For years, McLaren resisted the industry trend of building SUVs. But with a leadership change and mounting pressure to diversify, the British supercar maker is now poised to enter the high-riding performance segment. Though no official announcement has been made, recent developments suggest a McLaren SUV is closer to reality than ever before.
The Shift in Strategy: From Skepticism to Reality
McLaren long held firm against the idea of an SUV, prioritizing its low-slung, track-focused identity. However, the automotive landscape has changed dramatically. Competitors like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Rolls-Royce have all successfully launched high-end SUVs, proving there is a significant market for luxury performance in this body style. The new CEO, Nick Collins, has signaled a willingness to adapt, stating that the brand will “definitely see something with more than two seats.”
What We Know So Far: Power, Design, and Positioning
While details remain scarce, McLaren has reportedly shown dealers a clay model of a five-seat hybrid SUV. Attendees describe the design as “sculpted and muscular,” aimed at standing out in the crowded luxury SUV segment. The vehicle is said to be larger than a Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT and features aggressive styling cues, including deep aerodynamic scallops and 24-inch wheels.
Under the hood, McLaren is expected to utilize a hybrid V-8 powertrain. The most likely candidate is a variant of the twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter MHP-8 engine found in the W1 hypercar, capable of delivering over 1,258 horsepower when combined with an electric motor. The final configuration may prioritize electric range over raw power, but McLaren has the potential to build one of the most potent hybrid SUVs on the market.
Pricing and Timing: When Will It Arrive?
Given the expected performance and exclusivity, McLaren’s SUV is likely to be priced competitively with rivals like the Lamborghini Urus SE and Ferrari Purosangue. A starting price around $300,000 is plausible, with higher-spec models potentially exceeding $400,000.
McLaren has not officially announced a launch date. However, internal reports suggest a possible debut around 2028. The company is reportedly calling the project “P47” internally, though a more evocative name like “Solus” – previously trademarked by McLaren – could be used for the production model.
McLaren’s entry into the SUV segment marks a significant strategic shift for the brand. Though late to the game, the company has the engineering and brand recognition to create a truly unique high-performance SUV that will challenge the established players.
