Breaking news: supercars come with hefty price tags. But just how much are individuals willing to spend on a top-tier, limited-production sports car? For McLaren, that figure stands at £240,000, which translates to roughly $312,000 based on current exchange rates. This revelation was shared by CEO Michael Leiters during an interview with Automotive News Europe. Leiters aims to see this price increase and anticipates it happening this year. In 2023, McLaren sold more of the relatively affordable Artura models, but in 2024, the more expensive 750S is gaining traction. The successor to the 720S typically sells for between £250,000 and £260,000 ($325,000-$338,000). Leiters emphasized that while the company could artificially inflate the starting prices and charge more for options, it would be inappropriate without enhancing the product's substance: "You could hike up the pricing, but without the product substance, it doesn't make sense."
McLaren's "Ultimate Series" includes models that offer even higher price points above the 750S. Consider the Solus GT, Speedtail, Senna, Elva, and the upcoming P1 successor, codenamed "P18," which is rumored to feature a new V-8 engine delivering around 1,000 horsepower. It's expected to debut in the United States in 2026 with an estimated price tag of $2 million. Despite not planning to limit production, McLaren prefers to sell fewer cars with higher profit margins. Leiters noted that the focus has shifted away from volume, and the company no longer accumulates stock at dealers in the United States. For the 750S, production is solely based on customer orders, aiming to create scarcity and exclusivity, a strategy that Ferrari has mastered.
Despite adopting a "less is more" philosophy, McLaren's lineup may expand to include a 2+2 model or possibly an SUV, marking a significant shift from its previous stance that categorically excluded SUVs. Developing a more practical vehicle demands substantial investment, prompting McLaren to explore using an existing platform from another automaker. Leiters revealed to Automotive News that the company is engaged in "very promising" discussions with multiple automakers. McLaren remains one of the few brands without an SUV, as competitors like Aston Martin, Bentley, Lamborghini, Rolls-Royce, and Ferrari have all embraced the sport utility vehicle trend. Meanwhile, Bugatti, Koenigsegg, and Pagani have yet to succumb to this trend, but for how long?
