Tag Archives: EVs

News

Bentley Prepares to Launch First Electric SUV in 2026

In a world where luxury and electrification are converging faster than ever, Bentley is preparing to make a pivotal move. The storied British marque, known for grand tourers like the Continental GT and stately cruisers such as the Flying Spur, is about to downsize—but only in stature, not ambition.

Meet the not-yet-named “Urban SUV,” Bentley’s upcoming compact electric SUV that’s set to expand its already successful SUV lineup. Riding on the coattails of the Bentayga’s triumph—accounting for 41 percent of Bentley’s global sales in the first half of 2024—the new, smaller SUV aims to offer a more accessible entry point into the brand without compromising on luxury, presence, or performance.

A Strategic Shift

Bentley’s shift toward electrification is well documented, with its “Beyond100+” strategy laying the foundation for a fully electric lineup by 2030. The Urban SUV will be the brand’s first fully electric SUV, a landmark model that signals more than just a new segment—it marks the beginning of Bentley’s EV era.

Originally scheduled for debut in 2024, the model has been delayed until 2026, with production beginning shortly thereafter at the brand’s Crewe headquarters. Despite the wait, anticipation is building—and for good reason.

What We Know So Far

While Bentley has kept its cards close to the chest, a single teaser image and some telling executive commentary have helped piece together a few key details. CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser has confirmed that the SUV will measure under 16.4 feet in length, slightly shorter than the 16.8-foot Bentayga. So, while it may be the “baby Bentley” in spirit, don’t expect anything subcompact.

The SUV will be underpinned by Volkswagen Group’s PPE (Premium Platform Electric), which also serves as the foundation for the Audi Q6 e-tron and Porsche Macan Electric. This platform promises top-tier battery tech and performance capabilities.

Walliser has also hinted at impressive charging speeds and energy density, suggesting the Urban SUV will be a technological flagship in disguise. “You don’t need an 800-mile range,” he said in a recent interview. “I think 350 to 400 miles, and fast charging. Bentley customers don’t want to wait.”

Just as notable is Bentley’s focus on sound—a traditionally silent arena in the EV world. Walliser promises an “exhilarating” propulsion noise that adds emotion back into the electric driving experience.

Design: Familiar DNA, Futuristic Details

Design-wise, expect strong lineage ties to the Bentayga, but with notable cues from Bentley’s latest concept, the EXP 15. Though its upright headlights and rectangular faux-grille may polarize, these elements are likely to carry over—perhaps slightly softened for production.

In our own imagined renderings, the EXP 15’s sharp proportions translated into a compact SUV give it a bold, futuristic edge. And as with any Bentley, customization will be key. The brand claims up to 46 billion possible configurations at launch—a staggering number that underlines the Urban SUV’s bespoke appeal.

Positioning and Price

One thing Bentley is being clear about: this vehicle won’t be called the “Urban SUV.” That’s merely a placeholder, with a formal and suitably opulent name to come. Pricing, while not yet confirmed, is expected to start around $150,000, making it a more attainable alternative to the $207,050 base Bentayga.

The goal is clear—attract a younger, tech-savvy clientele without diluting the brand’s exclusivity.

Looking Ahead

When it finally arrives in 2026, Bentley’s first electric SUV won’t just be a new product—it’ll be a statement. A declaration that even the most tradition-steeped luxury brands must evolve, and that the future of motoring can still be wrapped in handcrafted leather and polished wood.

In a segment quickly filling with electric offerings from every luxury automaker under the sun, Bentley’s new SUV must do more than compete—it must redefine. And if the early signs are anything to go by, Crewe’s next big (but slightly smaller) thing might just do exactly that.

Photo: Bentley

News

BMW M3 EV Spied at Nürburgring—Here’s What We Know

The inevitable electrification of BMW’s M division is accelerating, and the icon that defines the brand’s high-performance DNA—the M3—is next in line. Recent spy shots from the Nürburgring reveal that the first fully electric BMW M3 is no longer a distant promise but a fast-approaching reality.

For the first time, an electric M3 prototype has been caught wearing what appears to be its production-spec body. Despite some strategically placed camouflage and deceptive panels on the hood, fenders, and trunk, the general shape and details are unmistakably M3—aggressive, athletic, and purposeful.

The prototype was spotted entering BMW’s M Test Center at the Nürburgring, where it’s expected to undergo further high-speed development. And it seems BMW isn’t holding back. The mule was being pushed hard, evident from a detail visible in a close-up image: a single rear brake disc—on the right side—turned blue from heat, a trait typically associated with titanium components under extreme stress.

Curiously, only that one brake disc showed signs of thermal abuse, raising questions. Was it a result of brake binding? Inadequate cooling? Or could it signal something more sophisticated, like BMW testing torque vectoring or a new vehicle dynamics controller that selectively brakes the inside wheel to aid rotation? Given that the Nordschleife runs clockwise, this could explain the heat buildup on the right rear.

Adding to the intrigue is the pale blue glow surrounding the charging connector, suggesting that the car is using finalized production hardware. The presence of production wheels, parking sensors embedded in temporary bumpers, and blue-painted front calipers (a hallmark of M cars) all point to a vehicle nearing the end of its pre-production journey.

Underneath that partially camouflaged shell lies something more potent than ever. Sources from Autoblog suggest the electric M3 will deliver between 700 and 750 horsepower, likely through a quad-motor setup or a dual-motor configuration with advanced torque distribution. Carbon-ceramic brakes, while not seen on this prototype, will be offered optionally—gold-painted calipers will distinguish them when equipped.

The electric M3 is expected to roll on 20-inch wheels as standard, with a staggered setup (20-inch front, 21-inch rear) available for enhanced performance and grip. Interestingly, BMW may introduce flax fiber composite materials in this model—an eco-conscious, lightweight alternative to carbon fiber—highlighting the brand’s push toward sustainability alongside performance.

While the sedan will launch first, sources suggest that a Touring wagon variant is also in the pipeline, though not yet officially confirmed in internal documentation.

Production is scheduled to begin in March 2027, but the full reveal could come as early as mid-2026. One thing is certain: the future of the M3 is electric, and it’s looking fast, focused, and thoroughly futuristic.

Source: Autoblog

News

ZF Unveils Innovative EV Powertrain Promising Up to 30% More Winter Range

The German engineering powerhouse ZF has revealed a breakthrough in electric vehicle (EV) drivetrain technology that could significantly reduce one of the biggest hurdles in EV adoption: winter range loss. With its newly developed Select modular powertrain, ZF claims electric vehicles could achieve up to 30% more range in extreme cold conditions.

Tackling EVs’ Achilles Heel: Cold Weather Efficiency

Cold weather is a well-documented nemesis for EVs. When temperatures drop, so does efficiency—sometimes alarmingly. Range losses of up to 30% are not uncommon, leaving drivers frustrated and anxious during the winter months. These losses stem largely from battery inefficiencies and the increased energy demand of cabin heating systems in frigid temperatures.

Manufacturers and research institutions have long been searching for a remedy. Now, ZF, globally recognized for its sophisticated transmission systems, may have brought the industry closer to a solution.

Inside the Select Modular Powertrain

ZF’s new Select drive unit is a modular, fully integrated system combining an electric motor, inverter, converter, gearbox, and intelligent software. The components are not only designed to work seamlessly together but are also interchangeable, allowing automakers to tailor the setup for specific vehicle platforms and performance needs.

But the real headline is ZF’s magnetless motor technology. Known as the I²SM (In-Rotor Inductive-Excited Synchronous Machine), this motor eschews rare-earth permanent magnets in favor of a more sustainable, space-efficient design. The result? A unit that’s lighter by up to 5 kilograms and capable of squeezing into tighter spaces—ideal for compact EV architectures.

Despite shedding weight and magnets, performance hasn’t been sacrificed. The I²SM motor produces up to 300 kW (408 hp) and a staggering 5,500 Nm of torque, all while reducing energy losses by more than 25% at steady highway speeds—a critical factor in long-distance winter driving.

Smarter Thermal Management with “TherMas”

Perhaps equally important as the new motor is ZF’s enhanced thermal management solution. Dubbed TherMas, the system integrates a compact cooling loop and a propane-based heat pump, delivering superior heating efficiency in subzero temperatures.

According to ZF, at -7°C, the Select system extends EV range by 15% compared to current systems. Push that to -25°C, and the gain rises to a remarkable 30%. For drivers in northern climates or alpine regions, this could be the difference between a confident winter commute and a compromised one.

A Step Toward Broader EV Adoption

ZF’s innovation arrives at a pivotal time. As governments tighten emissions regulations and automakers race toward electrification, solving the issue of cold-weather range anxiety is critical. By rethinking both motor design and thermal efficiency, the Select powertrain addresses this challenge head-on.

With scalability, modularity, and sustainability built into its core, ZF’s Select system could become a key enabler for the next generation of electric mobility—especially in the markets that need it most during winter’s worst.

Source: ZF Friedrichshafen