BMW and McLaren are said to be embarking on an ambitious joint project that could see them launch an electric supercar and a high-performance electric crossover.
Reports about BMW and McLaren rekindling their relationship have been swirling for many years now and at one point, it was suggested that BMW might buy McLaren Automotive. Now it is understood that a partnership between the two carmakers could see McLaren launch an electric supercar to rival the likes of the future electric R model from Audi and two electric sports cars from Mercedes-AMG. Meanwhile, BMW could launch an electric crossover acting as its performance flagship.
Car Magazine claims that the two vehicles would share the same platform that relies heavily on carbon fiber, something that McLaren has become an expert in. It is claimed that the McLaren could be outfitted with four electric motors and pump out as much as 1,088 hp, likely establishing itself as the quickest production car ever conceived by the British automaker.
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As mentioned, the BMW model would take on a different form as the automakers allegedly don’t like the idea of building two of the same vehicles with different badges. As such, the BMW could take the form of a middle ground between the current 8-Series Gran Coupe and a traditional SUV while complete with a seating position akin to that of a Porsche Taycan. It is unclear if the BMW model would share its electric motors with the McLaren supercar.
Speaking with Car Magazine, an unnamed BMW source explained what is in it for the German automaker.
“McLaren is quicker, leaner, more flexible, willing and able to take bigger risks,” the engineer said. “They do small-volume production runs at costs we can only dream of. But their main asset is of course the carbon fiber know-how.”
Limited other details are known about the project at this stage but it is reported we could see the outcome between 2026 and 2028.
