Well, friends, it was bound to happen sooner or later. To be clear, McLaren hasn’t officially confirmed an SUV — at least not yet. But a recent AutoExpress report suggests the idea has moved past casual conversations and is now something the company is actively exploring. And if that news alone makes you uneasy, you might want to sit down and take a deep breath, because when this SUV eventually arrives, there’s a good chance it won’t have a traditional engine at all.
In a conversation with AutoExpress, McLaren CEO Nick Collins shared some hints about what’s ahead for the brand. While he didn’t give away many specifics, a few things stood out. The company has brought in several new executives with strong backgrounds in SUV development. Its new ownership also links McLaren with Nio, a leading name in EV performance. And Collins is watching China’s fast-changing automotive market closely — a place where electric vehicles dominate. You can probably guess what that means for McLaren’s future.
McLaren’s First SUV Might Be Electric
“We have access to certain Nio technologies through our license,” Collins told AutoExpress. “And that’s an amazing opportunity, because, frankly, some of the best automotive technology in the world is in China.”
That statement certainly sounds like a recipe for an all-electric SUV. The idea is further supported by McLaren’s merger with Forseven — an EV-focused company — earlier this year, as part of a major ownership shift that formed the new McLaren Group Holdings Ltd. Interestingly, Forseven reportedly had plans for an electric SUV even before the merger. And let’s not forget, former McLaren CEO Michael Leiters had already been hinting at the possibility of a McLaren SUV long before any of these changes took place.
The Plot Thickens
However, the SUV vision that former CEO Michael Leiters once described sounds very different from what AutoExpress is hinting at now. When we spoke with McLaren engineers and executives last year, the message was pretty clear: if the company ever built an SUV, it would almost certainly be powered by a combustion engine — most likely a version of McLaren’s twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8. But it now appears those plans may have been pushed aside in favor of Forseven’s all-electric design.
It’s a pretty big shift for a company that, not too long ago, swore it would never build an SUV. But times change — and for McLaren, the purist dream of high-revving, gas-powered supercars isn’t enough to keep the business running. Leiters understood that reality, and Collins clearly does too. The million-dollar question now is whether Collins — who spent two decades at Ford and Jaguar Land Rover, and previously served as CEO of Forseven before the merger — truly understands what makes McLaren, McLaren.
When we caught up with Collins at Monterey Car Week earlier this year, he seemed confident about building a strong foundation for McLaren’s future — one that includes expanding the lineup while staying true to the brand’s DNA. He also reassured us that combustion engines, whether on their own or as part of hybrid systems, will remain a key part of McLaren’s lineup for many years to come.
“We want the portfolio to be more diversified; we want the models to be more distinctive from each other,” he explained. “You look at some of the customers we had here in Pebble. They love McLaren and already own one, but when they want more than two seats, they’re driving a Porsche or a Range Rover or something else.”
So, yes — there’s still a chance the future McLaren SUV could be powered purely by a combustion engine, or it might arrive as a hybrid. But one thing is clear: an SUV is coming. It’s likely coming soon. And there’s a very real chance it could be fully electric.
“[McLaren] has got all the ingredients, we just have to unpack that,” Collins told CarBuzz. “And the only thing that can get in the way is ourselves.”
FAQ’s
How much is the Ferrari SUV?
The Ferrari SUV, called the **Purosangue**, starts at around **$400,000 USD** before options. However, most buyers customize their cars, and with upgrades, the final price often goes well above **$500,000**.
Did Ferrari say they would never make an SUV?
Yes, Ferrari famously said they would *never* build an SUV. Former CEO Sergio Marchionne once joked, “You’d have to shoot me first” before Ferrari made one. But as luxury SUVs became incredibly popular and profitable, Ferrari changed its strategy — leading to the launch of the Purosangue in 2022.
Is McLaren going to make an SUV?
For now, **McLaren says it has no plans** to build an SUV. The company is focused on lightweight supercars and high-performance hybrids. However, given the huge demand for luxury SUVs, many experts believe McLaren might eventually change its mind, just like Ferrari did.
How long is the waitlist for the Ferrari SUV?
The waitlist for the Purosangue is currently **over two years**. Demand has been so strong that Ferrari temporarily stopped taking new orders because they were already sold out well into the future.
How much is a Lamborghini SUV?
Lamborghini’s SUV, the **Urus**, starts at about **$235,000 USD**. With options and performance upgrades like the Urus Performante version, the price can climb to **$270,000 or more**.
Who is the cheapest Ferrari?
The most affordable new Ferrari is usually the **Ferrari Roma**, starting at around **$240,000 USD**. Even though it’s the “entry-level” model, it still delivers classic Ferrari performance and luxury.
Which car is called poor man’s Ferrari?
The **Toyota GT86 / Subaru BRZ** and the **Mazda MX-5 Miata** are often jokingly called “poor man’s Ferraris” because they offer fun, sporty driving at a fraction of the price. Another common nickname goes to older **Corvettes** or the **Nissan 370Z** for delivering strong performance on a budget.
Why can’t Ferrari workers buy Ferrari?
Ferrari has a strict policy that most employees **cannot buy new Ferraris**. The company does this to keep demand high and ensure that cars go to loyal customers and collectors. Only a select few employees in senior positions may be allowed to purchase one.
Why did Ferrari not like Lamborghini?
The rivalry started in the 1960s when **Ferruccio Lamborghini**, a tractor manufacturer and Ferrari owner, complained about the clutches in his Ferrari. Enzo Ferrari dismissed his criticism, telling him to “stick to tractors.” Lamborghini took it personally — and decided to build a better sports car himself, leading to the birth of Lamborghini.
Is the Ferrari SUV selling well?
Yes, the Purosangue is selling extremely well. Demand far exceeds supply, and most units are sold out for years in advance. It’s one of Ferrari’s most successful product launches in recent memory.
Is there a waitlist to buy a Lamborghini?
Yes, there is usually a waitlist for popular Lamborghini models — especially the Urus SUV and limited-edition supercars. Wait times vary, but buyers can expect anywhere from **6 months to over a year**, depending on availability and customization.
What does Purosangue mean?
**Purosangue** is an Italian word that means “**thoroughbred**.” Ferrari chose the name to emphasize that even though it’s an SUV, it still carries the pure sports DNA and performance spirit of the Ferrari brand.
What is the #1 selling SUV?
The **Toyota RAV4** is currently the world’s best-selling SUV, thanks to its mix of reliability, affordability, and practicality. In the luxury segment, models like the **Tesla Model Y** and **BMW X5** are among the top sellers.
Is Ferrari more popular than Lamborghini?
Ferrari is generally considered more prestigious and has a stronger motorsport heritage, while Lamborghini is often seen as more dramatic and bold in design. Ferrari usually sells fewer cars but commands a higher level of exclusivity and brand loyalty. In terms of raw popularity, though, both brands have passionate fan bases.
How many Purosangues are made?
Ferrari plans to produce around **3,000 Purosangues per year**, which is roughly **20% of its total annual production**. Keeping production limited helps maintain exclusivity — one of the key reasons demand is so high.