McLaren is about to do something many fans once thought impossible. After years of insisting it would stick to low slung supercars, the brand is preparing to launch its first SUV in 2028.
Internally, the project is known as P47, and although McLaren is not ready to show it publicly yet, the early descriptions paint a picture of a car that aims to stretch the brand without diluting what makes it special.
Sneak Peak Given at Global Dealer Meeting
Automotive News reports that dealers were shown the P47 as part of an internal meeting. The design direction is said to be muscular, sculpted and purposeful, almost as if the designers wanted to create a supercar that happens to have four doors rather than a traditional SUV.
The proportions are lower and wider than you might expect, and the silhouette apparently draws a few comparisons to high performance wagons rather than tall crossovers.
One detail that stands out is the new split headlight layout. McLaren has always favoured a clean, teardrop inspired lighting signature, so adopting something more technical and layered hints at a fresh design language.
There is also talk of a raised central spine on the roof, which sounds like the kind of aerodynamic flourish McLaren enjoys experimenting with. At the back, a large spoiler and a prominent diffuser complete the overall stance, along with 24 inch wheels that give the car a dramatic planted look.
A Hybrid V8 with a Proper McLaren Attitude
The P47 will use a hybrid V8 powertrain. This is not a plug in system. Instead, the hybrid tech is there to deliver sharper responses and more performance, which is very much in line with the company’s approach to electrification so far. The engine is expected to sit low and towards the rear, which should help preserve the balanced and playful handling that buyers expect from anything wearing a McLaren badge.
All wheel drive is very likely and will finally bring a level of everyday usability that McLaren owners have not had before. In fact, this entire project feels like the company is preparing for a future in which performance cars must blend excitement with practicality, rather than relying purely on emotion and noise.
Five Seats and Four Doors, McLaren Style
In a first for the brand, the P47 will come with five seats. That alone tells you how significant this model is in McLaren’s long term strategy. It opens the brand to the performance SUV market, closely contested at the moment by the likes of Cayenne Turbo GT, Lambo Urus, Ferrari Purosangue and Aston Martin DBX.
Key Highlights of the McLaren P47
Here are a few of the most notable elements we know about so far.
Design and Exterior Features
- Sculpted, muscular profile with a focus on aerodynamics
- Split headlight design
- Roof spine detail
- 24 inch wheels
- Large rear spoiler and diffuser
Powertrain Expectations
- Hybrid V8
- Not a plug in hybrid
- Likely all wheel drive
- Engine mounted low and rearward for balance
- Practicality and Interior
- Five seat layout
- Four doors
- More everyday usability while retaining a performance feel
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FAQs
Is this McLaren’s first SUV
Yes. The P47 will be the brand’s first production SUV and its first model with five seats.
Will it still feel like a McLaren
That is the intention. The hybrid V8, low centre of gravity and focus on aerodynamics suggest the driving experience will still be a priority.
Is the P47 going fully electric
No. It will use a hybrid V8, and not the plug in type. Pure electric models may come later.
When will it arrive
McLaren plans a full reveal closer to 2028.
