Aston Martin DBS Superleggera vs McLaren 570S
Compare the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera vs McLaren 570S. The McLaren 570S is £80,000 cheaper. The McLaren 570S is 0.2s quicker to 60mph. The McLaren 570S is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.
The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera is priced from £175,000, powered by a 5.2L Twin-Turbo V12, producing 715 hp, with 900 Nm of torque, reaching 0-62 mph in 3.4 s, a top speed of 211 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive. The McLaren 570S is priced from £95,000, powered by a 3.8L Twin-Turbo V8, producing 562 hp, with 600 Nm of torque, reaching 0-62 mph in 3.2 s, a top speed of 204 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive.
The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera offers a 270-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 20 mpg, is covered by a 3 years / unlimited miles (original UK new-car cover) warranty. The McLaren 570S offers a 150-litre boot, a usable front boot, runs on petrol, returns around 24 mpg, is covered by a 3 years / unlimited miles (original UK new-car cover) warranty.
On cost of ownership, the McLaren 570S is £80,000 cheaper than its rival, the McLaren 570S costs less in annual maintenance (£4,200 versus £2,800), the McLaren 570S is the more fuel-efficient choice, the McLaren 570S has 72 L fuel tank.
Driving Character: Aston Martin DBS Superleggera vs McLaren 570S
The DBS Superleggera is defined by the sheer ferocity of its 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12, a powerplant that delivers 715hp with an unrelenting, surging intensity. Unlike its more surgical rivals, the car prioritises theatre and immense torque, relying on its rear-wheel-drive architecture to provide a raw, visceral driving experience. The chassis is tuned for stability at triple-digit speeds, though it occasionally struggles to mask its weight through tight, technical corners. It feels like a heavyweight prize fighter—monumentally powerful and capable of incredible feats, yet demanding a firm hand to keep its formidable energy under precise control at all times.
The McLaren 570S stands as the quintessential entry-level supercar, utilising a lightweight carbon fibre monocoque that provides unmatched structural rigidity. Its 3.8L twin-turbo V8 delivers 562 hp, propelling the car to 60 mph in a mere 3.1 seconds. The hydraulic-assisted steering is widely regarded as the benchmark for the segment, offering granular detail that feels missing in its competitors. While the engine displays noticeable turbo lag at lower rpm, the chassis balance is sublime, providing a sense of fluidity and poise that invites the driver to push harder through every apex with complete confidence.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera — 5.2L twin-turbocharged V12; provides massive low-end torque for effortless high-speed progress; the McLaren 570S — Most accessible McLaren; V8 with 562hp tuned for enjoyment over extremes. Characteristic of the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera: Rear-wheel drive dynamics; chassis maintains composure despite immense engine output. For the McLaren 570S: Balance and agility of McLaren platform available at a lower price tier. In outright terms it is 715 hp against 562 — a 153 hp gap — and the McLaren 570S reaches 60 mph 0.2s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Aston Martin DBS Superleggera vs McLaren 570S
Inside, the cabin is an exercise in excess and traditional elegance, heavily draped in high-quality leather and aluminium accents. The layout follows a classic grand touring aesthetic, prioritising comfort over the minimalist tech focus seen in the latest generation of supercars. While the materials are undeniably opulent, the infotainment system feels dated, reflecting the development cycle of its era. The seating position is low and supportive, perfectly suited for long-distance cruising, even if the user interface occasionally requires more effort than the streamlined systems found in current, competition-focused rivals within the same price bracket.
The cabin focuses on a minimalist, driver-centric design that eschews excessive ornamentation in favour of functional elegance. High-grade leather and Alcantara dress the interior, creating a cabin that feels both sophisticated and purposeful. The vertical infotainment screen is undeniably dated compared to modern rivals and can be unresponsive, which remains the system's primary weakness. Visibility is genuinely impressive, thanks to the thin A-pillars and the unique dihedral door design, which not only eases ingress but also makes the car feel like a significant event every time the driver settles into the cockpit.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera — Luxury-focused cabin; premium leather materials deliver a refined grand touring environment; the McLaren 570S — Dihedral doors; McLaren cockpit experience at more attainable price. Characteristic of the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera: Driver-focused layout; integrates modern technology with traditional artisan interior finishes. For the McLaren 570S: Sports Series interior practical by McLaren standards; reasonable storage.
Daily Usability: Aston Martin DBS Superleggera vs McLaren 570S
For all its performance, the DBS Superleggera remains a usable grand tourer, provided one understands the limitations of its 244-litre boot. Ingress and egress are straightforward for a car of this profile, and the ride, while firm, is well-damped for motorway work, making it an excellent candidate for long-haul journeys. Urban environments present the greatest challenge; its width and aggressive stance can make tight parking situations stressful. It is an assertive presence on the road, offering a level of comfort that suits high-speed cruising perfectly, provided one keeps the long, muscular bonnet clear of low-speed obstacles.
For a mid-engined supercar, the 570S is remarkably accommodating in day-to-day scenarios. The suspension setup is soft enough to handle urban speed bumps and undulating B-roads without breaking the driver’s spine, cementing its status as the most road-biased model in the McLaren stable. With a usable 150-litre rear boot and an additional front storage area, it manages supermarket runs and light luggage far better than its rivals. However, the low ride height makes parking kerbs a genuine hazard, necessitating the optional nose lift system to protect the front splitter from unnecessary and expensive damage.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera — 244L boot capacity; accommodates enough luggage for extended grand touring trips; the McLaren 570S — 150L boot and front storage make the 570S usable for solo touring. Characteristic of the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera: 120mm ground clearance; sufficient for standard speed bumps and driveway transitions. For the McLaren 570S: Comfort setting genuinely comfortable on motorway journeys. that means 270 litres of boot space against 150, plus a usable front boot in the McLaren 570S, and everyday running costs that favour the McLaren 570S at the pumps.
Ownership: Aston Martin DBS Superleggera vs McLaren 570S
Running a V12-powered DBS Superleggera requires commitment, as the high-output engine and premium components result in significant annual maintenance costs. The model benefits from a well-established dealer network, but owners should be prepared for the realities of high-performance parts and servicing. As an out-of-production model, it has reached a point of relative stability in the second-hand market, though it is not a car that will ever be considered inexpensive to keep. It remains a coveted choice for enthusiasts seeking the definitive V12 Aston Martin experience before the forced transition to smaller displacement, forced-induction powertrains.
As the gateway to the McLaren family, the 570S represents a balanced proposition for the aspiring supercar owner. Residuals have remained robust across the Sports Series, helped by a reputation for being the most usable model in the range. Maintenance is a significant consideration, with annual servicing costing around £2,800, and owners must be prepared for the specific costs associated with DCT transmission care. The McLaren network is comprehensive and highly professional, ensuring that support is readily available, though the high performance of the twin-turbo V8 means regular, proactive inspection is non-negotiable for long-term health.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera — Extensive brand dealer support; provides consistent maintenance for performance-oriented owners; the McLaren 570S — Entry point to McLaren ownership; strong performance-per-pound value. Characteristic of the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera: High prestige; luxury brand status ensures stable demand in the enthusiast market. For the McLaren 570S: Wide used market availability; relatively accessible pricing tier. On the wallet the two diverge at £175,000 versus £95,000 — a £80,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £4,200 against £2,800.