McLaren is officially stepping into the SUV market, confirming that its first-ever sport utility vehicle is now in development and could arrive as early as 2028.
The move represents a major change for the British performance-car manufacturer, which has built its reputation around lightweight supercars and technology influenced by its Formula 1 program. The new SUV will give McLaren a completely different type of vehicle while maintaining the performance-focused approach associated with the brand.
The announcement comes as part of a £500 million GBP investment, worth approximately $669 million USD, into McLaren’s UK manufacturing and development operations. The investment is being made under the company’s Abu Dhabi ownership and is expected to significantly expand its production and engineering capabilities.
McLaren CEO Nick Collins said the project is intended to bring the company’s Formula 1 experience into a vehicle designed for customers who want supercar-level performance but also need more space and practicality for everyday use.
The upcoming model is expected to be aimed at high-net-worth buyers who want the driving performance of an exotic car without giving up the versatility normally associated with an SUV. Its larger cabin and four-door layout would make it considerably more practical than McLaren’s current range of two-door sports cars.
The SUV is reportedly being developed under the code name P47. Early details point to a four-door, five-seat configuration, making it one of the biggest departures from McLaren’s traditional vehicle lineup in the company’s roughly six-decade history.
Despite its practical body style, the P47 is expected to remain firmly focused on performance. The model is reportedly being developed around a hybrid powertrain combining a V8 engine with electric assistance, while an all-wheel-drive system is expected to help deliver power to the road.
The SUV could also feature 24-inch wheels, which would represent the largest wheel setup ever used on a McLaren production vehicle. The combination of large wheels, a hybrid V8 and all-wheel drive suggests that McLaren intends to position the model as a high-performance SUV rather than simply a larger and more practical family vehicle.
Development is also expected to create a significant economic impact in the UK. McLaren’s expanded operations are projected to generate around 1,000 new jobs as the company increases its manufacturing and development activities.
The company’s carbon-fiber facility in Sheffield is expected to play an important role in the development and production process. McLaren has long relied on lightweight carbon-fiber construction in its performance cars, and that expertise could help differentiate its upcoming SUV from other vehicles in the segment.
Entering the SUV market would also place McLaren alongside several other high-end performance brands that have expanded beyond traditional sports cars in response to growing demand for luxury SUVs. The segment has become an important part of the strategy for manufacturers looking to combine high performance with greater everyday usability.
For McLaren, however, the SUV represents more than simply adding another body style to its lineup. The company will need to adapt its lightweight engineering and performance technology to a larger vehicle while maintaining the driving characteristics that have defined the brand.
The P47 is expected to be sold through McLaren’s global retail network, giving customers in markets around the world access to the company’s first SUV.
If the development schedule remains on track, the McLaren SUV could make its official debut as early as 2028. That would mark the beginning of a completely new chapter for the British marque as it moves beyond its traditional supercar formula and into one of the most competitive segments of the luxury automotive market.
