British carmaker McLaren has hinted at an electric vehicle (EV) sedan in the works, targeting the likes of the all-electric Porsche Taycan. Previously, McLaren’s Chief Technical Officer, Michael Leiters has said that company is open to the idea of a McLaren crossover (not a classic SUV), and now, the company hints at an EV sedan.
Speaking to Auto Express on the brand’s electric future, Michael Leiters said, “Words like ‘utility’ or ‘lifestyle’, you’ll obviously leap to certain conclusions. I think the key measure for McLaren is potentially something with the ability to share with more occupants in the car. Not necessarily higher riding, but it could be.”
According to the publication, the EV plan of McLaren also includes a crossover. However, quoting Leiter saying “not necessarily higher-riding”, “more occupants”, and “utility”, an EV sedan makes perfect sense to increase awareness of the brand. The all-electric Porsche Taycan has enjoyed tremendous success with its 100,000th unit recently rolling off the production line. It would be a shame for McLaren to ignore this new segment spearheaded by the Taycan.
As a high-performance car company, it would also make sense for McLaren to produce an EV hypercar to rival the Lotus Evija. However, Leiter believes the technology “isn’t yet advanced enough”, so the McLaren team is focusing on more conventional EVs.
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McLaren has already begun its electrification with the introduction of the hybrid McLaren Artura. The hybrid McLaren which fetches a price of RM 1.05 million (before taxes) in Malaysia makes 585 hp (metric) and 585 Nm from its hybrid powertrain. Making up the hybrid system is a 3.0-litre V6 engine and an electric motor on the rear axle.
An EV sedan or an EV SUV will be something entirely new from McLaren. Despite the new body styles, it is said that any electric McLaren will need to meet Leiter’s “strict lightweight philosophy”.
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