McLaren 570S vs Audi RS7
Compare the McLaren 570S vs Audi RS7. The Audi RS7 is £40,000 cheaper. The McLaren 570S is 0.4s quicker to 60mph. The Audi RS7 is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.
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 0-60 mph in 3.1s, a top speed of 204 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive. The Audi RS7 is priced from £105,000, powered by a 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8, producing 591 hp, with 800 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.5s, a top speed of 190 mph, sent to the road via all-wheel drive.
The McLaren 570S offers a 150-litre boot, a usable front boot, runs on petrol, returns around 24 mpg, is covered by a 3yr / unlimited mi warranty. The Audi RS7 offers a 535-litre boot, folding rear seats, runs on petrol, returns around 24 mpg, is covered by a 3yr / unlimited mi warranty.
On cost of ownership, the Audi RS7 is £40,000 cheaper than its rival, the Audi RS7 costs less in annual maintenance (£2,800 versus £1,200), a full tank costs around £75 for the McLaren 570S and £90 for the Audi RS7.
Driving Character: McLaren 570S vs Audi RS7
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.
The RS7 occupies a unique space, marrying the brutal acceleration of a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 with the visual drama of a low-slung, sweeping Sportback. With 591 hp and the advanced Quattro system, it delivers devastating straight-line performance that feels relentless and almost telepathic. All-wheel steering is standard, giving this imposing car an agility that defies its substantial weight in the corners. It is a machine designed for covering vast distances at high speed with effortless ease, providing a level of poise that turns even the most demanding road into a manageable ribbon of asphalt.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the McLaren 570S takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 90 against 75. Characteristic of the McLaren 570S: Sharp, communicative entry-level McLaren with genuine supercar dynamics. For the Audi RS7: Effortless, quattro-assured pace in a genuinely luxurious package. In outright terms it is 562 hp against 591 — a 29 hp gap — and the McLaren 570S reaches 60 mph 0.4s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: McLaren 570S vs Audi RS7
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.
The interior is a high-luxury environment, mirroring the technical sophistication of the RS6 but packaged within a more dramatic, coupe-like frame. The Virtual Cockpit Plus provides clear, customisable readouts, while the cabin's materials—ranging from carbon fibre to Valcona leather—exude a premium, tactile quality. Because of the raked roofline, the rear cabin feels more intimate than in the Avant version, sacrificing headroom for a more sporting aesthetic. It is undeniably a driver’s cabin, where every control feels weighted, precise, and purposefully placed to enhance the feeling of being in something truly exclusive.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Audi RS7 takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 70 against 88. Characteristic of the McLaren 570S: Driver-focused cockpit, decent usability for a McLaren. For the Audi RS7: Spacious, premium cabin with excellent tech and comfort.
Daily Usability: McLaren 570S vs Audi RS7
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.
While the RS7 is undoubtedly a performance vehicle, its Sportback design offers a practical twist. The 535L boot is more than sufficient for typical weekend trips, and the lift-back opening makes loading gear straightforward. Urban use requires awareness; its significant width and low stance mean care is needed in narrow parking structures, though the array of sensors and cameras makes it doable. In Comfort mode, the air suspension does a commendable job of masking road surface harshness, ensuring that urban traffic or motorway cruising is conducted with a sense of refined, whisper-quiet calm.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Audi RS7 takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 55 against 82. Characteristic of the McLaren 570S: Usable as an occasional daily supercar. For the Audi RS7: A genuine luxury daily driver with supercar-embarrassing pace. that means 150 litres of boot space against 535, plus a usable front boot in the McLaren 570S.
Ownership: McLaren 570S vs Audi RS7
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.
As a flagship performance model, the RS7 commands a premium in terms of running costs. Fuel consumption is consistent with a high-output V8, and the long-term maintenance requires a dedicated budget for tyres, brakes, and scheduled service checks. Audi’s dealer network ensures that this level of care is easily accessible, and the car's desirable styling keeps residual values firm amongst performance-oriented buyers. It is a car that demands a commitment to its upkeep, but in exchange, it offers an ownership experience defined by style, speed, and the confidence that comes with a top-tier automotive engineering product.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Audi RS7 takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 68 against 75. Characteristic of the McLaren 570S: Now a discontinued entry point into McLaren ownership. For the Audi RS7: Strong owner-reported reliability (4.7/5 per KBB after 50k miles). On the wallet the two diverge at £95,000 versus £105,000 — a £10,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £2,800 against £1,200.