If you’re dreaming of a performance SUV, you may want to wait until 2028. That’s when McLaren plans to debut its competitor for the Lamborghini Urus and Ferrari Purosangue.
McLaren resisted the industry’s move toward exotic SUVs for decades. The brand built its reputation on one thing: supercars designed for unbelievable track times. Then the idealistic automaker got sold.
In October 2024, CYVN Holdings of Abu Dhabi began to buy McLaren. This transaction wasn’t finalized until April, 2025. The investment firm focuses on mobility and is owned by the Abu Dhabi government. It didn’t waste any time shifting McLaren’s mission.
CYVN announced it would merge McLaren with British EV startup Foreseven so it could “Leverage McLaren’s storied brand for a new lineup of vehicles.” Analysts such as Bloomberg predicted McLaren “is taking a step closer to producing high-end sport utility vehicles and sedans.”
I originally reported that McLaren’s sellout SUVs are coming, whether you like it or not. I wasn’t thrilled about the move. But the past year has brought some illuminating developments.
McLaren’s roadmap for the future
Despite the influence of CYVN and Foreseven, McLaren isn’t building a fully electric supercar right away. CEO Nick Collins said he’s waiting for EV technology that can live up to the brand’s expectations. That includes power, thermal management, and vehicle weight.
McLaren is leaning into hybrid technology. It plans to launch a hybrid V6 coupe in 2027. The company is targeting 800 horsepower. This new vehicle may eventually replace the 750S. The final edition of the 750S is planned for 2027 as well. The hybrid coupe will likely deliver track times even more impressive than the outgoing ICE cars.
The McLaren P47 SUV
McLaren recently gathered its dealers to present a clay model of project “P47.” This is the automaker’s first five-seat SUV. It will feature a hybrid V8. If the new hybrid V6 makes 800 horsepower, the SUV will likely make hypercar-level power.
Dealers told the press that the vehicle is “sculpted and muscular.” It was wearing 24-inch wheels. It’s reportedly the size of a Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT. Porsche’s Taycan Turbo S makes 764 horsepower standard. That puts it above the Ferrari Purosangue’s 715. McLaren’s SUV will likely make much more.
Will the big McLaren handle better than these other SUVs in the twisties? We’ll have to wait for its 2028 debut to find out.
