McLaren could build bespoke SUVs in the future, but any such models would come from the manufacturer’s specialist division, McLaren Special Operations (MSO), according to chief designer Robert Melville.
While a four-seat SUV would be possible, Melville said it would come at the cost of “millions and millions of pounds” because it couldn’t be built on McLaren’s current platform, meaning MSO would need to design a new carbon fibre tub.
“Over the last few years, most people at McLaren have at some point been asked about SUVs, four-seaters, motorbikes," Melville told our sister publication, Autocar UK.
"With MSO, we did a car a few years ago that was harking back to coachbuilding. If you come to MSO, we could design you an all-new body, a power increase or decrease. We can design you whatever you want, if you have the money for it.”
A McLaren SUV would likely be limited-run, making it a rival to the supercharged Range Rover Sport SVR, but there are no plans to make one under the firm’s standard badge.