The automotive world is buzzing with anticipation for Bentley’s first-ever all-electric vehicle (EV). While the official debut is slated for 2026, recent spy shots suggest that development is well underway. Interestingly, the initial testing phase appears to involve a rather clever disguise – a Porsche Cayenne body. This tactic isn’t entirely unexpected, given the shared platform between the two luxury SUVs. Let’s delve into what we know about Bentley’s upcoming EV and why it’s causing such a stir.
The “Luxury Urban SUV”
Bentley has officially designated its first EV as a “luxury urban SUV,” a term that hints at a vehicle designed for both opulence and city maneuverability. This model won’t be a replacement for any of Bentley’s existing lineup, which includes the Bentayga, Continental, and Flying Spur, but rather, it will complement them, creating a new segment in the car market. The new SUV will be slightly smaller than the Bentayga, measuring less than 5 meters (197 inches) in length, making it more manageable in urban environments. For comparison, the Bentayga measures 5.1 meters (202 inches) in standard form and 5.3 meters (210 inches) in its extended wheelbase (EWB) version.
Bentley CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser described the EV as “compact,” although that is a relative term when considering Bentley’s current models. The vehicle is expected to be about the same size as the Porsche Cayenne or Audi Q7.
Undercover Testing
The use of a Porsche Cayenne body for testing is a strategic move. The upcoming electric Cayenne shares the same PPE (Premium Platform Electric) architecture as the Bentley EV, along with the Macan Electric, Audi Q6 e-tron, and A6 e-tron. This platform is being stretched to accommodate the larger size of the Bentley and Cayenne, but not by a significant amount. Spy photographers have captured what appears to be a Cayenne prototype, however, a closer look reveals a few key details that suggest it’s actually the Bentley EV in disguise.
How to Spot the Disguise
One of the key giveaways that this is not a Porsche prototype is the UK registration plate. Porsche typically registers its test vehicles in Germany, while Bentley, a sister company within the Volkswagen Group, uses UK plates. Further investigation into the UK’s Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) confirms that the vehicle with the plates “DC24EKA” is indeed a Bentley, registered in July 2024, with zero CO2 emissions. The absence of visible exhaust tailpipes on the rear of the test vehicle is another strong indication of its electric nature.
Performance and Specifications
While official specifications are yet to be released, there are a number of details that have emerged about Bentley’s first EV.
Power and Acceleration
Bentley’s first EV is rumored to have a staggering 1,400 horsepower and accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 1.5 seconds. Although this acceleration is exceptionally fast, Bentley says it will not be the car’s main selling point, rather, it will be the “effortless overtaking performance from a huge amount of torque-on-demand”. To put this in perspective, the current Bentley Continental GT Speed makes 650 hp, so the EV will have double that power.
Battery and Range
Specific details about the battery pack and range are not yet available. However, Bentley has stated that range and charging speeds will be top priorities for the vehicle. It is believed that the car will use a 1,000kW battery pack.
Platform
The EV will be built on the Volkswagen Group’s PPE platform, which is designed for high-performance electric vehicles. This same platform is being used by Porsche for the electric Cayenne and Macan models, and by Audi for the Q6 e-tron and A6 e-tron.
Design and Features
Although the test mule is currently disguised as a Porsche Cayenne, Bentley has hinted at a few design elements for their EV. The silhouette appears sharper than the Bentayga, with pronounced rear fender flares and a long, strong hood. It is expected that the interior will boast hand-stitched leather and sustainable materials, along with a high-resolution OLED screen for the instrument panel and a digital concierge service.
Bentley has also stated that the EV will not replace any of its existing models but instead create a new segment, the luxury urban SUV. The vehicle is designed to be more maneuverable in cities compared to the larger Bentayga.
Release Date and Pricing
The Bentley EV is slated for a full reveal in 2026, with sales expected to begin in 2027. While there is no official pricing information available, it is expected to be more expensive than the Bentayga hybrid which starts at £169,000 and is projected to be priced similarly to the discontinued Mulsanne, which had prices as high as $348,000. Given the use of advanced technology and luxurious materials, it is anticipated that the EV will be a high-end offering in the electric vehicle market.
Delayed Electrification Goals
Bentley originally aimed to transition to an all-electric lineup by 2030. However, they have recently pushed back that target date to 2035. In the meantime, the company plans to launch a new plug-in hybrid or EV each year until that date, while still producing PHEVs as long as there is demand. This adjustment is due to various economic, market, and legislative factors. Bentley’s CEO mentioned that they are listening to customers carefully, and although there isn’t a lot of current demand for BEVs, they recognize the importance of competition and the emergence of new consumers seeking modern EVs.
The “Beyond100+” Strategy
Bentley’s move towards electrification is part of its “Beyond100+” strategy, which focuses on sustainability, innovation, and maintaining its position as a leader in the luxury automotive market. The strategy also includes a “fundamental reinvention of the Crewe manufacturing infrastructure” to ensure its future production of the next generation of vehicles.
Hybrid Technology
Bentley began its journey into electrification with the Bentayga Hybrid in 2018, and they currently offer plug-in hybrid versions of the Continental GT and Flying Spur. These hybrid models combine a 2.9-liter petrol engine with a 100 kW electric motor. These cars can travel at motorway speeds on electric power alone and accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds.
Conclusion
The first Bentley EV is generating significant buzz, and the latest spy shots confirm that testing is underway, albeit under a Porsche Cayenne disguise. This strategic move is not surprising given the shared platform and technology between the two luxury brands. With a launch planned for 2026, the “luxury urban SUV” promises to deliver Bentley’s signature blend of opulence and performance, while also entering the growing EV market. As the release date approaches, more information will undoubtedly come to light, but for now, the automotive world is eagerly awaiting the arrival of Bentley’s all-electric future.
