depreciation

There’s no two ways about it… unless you’re buying a limited edition or particularly unique supercar, they’re all likely to cost you an arm and a leg in depreciation. McLaren reckons the 570S will stand up comparatively well, and that strong residual values mean dealers are able to offer a personal contract purchase scheme that can put you in the driving seat for just £995 per month over three years. Assuming you’ve got £35k for the deposit, of course.