Bentley Motors has officially announced that its highly anticipated first electric vehicle will debut in 2026 as “the world’s first true luxury urban SUV,” marking a significant milestone for the prestigious British marque. This groundbreaking announcement comes as part of Bentley’s updated Beyond100+ strategy, extending their electrification timeline to 2035.
Revolutionary Urban SUV Design
The upcoming electric SUV will be less than five metres long, making it Bentley’s smallest vehicle to date and positioning it below the larger Bentayga in the firm’s SUV lineup. CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser described the model as creating “an entirely new segment” in the luxury automotive market.
The crossover will be built on the same platform as the upcoming Porsche Cayenne EV, measuring under 197 inches and sharing similarities with vehicles like the Audi Q7. This strategic positioning allows Bentley to compete effectively in the growing electric vehicle market while maintaining its luxury heritage.
Manufacturing Excellence at Crewe
The new urban SUV will be designed, developed, and produced at Bentley’s headquarters in Crewe, England, as part of a fundamental reinvention of the manufacturing infrastructure. The company plans to transform the 85-year-old facility into a “dream factory” featuring a new design centre, paint shop, and dedicated EV assembly line.
Performance and Range Priorities
While specific technical details remain under wraps, Bentley technical boss Matthias Rabe promised that “no customer will complain about range” and emphasized the importance of maintaining good performance “under normal driving conditions, not just with constant low speed, but also with higher speeds.”
Strategic Timeline and Market Position
Originally planned for 2025, the debut has been pushed back to 2026, with the company extending its carbon-neutrality goal from 2030 to 2035. This adjustment reflects broader industry challenges and allows Bentley to continue developing hybrid technology alongside full electrification.
Product Expansion Plans
Bentley confirmed plans to launch a new PHEV or BEV model every year over the next decade, demonstrating their commitment to sustainable luxury transportation. This aggressive expansion aligns with Australia’s National Electric Vehicle Strategy promoting electric vehicle adoption.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Year | 2026 |
| Vehicle Type | Luxury Urban SUV |
| Length | Under 5 metres |
| Position | Below Bentayga in lineup |
| Production | Crewe, England |
| Platform | Shared with Porsche Cayenne EV |
| Company Value | $2.3 billion (estimated) |
| Investment | Largest self-funded in company history |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will Bentley’s first electric car be available?
A: The luxury urban SUV will be revealed in 2026 and go on sale in 2027.
Q: How does it compare to the Bentayga?
A: It will be smaller and positioned as a more compact urban-focused vehicle below the Bentayga.
Q: Will Bentley stop making hybrid vehicles?
A: No, Bentley will continue developing PHEV technology until 2035 alongside electric vehicles.