McLaren 540C vs Porsche Taycan

What's the difference?

VS
McLaren 540C
McLaren 540C

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2017 price

Porsche Taycan
Porsche Taycan

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2024 price

Summary

2017 McLaren 540C
2024 Porsche Taycan
Safety Rating

Engine Type
V8, 3.8L
Electric motor type
Permanent Magnet
Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded Petrol
Vehicle type
Battery Electric
Fuel Efficiency
25.5L/100km (combined)
Electric range
503 km
Energy consumption

20.0 kWh/100km
Battery capacity

89.00 kWh
Seating
2

4
Dislikes
  • Tricky entry/egress
  • Drinks a bit when pushed (don't we all)
  • Practicality not a strong suit

  • Tight rear seat
  • No spare tyre
  • Short warranty
2017 McLaren 540C Summary

Believe it or not, the McLaren 540C is an entry-level model. But you won't find anything remotely resembling rubber floor mats, steel wheels, or cloth seats here. This is a 'base' car like few others.

Revealed in 2015, it's actually the cornerstone of McLaren's three-tier supercar pyramid, being the most affordable member of the Sport Series, with the properly exotic Super Series (650S, 675LT and now 720S), and pretty much insane Ultimate Series (where the P1 hypercar briefly lived) rising above it.

So, how has this British upstart managed to build a world-beating supercar brand so quickly?

Only a few years ago, McLaren meant nothing to anyone outside the octane-infused world of motorsport. But in 2017, it's right up there with aspirational sports car big guns like Ferrari and Porsche, both of which have been producing road cars for close to 70 years.

So, how has this British upstart managed to build a world-beating supercar brand so quickly?

Everything you need to know to answer that question resides inside the stunning McLaren 540C.

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2024 Porsche Taycan Summary

Can you believe Porsche’s Taycan has been on sale in Australia for three and a half years?

Well, it has, which means the mid-life refresh clock has struck 12 for this ground-breaking pure-electric performance sedan and wagon.

Porsche says it’s faster in a straight line… and to charge, with more power and an extended range. It’s also been refreshed cosmetically, the dynamics have been tweaked and the standard features list has been lengthened as prices have gone up.

We’re ready to share our first impressions review, so stay with us to see if the new Taycan keeps the Porsche flame burning in an increasingly electrified automotive world.

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Deep dive comparison

2017 McLaren 540C 2024 Porsche Taycan

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