Lamborghini, Ferrari, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, Porsche — what do all these brands have in common? Each of these ultra-luxury marques have already joined the SUV game. Until now, McLaren has been a notable exception, but it seems even the Papayas are no longer immune to the SUV trend, as Automotive News reports that McLaren is preparing to launch its first-ever SUV by 2028.
Announced during a global dealer meeting where McLaren outlined its future product plans, the upcoming SUV, reportedly code-named P47, is said to feature a hybrid V8 powertrain and an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, the publication reports.
The hybrid V8 will reportedly not be a PHEV, Automotive News notes, but instead will come in the form of a more traditional hybrid vehicle where the electric system is focused on boosting its performance — possibly similar to the torque infill system found on the Artura, but that is a PHEV, of course.
The upcoming McLaren SUV is said to feature a “sculpted and muscular” design, with an aerodynamic body and distinctive split headlight units that sit flush with the bodywork rather than recessed like on the 750S. Its overall styling is reportedly inspired by the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT Coupé, but with a more elongated, wagon-like silhouette.
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The SUV is also expected to be larger than the Cayenne, with the clay model shown in the meeting riding on 24-inch wheels. It will feature five seats and four doors — both firsts for McLaren — and incorporate a bold rear design highlighted by a large spoiler, pronounced diffuser, and a unique central “spine” running along the length of the car.
The report adds that McLaren’s upcoming SUV is part of a broader plan to introduce a new model every year, beginning with the McLaren W1 hypercar in 2026. This strategy follows the company’s acquisition by Abu Dhabi–based investment firm CYVN Holdings earlier this year.
This is the same group that owns British EV startup Forseven (now merged with McLaren), holds a stake in Gordon Murray Technologies (developers of the GMA T.50), and maintains a minority share in Chinese carmaker Nio. McLaren is expected to leverage the resources and technologies from both Gordon Murray Technologies and Forseven in its future vehicle development.
Now that we know what’s launching in 2026 and 2028, what about 2027? Another new model, codenamed P34, is also reportedly in the works. It will come in the form of a new two-door, mid-engined coupe with a new design language said to be inspired by the original McLaren F1. It’s said to be powered by a hybrid V6 with almost 800 hp, and will be positioned somewhere between the Artura and 750S.
Speaking of the 750S, McLaren is reportedly developing an even more extreme version called the 788HS. Destined to rival the Ferrari 849 Testarossa, it’s expected to feature a roof scoop, a taller rear wing, and production will be limited to just 200 units. Joining it will be a new GTS model with a 2+2 seating layout, as well as the upcoming W1 hypercar, which will debut with a removable hardtop.
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