The Implicit Confirmation: McLaren is Developing a High-Performance Hybrid SUV with Potential 2028 Debut

McLaren, the British supercar manufacturer, has finally succumbed to the luxury and performance SUV trend, abandoning its previous stance against building such a vehicle.

For years, McLaren was adamant that it would never build an SUV. However, rumors about an SUV intensified in 2022 with the arrival of a new CEO. The launch could potentially occur sometime in 2028. The CEO, Nick Collins, recently confirmed we would “definitely see something with more than two seats”.

Internally, McLaren is allegedly calling its SUV the “P47”. The brand also trademarked names like Aeron and Aonic, which have not been used yet, and could debut with the SUV.

Power and Market Positioning

The McLaren SUV will likely use a hybrid V8 engine. It is suspected that the powertrain could be similar to the one found in the W1 hypercar. The twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter MHP-8 V8 engine, McLaren’s second in-house designed engine, delivers 916 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque in the W1. Additionally, an electric motor mounted to the side of the W1’s eight-speed dual-clutch transmission adds 342 hp and 324 lb-ft. Together, these engines offer a combined output of 1,258 hp and 988 lb-ft in the W1, sending all that power exclusively to the rear wheels.

This engine will power other McLaren models. If included in the SUV, it will likely offer less power and more electric range. Competing brands have already entered the segment. The Lamborghini Urus SE, for instance, uses a hybrid V8 that generates 789 hp, positioning it among the most powerful hybrid SUVs. McLaren has a powerful enough powertrain to place its SUV at the top of the pecking order.

“Sculpted and Muscular” Design

Although McLaren has not officially confirmed the SUV, global dealers saw a clay model last month. Attendees described the look as “sculpted and muscular,” suggesting the design would not “get lost in the exotic SUV segment”. The clay model shown was larger than a Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, maintaining similar proportions and fitted with 24-inch wheels.

The rendering, based on these descriptions, depicts a low-slung SUV. You can observe the brand’s signature lighting elements at the front. The design includes deep scallops along the front doors to enhance aerodynamics. The back of the SUV features a typical liftgate, slim taillights, and large dual exhaust tips.

Price Estimation

The lack of concrete details makes it difficult to guess how much McLaren will charge for its SUV. The model could be priced on par with the Urus SE. The Lamborghini Urus SE is priced around $270,000, with nearly 800 hp. The Ferrari Purosangue, which exceeds 700 hp, has a starting price over $400,000.

It would not be surprising if the McLaren SUV matched the Urus SE in performance. The starting price is expected to be around $300,000. However, if the model produced around 1,000 hp, its price would be closer to the Ferrari’s, which might make it a harder sell.