Bentley is gearing up to launch its inaugural all-electric vehicle by the end of 2026, and recent spy shots reveal key design and technological details. The upcoming model, positioned as a “Luxury Urban SUV,” will combine Bentley’s signature opulence with cutting-edge EV capabilities. This launch is significant not just for Bentley, but for the luxury EV market, as it demonstrates how established brands are adapting to the shift toward electric mobility.
Exterior Design: Familiar Yet Forward-Looking
The latest images show a vehicle closely resembling the Bentayga in silhouette, but with a lower, wider stance inspired by the EXP 15 concept. While some areas remain camouflaged, production-ready headlights and a monolithic shape confirm a design that balances heritage with modernity. The automaker has yet to disclose the final name of the SUV.
Interior Tech: Porsche Collaboration in Luxury Form
Inside, the EV blends Bentley’s traditional luxury cues – such as round metal air vents – with advanced tech borrowed from the Porsche Cayenne Electric. Expect a 14.25-inch curved digital instrument panel and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen. This collaboration with Porsche and Audi (through the shared PPE platform) allows Bentley to accelerate EV development without sacrificing its brand identity.
Charging and Performance: Blazing Fast and Refined
Bentley’s R&D boss, Matthias Rabe, has confirmed the SUV will be one of the fastest-charging EVs on the market. It aims to gain 100 miles of range in just 6.5 minutes using up to 350kW charging speeds. This is competitive with the Lotus Emeya, but hinges on access to high-capacity chargers (which are still scarce in the UK). The vehicle will also aim for a balance of comfort and agility, reminiscent of the Flying Spur and Continental GT. Rabe claims it will be “the best Bentley on the road”.
Size and Positioning: A New Niche
The EV will be Bentley’s shortest SUV, measuring under five meters in length. This compact size, combined with a tight turning radius, is intended to make it ideal for urban environments. The vehicle’s positioning below the Bentayga suggests Bentley is carving out a distinct space within its own lineup.
Platform and Powertrain: Porsche-Audi Partnership
The Bentley EV is built on the PPE platform developed by Porsche and Audi. The Cayenne Electric offers a baseline for expectations, with dual-motor, four-wheel-drive powertrains ranging from 400bhp to over 800bhp (potentially up to 1000bhp with launch control). Battery capacity is expected to be around 108kWh, delivering a range of up to 373 miles. While Bentley has not confirmed exact specs, close collaboration with Porsche is likely.
Production and Future Outlook
Bentley CEO Frank Walliser has affirmed that the launch timeline remains unchanged despite fluctuations in overall EV demand. The first deliveries are scheduled for 2027. Interior details include lavish use of leather – 30 square meters held together by 130,000 stitches of thread.
“Our first fully electric Bentley… embodies our vision for sustainable luxury and technological excellence,” Walliser stated. This vehicle represents a strategic move for Bentley, ensuring it remains competitive in a rapidly evolving automotive landscape.
The new Bentley EV is poised to redefine luxury in the electric era, blending Bentley’s heritage with cutting-edge technology. Its success will depend on delivering both performance and opulence while navigating the challenges of EV infrastructure and consumer adoption.
