Bentley’s transition into the electric era is beginning to look very real indeed. Spotted undergoing cold-weather testing in northern Sweden, the British marque’s first fully electric vehicle has been revealed in its most production-ready form yet, shedding much of the heavy camouflage that cloaked earlier prototypes.
Officially due to be unveiled towards the end of next year, the model – internally referred to as Bentley’s “Luxury Urban SUV” – represents a landmark moment for the Crewe-based manufacturer. And while some key design elements remain hidden, what’s now visible offers a compelling first look at how Bentley intends to translate its traditional values into an electric future.
Without the bulky disguises of earlier test mules, the SUV’s proportions are far clearer. A Bentayga-inspired bonnet line sits above production-spec front lighting, while a wide, low stance gives the car a planted and purposeful presence. The overall silhouette is notably monolithic, drawing strong inspiration from the EXP 15 concept, signalling that Bentley is serious about carrying concept-car drama into its production EVs.
That said, Bentley is still keeping its cards close to its chest. Portions of the nose and rear remain covered, concealing the final details of the design. Even so, the car already looks unmistakably Bentley – an important consideration for a brand entering unfamiliar territory.
For the first time, photographers have also caught a glimpse inside the cabin, and here the blend of old and new becomes even more apparent. Traditional Bentley cues remain front and centre, particularly the familiar round, metal air vents carried over from the Bentayga. Alongside them, however, is a clear step forward in digital technology, borrowed from the closely related Porsche Cayenne Electric.
A 14.25-inch curved digital instrument display sits ahead of the driver, complemented by a large 14.9-inch central infotainment touchscreen. The layout suggests Bentley is aiming to balance tactile luxury with cutting-edge tech, rather than abandoning its heritage in favour of minimalist futurism.
Underneath, the electric SUV will ride on the PPE platform jointly developed by Porsche and Audi. While Bentley has yet to confirm detailed specifications, R&D boss Matthias Rabe has already hinted at one of the car’s headline features: charging speed. According to Rabe, the EV will be capable of adding up to 100 miles of range in just six and a half minutes, putting it among the fastest-charging electric vehicles on the market.
Such performance implies charging rates of up to 350kW, placing the Bentley just behind the Lotus Emeya, which currently leads the UK market with 400kW capability. Of course, real-world charging will depend heavily on infrastructure, with the average UK charger delivering closer to 120kW. Nevertheless, the figures underline Bentley’s ambition to make EV ownership as seamless as possible.
Rabe also offered bold claims about the car’s dynamic ability, describing it as “very comfortable like a Flying Spur and agile like a Continental GT”. He added that both its 0–100mph and 0–200mph acceleration times would be “very fast”, concluding confidently that it will be “the best Bentley on the road”.
Positioned below the Bentayga, the new EV will be the shortest SUV in Bentley’s lineup, measuring under five metres in length. Its compact footprint is central to its “urban” positioning, with Rabe emphasising a tight turning radius to improve manoeuvrability in city environments – a notable shift for a brand traditionally associated with grand scale.
While Bentley has yet to confirm how closely its EV will mirror the Porsche Cayenne Electric mechanically, the similarities are difficult to ignore. The Cayenne Electric uses dual-motor, four-wheel-drive powertrains ranging from 400bhp to 805bhp, with launch control pushing output close to 1000bhp in range-topping form. A 108kWh battery provides an estimated range of up to 373 miles, offering a useful benchmark for what Bentley’s version might deliver.
Bentley CEO Frank Walliser has confirmed the electric SUV will debut “towards the end of 2026”, with customer deliveries beginning the following year. Importantly, he stressed that the timeline will remain unchanged regardless of fluctuations in global EV demand.
Attention to craftsmanship remains a core part of the story. Rabe revealed that the interior will feature 30 square metres of leather, assembled using 150 metres of thread and an extraordinary 130,000 stitches – figures that underline Bentley’s determination to preserve its artisanal identity in the electric age.
Walliser summed up the significance of the project: “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.”
If this early prototype is anything to go by, Bentley’s electric future is shaping up to be every bit as ambitious as its past.
Source: Autocar