Bentley Previews EVs and Keeps Gas-Powered Dreams Alive

The luxury brand teases its first electric SUV while confirming V8 petrol models will continue beyond 2035.

Bentley has revealed details about its upcoming Luxury Urban SUV, the brand’s first all-electric model. Measuring just under 5 meters, smaller than the Bentayga, it promises “industry-leading” charging, gaining 161 km (100 miles) of range in just seven minutes. The production EV will debut in late 2026, with showroom availability in 2027, signaling Bentley’s cautious but ambitious step into electrification.

A design focused on style over cargo
Teaser images from Bentley’s Crewe factory show an SUV with a Range Rover Velar-inspired sporty silhouette, featuring a sharply raked windshield, slim glass area, and tapering roofline. While it draws on the EXP15 concept, Bentley ensures the production SUV balances luxury with practicality, staying true to the brand’s design DNA and premium feel.

Shared technology with Porsche
Underneath, the EV will likely share components with Porsche’s Cayenne Electric, including a potential 108 kWh battery. Porsche offers three powertrains ranging from 394 hp to 794 hp, and Bentley could select the higher-output variants to maintain its performance credentials. CEO Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser emphasized that this SUV represents “sustainable luxury and technological excellence” while marking a new era for Bentley.

Gas-powered engines will endure
Despite moving toward electrification, Bentley will continue producing hybrid and internal combustion models at least until 2035, and possibly beyond depending on market demand. Fans of traditional powertrains will also see a limited-production Supersports V8 GT, stripped down for weight savings, rear-wheel drive, and around 640 hp, ensuring that driving enthusiasts remain engaged.

Performance remains a priority
In addition, Bentley has unveiled a new Bentayga Speed powered by a non-hybrid 641 hp V8, showing the brand’s commitment to high-performance petrol vehicles. By balancing electrification with combustion models, Bentley is navigating the transition to a greener future while preserving the essence of luxury performance that customers expect.