McLaren Might Be The Next Automaker To Join The SUV Craze

A recent report from Autocar suggests that McLaren is working on a new high-performance SUV, which goes against the automaker's previous statements that showed strong opposition to them. While it's disappointing to see yet another supercar manufacturer succumb to the crossover craze, competitors like Aston Martin, Porsche, and Lamborghini have all seen booming sales numbers that their sports cars could never match. And as Ferrari and Lotus look to join them with SUVs of their own, it's hard not to resist the great success these vehicles bring. Rumors point to a fully electric powertrain for McLaren's first SUV, which means that it should compete directly with Lotus's upcoming Eletre.

Right now, the Artura hybrid is the closest you can get to an electrified McLaren.

The report describes the crossover as "low" and "compact." just like McLaren's existing supercars. It might also offer a dual- or tri-motor setup, with the latter costing more than the former. At launch, it is expected that McLaren will only offer one certain level of performance, with higher-performance variants coming later on. Aston Martin used this tactic with the DBX SUV, with the arrival of the 697-hp DBX 707 performance variant nearly two years after the standard version's release. EVs generally cost more than their gas counterparts, and this new McLaren will be no exception. Due to its supposedly more advanced battery tech, Autocar says that it might reach the $400,000 mark to start.

If McLaren does end up making an SUV, Autocar thinks it will arrive more towards the end of the decade. By this time, the electric performance SUV field will be much broader than it is right now, so McLaren will need to excel in the tech, range, and performance departments in order to fend off the tough competition.

Do you think making an SUV will help McLaren in the long run?

Images: McLaren