McLaren plan: SUV yes, but not just electric cars

McLaren has always been synonymous with innovation, speed, and exclusivity. For decades, the British firm has forged its identity on the racetrack and in the creation of supercars that combine design, lightness, and high performance.

But despite this, the automotive industry is experiencing radical change today: massive electrification, strict environmental regulations, and growing pressure to abandon combustion engines. Amid this panorama, McLaren faces a key dilemma: How to adapt without losing its essence?

The answer has come from its new CEO, Nick Collins, who, far from opting for immediate total electrification, proposes a different path. McLaren does not want to become just another electric brand, but rather maintain a range with different propulsion technologies. "Are we going to turn McLaren into a fully electric brand? Not at all!" he stated emphatically.

These words mark an important shift in the Woking firm's strategy, especially after the restructuring that has changed the company's ownership and available resources.

A new McLaren Group with international DNA

The starting point for this stage was the acquisition of McLaren by the investment fund CYVN Holdings, which subsequently integrated the historic Formula 1 team and merged the company with Forseven, the technology division of Gordon Murray Automotive, and a licensing agreement with the Chinese manufacturer Nio.

From this alliance, McLaren Group Holdings was born, a business structure that must now define its future in a highly competitive market.

The union is no coincidence: access to cutting-edge technologies, particularly those of Chinese origin, represents a strategic advantage. Nick Collins acknowledged it bluntly: “We have access to certain Nio technologies under our license. And that's an incredible opportunity, because, frankly,Some of the world's best automotive technology is in China."

Although he did not specify which projects these advances will be applied to, the executive hinted that the first fruits could be seen as early as 2027. That year, it is rumored that McLaren will launch both its first 100% electric model and its long-awaited SUV.

Multipropulsion: the bet against total electrification

Collins' speech contrasts with the trend of other luxury manufacturers, such as Jaguar or Volvo, which have already announced their intention to become exclusively electric brands in the coming years. McLaren, on the other hand, wants to maintain technological diversity.

The reasoning is clear: the global market is heterogeneous. While electrification is advancing at great speed in Europe and parts of North America, in other regions—including the Middle East and much of Asia—customers continue to demand high-performance combustion and hybrid engines.

"I believe that all brands should have a multipropulsion future. The pace of regulatory change and consumer adoption varies by region,” Collins argued.

In this way, McLaren ensures it is not tied to a single path, maintaining its flexibility to adapt to local demands without compromising its sporting DNA.

The eternal debate: Will the first McLaren SUV arrive?

One of the projects generating the most excitement is that of the first McLaren SUV. The idea is not new: under the leadership of the previous CEO, Michael Leiters, the creation of a direct competitor to models such as the Lamborghini Urus, the Aston Martin DBX, or the Ferrari Purosangue had already been considered. These vehicles demonstrated that the SUV format, far from diluting the essence of a sports brand, can become a pillar of sales.

In the case of McLaren, the debate remains open: Will it be electric or hybrid? Rumors point to two paths. The first, an electric SUV taking advantage of the experience of Forseven and Nio's battery technology.

The second, a high-performance hybrid model based on the McLaren W1 system, with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine accompanied by an electric motor. Of course, with a lower power output than the 1,234 horsepower developed by the hypercar.

Collins himself has not confirmed the direction the project will take, but made it clear that the SUV is part of the development agenda: it is a model with the capacity to expand the customer base without compromising the brand image.

Advantages and challenges of a McLaren SUV

The main advantage of opting for an SUV as the first new-generation electric or hybrid vehicle lies in the flexibility of the format. Unlike a supercar,Where the weight of the batteries can negatively affect performance, an SUV can integrate a large battery without penalizing the driving experience as much.

On the other hand, an SUV offers greater habitability, practicality and comfort, factors that appeal to a wider and more family-oriented audience, without neglecting exclusivity and performance.

The challenge, however, is balancing these qualities with McLaren's purist DNA. The brand has been built around lightness and extreme aerodynamics, characteristics that are difficult to maintain in a larger, heavier vehicle.

Collins: Long-Term Vision

In his remarks, the CEO also conveyed confidence in the strength of the brand and the enthusiasm of its fans.

“The brand is incredible. You see what’s happening in the racing world. I was lucky enough to be at Silverstone (for the British Grand Prix). The love for the papaya orange is phenomenal,” he said.

“It’s not about surviving the next five years or the next capital injection. It’s about building a profitable and sustainable company that continually reinvests in itself. A company with a global presence, which the country should be proud of,” Collins added.

These words reflect a long-term strategic approach, in which McLaren seeks not only to maintain its heritage, but also to become a relevant player in the rapidly transforming global industry.

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