Announced over a year ago, Bentley is now edging closer to launching its first-ever electric vehicle (EV). The upcoming model, confirmed to take the form of an SUV, is set to debut by the end of 2026, with first deliveries expected in 2027.
For now, Bentley has only disclosed that the car will measure less than five metres — smaller than the Bentley Bentayga. It can gain 161 km (100 miles) of range – from a dead battery – in less than seven minutes, and will continue to have the marque’s signature “Bentley driving experience”.
From the information available, it’s suggested that Bentley’s upcoming electric SUV could share its underpinnings with the yet-to-be-launched Porsche Cayenne Electric, thanks to their relationship under the Volkswagen group. The latter, still being teased through information slow-drip ahead of its launch, will feature an 800-volt electrical architecture paired with a 113 kWh battery pack.
Porsche claims the Cayenne Electric will deliver over 600 km of range (WLTP) and support ultra-fast DC charging of up to 400 kW — allowing a 10–80% recharge in under 16 minutes, or roughly 300 km of range in just 10 minutes. While no official power figures have been confirmed, the car could see output figures over 1,000 hp, potentially surpassing even the Porsche Taycan Turbo S.
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Regarding Bentley Motors’ first EV, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Frank-Steffan Walliser, said, “Our first fully electric Bentley, the world’s first true Luxury Urban SUV, represents a bold step forward, it embodies our vision for sustainable luxury and technological excellence.”
“With industry-leading charging capability and unmistakable Bentley character and design, it marks the beginning of an exciting new era for our brand – a future defined by innovation, craftsmanship, and sustainability,” he added.
Alongside its EV announcements, Bentley has also revealed an update to its Beyond100+ strategy. The company now plans to offer internal combustion engine (ICE) models alongside plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles. It also confirmed that hybrid Bentley models, available with both High and Ultra-Performance engines in the Continental GT Coupe, Convertible, and Flying Spur, will remain on sale until at least 2035.
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In line with its newly revised strategy, Bentley has announced plans to introduce more ICE models. The company revealed that a new non-hybridised and limited production performance model would be announced before the end of this year.
Concluding its announcements, Bentley also hinted that they will continue to offer high-displacement performance models as customers demand it, saying, “It (Bentley) also didn’t rule out further similarly-engined cars to follow as it continues to maintain powertrain flexibility in line with customer demand across its global markets.”
