McLaren, known for its high-performance sports cars, is finally entering the SUV segment. Referred to as a “shared performance vehicle,” McLaren is reportedly open to collaborating with another brand, such as BMW, to bring its SUV to life. This collaboration could potentially leverage BMW’s CLAR platform, which offers the flexibility to accommodate a wide range of vehicle sizes, from compact models to large SUVs.
While the project is still in its early stages, McLaren CEO Michael Leiters has previously hinted at the possibility of partnering with another carmaker instead of developing a platform from scratch. The mention of BMW as a contender has sparked excitement and speculation among enthusiasts.
One question that remains unanswered is the body style of the McLaren SUV. It could feature either two or four doors, adding to the intrigue surrounding the model. However, McLaren’s focus goes beyond merely creating a vehicle that looks like a McLaren. The brand aims to maintain its signature driving experience and feel, similar to its high-performance sports cars. The SUV would likely feature a brand-specific chassis setup along with various modifications to ensure weight optimization and structural rigidity.
When it comes to powertrain details, McLaren has been tight-lipped. The choice of platform will play a crucial role in determining the powertrain options. BMW’s CLAR architecture already supports electric, hybrid, and non-electrified cars. If McLaren decides to go fully electric for its SUV, it may seek a platform from a partner in Southeast Asia. However, current market interest suggests that a purely electric SUV with a price tag around $500,000 may not be viable. McLaren’s Head of Global Communications, Piers Scott, expects this perspective to change in the future as battery technology improves.
For now, McLaren’s focus is on finalizing a suitable platform for its SUV by the end of 2024. However, the brand has other exciting projects in the pipeline as well. It will soon be delivering the Artura Spider, set to arrive in the market in the coming months. Additionally, there are rumors of a highly anticipated successor to the iconic P1 hypercar being developed by McLaren.
As McLaren ventures into the SUV segment, enthusiasts and potential buyers eagerly await further updates on the development of this shared performance vehicle.