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McLaren is not yet prepared to produce an electric hypercar. According to the recent update from Auto Express, McLaren’s chief technology officer Michael Leiters mentioned that the current state of electric vehicle technology is not advanced enough for such projects. McLaren’s immediate goal is to introduce a more functional electric vehicle, potentially a high-performance sedan.
During a discussion with Auto Express‘s related publication Evo, Leiters expressed that McLaren will explore the possibility of an electric car for “lifestyle” or “everyday” use, designed to accommodate more passengers than their typical models. While the initial assumption might be an SUV given the current market saturation of luxury SUVs (like Lamborghini Urus, Bentley Bentayga, Ferrari Purosangue, and BMW XM), Leiters leans towards a smaller alternative, suggesting it doesn’t necessarily have to be “taller.”
Regardless of the final form of McLaren’s practical electric vehicle, Leiters has specified two criteria: it should be relatively lightweight and priced above $200,000 to ensure McLaren’s emphasis remains on profitability rather than mass production.
To maintain profitability with an electric McLaren, collaboration with another brand could be an effective strategy. While McLaren was an early adopter of hybrid supercars with the McLaren P1, progress in electrification has been sluggish. Developing proprietary battery and electric motor technology, especially for low-production vehicles, could strain a small brand like McLaren financially. Thus, aligning with a manufacturer already equipped with EV technology offers a prudent solution.
Speculation continues on potential collaborations for McLaren. While prior rumors linked Audi’s interest which later shifted to a partnership with Sauber, BMW emerges as a plausible candidate. BMW possesses established in-house battery and electric powertrain expertise, and the two brands have a history of collaboration that dates back to the iconic McLaren F1 for which BMW supplied the engine. The idea of McLaren rekindling this partnership to drive their entry into electric vehicles carries a poetic touch, though currently, nothing has been confirmed officially by either party. Nevertheless, from an external perspective, such a partnership seems logical.
The notion of a high-performance electric McLaren sedan presents an intriguing prospect and one that many would welcome. While the prevailing trend favors SUVs among luxury consumers, it would be refreshing to witness McLaren break away from convention and opt for a sedan. As for a strategic partner, BMW emerges as the frontrunner, but the eventual choice made by McLaren remains an aspect worth watching closely.
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