Supercar

2020 McLaren GT Review

Written By: Amy Plemons | Jan 21, 2021 12:00:00 AM

This week I bring you the 2020 McLaren GT - the brand’s first-ever true Grand Touring model. So what does that mean? It’s a McLaren designed to be the most suited for cross-continental road trips. While it’s powerful, it is a McLaren supercar after all, it’s less focused on raw track performance with an added emphasis on luxury and comfort, and, yes, luggage space.

Exterior

Don’t even try to go incognito in this stunner. It’s gorgeous and quite an attraction for anyone fortunate enough to be in the vicinity. Going along with the GT theme, you note that it’s a more subdued McLaren. For one you have a smaller integrated rear wing. My GT test model is sleek in Namaka Blue and rides on utterly spectacular optional 15-spoke wheels with a Black Diamond Cut Alloy finish that are part of a McLaren Special Operations (MSO) package. 21-inch wheels in the rear, the largest ever fitted to a McLaren, and 20-inch the front. They are absolutely mesmerizing in motion.

 

The MSO package also includes the chrome window surrounds and dual titanium exhaust in back. This is outfitted with optional Sport exhaust and a large diffuser. Jewel-like LED headlights create a sleek front end and large commanding air intakes in front of each wheel help cool the mid-engine. Speaking of which, under the hood you get storage space and it’s also where the optional Lithium-ion battery charger is stored.

Design

The GT is built on McLaren’s lightweight carbon fibre MonoCell-II T chassis. It’s longer than other McLarens (at over 15 feet long) and weighs just under 3,400 pounds. The GT sits low to the ground and an optional front-end lift helps with ground clearance in steep situations.

 

Interior

The glorious Dihedral doors open to reveal a driver centric, modern, and luxurious cabin. This model features the Luxe Porcelain & Ink Blue Soft Grain Aniline Leather-trimmed interior, complemented by machined aluminum switches and controls, satin silver and piano black accents. An optional 12-speaker Bowers and Wilkins system features speakers with a new grille design. A second MSO package adds some carbon fiber pieces. But you won’t find carbon fiber seats in here. The power, heated “Comfort” leather seats are designed for road trips. The leather dash and door panels are impeccably crafted as well. Carbon black carpet adorns the floors.

McLaren says the GT also has its most sophisticated infotainment system to date. The 7-inch portrait style swipe and pinch and zoom touchscreen is easy to use and access too with these knobs. Its navigation looks great. Below the center stack you see the GT badging. You’ll find the back up camera in the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster -- which does not flip, or rotate, in the GT.

Some surprise features are extra storage spots - like a small hidden compartment in the door panel and an envelope-style storage area in the seat cushion. Also the sun visors have separate mirrors.

Luggage Bay

Unlike other McLarens you won’t see the engine showcased over your shoulder in the cabin. Instead, you find 14.8 cubic-feet of luggage space. It’s quite luxurious-looking too and outfitted with what McLaren calls Super Fabric, a durable stain-resistant fabric designed to protect the luggage bay. An optional strap helps keep things secure. With the power hatch open, the only thing that tips you off an engine is nearby are the water and oils intakes on each side of the luggage bay.

Performance

The McLaren GT is, of course, super powerful, and fast. Acceleration feels incredible in here as you’d expect it would with 465 lb.-feet of torque and a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged 612-horsepower engine. What a rocket to ride! Its 0-60 time is 3.1 seconds with a top speed of 203 mph. Of course you also have a track mode and launch control. The engine is equipped with stop start and mated to a dual clutch 7-speed automatic with Comfort, Sport and Track modes.

Ride and Drive

Driving any McLaren is truly an exhilarating and engaging experience and the GT is no exception. It’s low, planted stance gives you a commanding feel of the road. This is also outfitted with optional carbon ceramic brakes and aluminum calipers. Precise performance brakes are confident and responsive. The GT’s double-wishbone Proactive Damping Control system is geared to provide more ride comfort than in other McLarens by predicting and adjusting to the road conditions ahead. The end result is a blend of performance and McLaren’s renowned driving dynamics with a softer, yet still on the sporty-side, ride. You’ll have the crisp handling you want for twists and turns on two-lane roads, and a ride that smooths out on long stretches.

Optional Features

Other cool features are an optional electrochromic glass roof. You can switch from opaque to transparent using a digital control panel. Ambient lighting provides six shades that light up the cabin and footwell.

A $5,500 Premium Pack includes the B&O system, power hatch with soft-close function, power-folding heated side mirrors, chrome tipped headlight bezels, and vehicle lift. The MSO pack adds $5,500 and the electrochromic roof is $6,000. The Interior Lux package is $9,500.

What You’ll Pay

The GT starts from $210,000 and the price on this one as equipped is $259,330.

Verdict

Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable road trip in the McLaren GT. P.S. If you need luggage, McLaren has you covered. You can always spring for a special set of GT-exclusive luggage, along with a golf bag.

2020 McLaren GT Review

  • What I liked most: Everything.
  • What I would change: Massage seats would be divine!
  • MSRP: Base price $210,000; $259,330 as equipped.
  • Fuel Economy: 15 city/22 highway/18 combined.
  • Official Color: Elite - Namaka Blue ($4,500)
  • Odometer reading when tested: 3,062 miles.
  • Weight: 3,384 pounds.
  • Spare Tire: Spare tire mobility kit.
  • Final Assembly: Woking, Surrey UK.
  • Length-Width-Height: 15.3” long/ 6.87” wide/ 3.97” high (doors closed.)
  • Towing Capacity: N/A.
  • Fuel Tank Capacity: 19 gallons with filler on the driver’s side.
  • 2020 McLaren GT in a few words:  My bags are packed and I'll send you guys a postcard.    
  • Manufacturers website: McLaren
  • Warranty: 3 year/unlimited mileage new vehicle warranty/3 year/paint surface warranty/10 years corrosion warranty.

Credit: McLaren