Automotive
McLaren could be soon stepping into a new era—one that may include the unthinkable: building an SUV. Under fresh ownership and a revamped leadership structure, the British supercar maker is preparing to widen its focus beyond the carbon-tub, two-seat exotics that have defined its modern identity. And if the latest comments from its new CEO and investors are anything to go by, the age of a McLaren SUV might be closer than we ever expected.
A New Era Begins with Abu Dhabi-Backed Ownership
McLaren Automotive has officially become part of a new corporate entity called McLaren Group Holdings, following a majority acquisition by CYVN Holdings—an investment fund backed by the government of Abu Dhabi. CYVN is no stranger to McLaren, having previously held a non-controlling stake in McLaren Racing. This time, however, it’s a full integration, bringing together McLaren Automotive and the British luxury EV startup Forseven under one roof.
At the helm of this restructured group is Nick Collins, the former Jaguar Land Rover and Ford executive who previously led Forseven. CYVN’s vision? A complete turnaround strategy that promises sustainable growth, expanded vehicle offerings, and a push into “new product categories.”
Reading Between the Lines New Product Categories = SUV
Let’s be honest—when a brand like McLaren says it’s exploring “new product categories,” it doesn’t take a seasoned auto analyst to draw the line to an SUV. For years, McLaren’s leadership has danced around the SUV conversation. Once staunchly against following in the footsteps of Lamborghini, Ferrari, and even Lotus, the brand’s tone has softened in recent years. Phrases like “it won’t be conventional” have hinted that the automaker has been rethinking its purist stance.
Ferrari Purosangue
Now, with CYVN’s resources and an executive team familiar with volume brands and utility vehicles, the time is ripe. An SUV is the logical next step—not only because it opens up McLaren to a broader customer base, but because it’s simply what the market demands. It’s the most commercially viable option in the current automotive landscape, and McLaren knows it.
More Than Just a One-Car Expansion
This isn’t just about one model. Under CYVN’s umbrella, McLaren will have access to an impressive tech portfolio. The group also owns Gordon Murray Technologies, which brings legendary engineering prowess to the table. Murray, the man behind the iconic McLaren F1, has hinted at retro-inspired models and purist driving machines, opening the door to possible halo projects that revive the brand’s soul while embracing new-age flexibility.
Add to that CYVN’s investment in NIO—an electric automaker boasting ultra-long range and Nürburgring lap times—and McLaren suddenly has access to the kind of EV technology it needs to compete in the electrified future.
With these new resources, McLaren is now poised to move beyond its tight niche of low-volume supercars. A high-performance electric SUV could be the brand’s next big moment, marrying everyday usability with performance DNA. There’s also potential for an all-electric sports car or even a manual, V12-powered flagship inspired by the F1, depending on how far they’re willing to stretch their identity.
For longtime enthusiasts, the idea of a McLaren with four seats and a taller ride height might still be sacrilege. But in today’s world, where nearly every exotic automaker has joined the SUV game, it’s not a sell-out move—it’s a survival one. And with Collins stating that McLaren “can be more, can do more, and can offer more,” there’s little doubt something big—and tall—is coming.
McLaren isn’t just changing hands—it’s evolving. With CYVN Holdings bringing financial firepower, world-class EV tech, and an eye toward expansion, the British brand is poised to enter previously uncharted territory. Whether it’s an SUV, an EV, or something entirely new, one thing is clear: McLaren is ready to rewrite the rules it once swore by.
And if you’ve been waiting for a McLaren you can drive every day, your moment might be arriving sooner than you think.
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